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Valuations & Surveys

If you have decided it's time to sell and move to your next home, then your first step will be to find out the current value of your present property.

One of the best and most accurate indications as to the present value of your property is one based on the sale prices of similar properties in your area. With over 25 years experience in the property market, we are ideally positioned to give you an accurate appraisal of your property's value.

Surveys

We have a respected panel of UK qualified surveyors available at your disposal. Please contact us for pricing details. There are three types of inspection:

  • Home Buyer Survey and Valuation (HSV)
  • Mortgage Valuation Report
  • Building Survey

HSV

A Homebuyer Survey and Valuation (HSV), also known as a Homebuyer's Report, is a survey done to a standard format set out by RICS. It is most suitable for conventional properties built within the last 150 years, which are in reasonable condition but it does not detail every aspect of the property, and only focuses on urgent matters needing attention.

An HSV includes details of:

  • The general condition of the property
  • Any major faults in accessible parts of the building that may affect the value
  • Any urgent problems that need inspecting by a specialist before you sign a contract
  • Results of tests for damp in the walls of the property
  • Damage to timbers - including woodworm or rot
  • The condition of any damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains aren't tested)
  • The estimated cost of rebuilding the after a fire, for building insurance purposes
  • The value of the property on the open market.

Mortgage Valuation Report

If you are borrowing money to buy your property, the lending institution will always insist on a valuation. This is the most basic sort of survey. A valuation is a short inspection of the property in which the surveyor notes its condition and, with his knowledge of local property prices, fixes its value. Any serious defects will be pointed out and the lender will commonly ask for these to be remedied before lending you the money.

A valuation will not tell you if the wiring is faulty or that you will need a new roof within five years. Its object is merely to ensure that the property is adequate 'security' against the loan.

Building Survey

A Building Survey is a comprehensive inspection of a property. It is suitable for all properties, especially:

  • Listed buildings
  • Older properties
  • Buildings constructed in an unusual way, however old they are
  • Properties you plan to renovate or alter in any way
  • Properties that have had extensive alterations.

It examines all accessible parts of the property - and you can ask to have specific areas included, so it covers any particular concerns you have about the building.

A Building Survey includes details of:

  • Major and minor defects and what they could mean
  • The possible cost of repairs
  • Results of damp testing on walls
  • Damage to timbers - including woodworm and rot
  • The condition of damp-proofing, insulation and drainage (though drains aren't tested)
  • Technical information on the construction of the property and the materials used
  • The location of the property
  • Recommendations for any further special inspections

A Building Survey doesn't include a valuation, but your surveyor can provide this separately if required.