Peter Tym FRICS
Chartered Surveyor

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Surveyors and Valuers Accreditation Independent Surveyors Association
Telephone :- 020 85676817
Fax :- 020 85797952
Mobile :- 07855 484479
E-mail :-

Choosing Between Surveys

The 2 main types of survey reports offered by members of the RICS and ISVA are as follows:

If you are buying a residential property of any type whatsoever, whether it is the smallest studio flat or the most impressive palace, it is essential that you obtain sound professional advice . Even though you may be seeking a mortgage and paying for a Mortgage Valuation Report it is still prudent to arrange an independent survey.

This is also the advice given by The Consumers Association, Which, and the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

Can you really rely on the estate agent or the lender to advise you on a property's condition or value?

In the  majority of cases the Homebuyers Survey and Valuation is quite adequate. This provides a relatively inexpensive concise form of report which focuses on defects and other problems which are considered urgent or significant. It also provides an open market valuation and draws attention to points that need to be checked by your legal adviser.

The Homebuyers Survey and Valuation is not however suitable for properties that are unusual in terms of their age or type of construction and the Building Survey should be used in these cases.

For further information and assistance in choosing the most appropriate survey for your needs visit http://www.rics.org/public/ups/

If you are in any doubt please telephone for advice.