Home Buyers Survey in Central London

Is it best to select a HomeBuyer Report, Building Survey or Full Structural Survey for a property in Central London and which would be the cheapest?

The Full Structural Survey is now called a Building Survey, although it is effectively the same level of survey.

If the Central London property is a flat or maisonette, or is over 100 years old, or has been structurally altered, or is of non standard construction, you should go for the cheaper HomeBuyer Report.

If you are planning to make an extension, RICS recommend you carry out a Building Survey. This survey is not as cheap, however it will give comprehensive details of the Central London property's state of repair as well as including more detailed advice on defects as well as maintenance options .

If in doubt why not obtain a Central London Homebuyers Survey Quote or call us 0800 038 6667 to speak to a member of our team.

There is a Terraced property located in E15 in Central London with an asking price of £243, 125. What things will a qualified RICS surveyor allow for when calculating house prices in Central London ?

Any number of issues which could positively or negatively affect property values e.g. the quality of nearby schools or issues with drainage. You can try to put side by side house values registered at the Land Registry for similar properties.

This means house prices registered at the Land Registry between Jul and Oct 2012 was £231, 625, which is £11, 500 less than the amount you are paying. The average for houses and flats was £236, 042. 49, Stewart Road, London, Waltham Forest, Greater London, E15 2BA a Terraced property was purchased for £235, 000 .

An impartial way for home buyers to get an impartial home valuation is with a Homebuyer Report which includes a formal valuation as part of the service. Your qualified surveyor will be part of the Valuer Registration Scheme.

The local surveyor will visit the house as well as allowing for the variety of things that have a bearing on property values.

A Central London builder commented that there could be powdery asbestos soffit boards situated in the ground floor flat. What are the issues with asbestos, what are the remedial options and does the HomeBuyer report cover this?

Properties erected prior to 1985 will probably contain any number of asbestos based materials. Asbestos is a deleterious substance formed from metamorphic rocks. There are over 60 types, 6 of which were used in the UK and are often found in the building materials e.g. pipe lagging insulation.

Asbestos was commonly used as it has characteristic heat resistance qualities and it may be found in pipe lagging. It was primarily mined in the US. Technically all forms including white ( Chrysotile) are carcinogenic and may lead to lung cancer if inhaled over sustained periods. Contrary to breathing in a single fibre is not fatal.

If discovered, one must be careful on no account to break asbestos and professional advice must be taken urgently. Removing it asbestos will probably be dear but absolutely must be carried out by professionals. Surveyors will not test for asbestos on a Central London survey. However, surveyors will mention potential asbestos and should inform you of the options.

What will the Surveyor consider on a stucco coated Victorian house in Central London.

Stucco is really just a kind of smooth render. Normally stucco render is layered over red brick hardens to a flat surface, often then trowled to give the appearance of stone blocks. The effect is very grand in appearance and is often found on Regency buildings. It used to have lime in it as well as a plastic under mesh to help prevent cracks. it can be problematic and Surveyors commonly discover defects e.g. trapped water leading to the surface falling away needing repair. Other issues could include when the application has been taken down to ground level and short circuits the Damp Proof Course. Re-coating Stucco problems may be difficult as the skills are getting harder to find.