The buyer is responsible for organising their property survey in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the seller must arrange a Home Report.
A survey conducted by a qualified RICS surveyor provides a detailed report of the property's condition, highlighting major issues such as damp, subsidence, or structural defects. With this information, you can decide whether to proceed with the purchase, withdraw from the sale, or renegotiate your offer.
Skipping this survey could leave you unaware of hidden defects, potentially costing you thousands in unexpected repairs.
In this guide, we explain who arranges a survey, when to organise it, and how to ensure a smooth process.
When Should I Arrange a House Survey?
You can arrange your survey at any point between your offer being accepted and exchanging contracts, but it is better to book your surveyor early in the process.
Doing it early on also means you have more time to read through your report and provide a strong argument if you decide to renegotiate your offer. If your surveyor recommends further surveys are needed, such as damp or asbestos, this will require more time.
Contacting a surveyor further down the line can increase pressure on buyers as sellers are eager to complete towards the end of the conveyancing process.
Read more on Do I Have to Have a Survey When Buying a House in the UK?
How to Organise a House Survey
Here’s how to organise your survey step-by-step:
Choose a Surveyor
The easiest way to find a surveyor is by using a comparison site. Compare My Move matches users with up to 6 surveyors in their local area. You can compare quotes and discuss your requirements, allowing you to choose a firm that fits your circumstances.
Book Your Survey
Contact your surveyor as soon as possible, as they have busy schedules, meaning it may be weeks before they inspect the property. It also shows your seller that you are eager to get the ball rolling with the purchase.
Receive Your Report
Depending on what type of survey you receive, it takes around 3-7 days to receive your report. Your surveyor will have inspected and analysed each element in the property, such as fixtures, walls, and floors. RICS' traffic light system makes their reports easy for buyers to identify problem areas.
Inform Your Solicitor
Keep your solicitor in the loop with your decisions, especially if you plan on renegotiating your offer or withdrawing from the sale. Some solicitors may offer to read through your survey and provide recommendations if you are unsure; however, this comes at an extra cost.
Do Mortgage Lenders Arrange Surveys?
Mortgage lenders do not arrange surveys. Instead, they will organise a mortgage valuation that determines whether the property is worth the financial risk on their side. While lenders commission the valuation, the buyer pays for it.
It's important to understand that a mortgage valuation is not a property survey. It will not highlight detailed structural issues or defects that a proper house survey would uncover.
Next Steps: Compare Surveying Quotes
Compare My Move can match you with up to 6 surveyors in your area. Fill out our surveying comparison form to compare quotes and save on your surveying costs.
To join our network, companies must pass our strict verification process. Our surveying partners must be regulated by RICS to ensure all surveys are carried out to the highest industry standards.
