When should I book a survey?

When should I book my survey?

This is a question we are asked by nearly every buyer – the ones who don’t ask usually have their survey already booked or are in the industry themselves!

When is however the best time to have a survey carried out? In our opinion, you should book in your survey as soon as possible after your offer has been accepted.

Why is this?

Everyone is keen for their property purchase to proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible, and so ironing out any issues highlighted in a survey early on in a transaction greatly assists with this. This allows plenty of time for any required works or specialist inspections to be done if recommended, or price negotiations to take place instead of these all being discussed and trying to be planned right before an exchange of contracts. We are unfortunately hearing of an increased number of buyers within chains only instructing their surveyors right before exchange, which can cause unnecessary delays and frustration.

A survey is an upfront cost, so what if I then withdraw?

We understand the perspective of arranging a survey later on once the legal work is carried out, so you feel you have more certainty with the property you are buying and there is less likelihood of something going wrong.

However, there is still the chance that no issues are uncovered as part of the legal process by way of checking the Land Registry documents and any information provided by the seller, but your surveyor could advise you of a problem they have only been able to identify because of the survey and them visiting the property – something we as your lawyers do not do. If as a result of your survey you then decide to withdraw, you have incurred the survey fee, but will also likely incur a significantly high abortive legal fee due to a majority or all of the legal work being carried out. If you instruct your surveyor at the start, any legal work can be limited until the survey report has come back.

How long does it take for the survey to be sent to me?

Your surveyor should advise you of this, but from our knowledge based on feedback we receive from clients, most clients receive their report a week or so after the surveyor has visited the property – sometimes longer during busy periods. Having said this, again based on feedback we receive from clients, if the surveyor has any concerns that need further investigation or in their opinion may warrant a price reduction, they tend to call clients to discuss within 24-48 hours.

Can you recommend a surveyor to me?

Yes we can, depending upon where the property you are buying is located, and you can check with the estate agent as to any local surveyors they work with. There is also the “find a surveyor” feature on the RICS website https://www.ricsfirms.com/

We hope this has been useful. If you have any questions or would like a conveyancing quote for your purchase, please give us a call on 01403 613161 or email info@carrcobb.co.uk