Do you need both a conveyancer and a Surveyor when buying property?

When purchasing a home, many first-time buyers and even experienced homeowners look to control their budget by eliminating what might seem like unnecessary expenses.

However, understanding the distinct roles of conveyancing solicitors and chartered surveyors is crucial before deciding to forego either service.

• The essential differences between conveyancers and surveyors
• What specific services each professional provides during property purchase
• Why skipping a property survey could cost you more in the long run
• How to use survey findings to negotiate a better purchase price

A building survey is not legally required when buying property - but can be invaluable for understanding what you're purchasing.

What does a chartered surveyor do?

When you commission a Level 2 Homebuyers Survey or a comprehensive RICS Level 3 Survey, your chartered surveyor will:

• Conduct detailed visual inspections throughout the property
• Take measurements and various readings to assess structural integrity
• Identify potential defects and maintenance issues
• Evaluate specific concerns you might have (insulation, asbestos, subsidence)
• Provide a comprehensive report detailing findings and recommendations

The surveyor's expertise helps uncover potential problems, their severity, and recommended remedies, giving you complete clarity about the property's condition before purchase.

Many homebuyers confuse "searches" conducted by conveyancers with property surveys, sometimes leading to the mistaken conclusion that these roles duplicate effort.

What does a conveyancing solicitor do?

Your conveyancer focuses on legal aspects and public records rather than the physical condition of the property:

• Contacts local authorities for information about planning permissions
• Investigates potential restrictions like Tree Preservation Orders and covenants
• Researches drainage and water arrangements
• Examines environmental factors including flood history and industrial activity
• Orders specialist reports for specific concerns (coal mining, flooding risks)

Many buyers mistake the mortgage lender's Property Valuation Survey for a comprehensive inspection. This basic assessment simply determines if the property value secures the loan amount - it does not identify structural issues or maintenance concerns.

A professional building survey can actually help control your budget in several ways:

• Renegotiation Power: Survey findings revealing significant issues provide leverage to negotiate a lower purchase price
• Future Planning: Understanding maintenance requirements helps budget for upcoming expenses
• Informed Decision: In cases of severe problems, you might choose to walk away before investing further

While it's entirely your decision whether to commission a survey, doing so provides peace of mind and potentially significant financial benefits. Issues uncovered early can prevent costly surprises after purchase.

When buying your next property, ensure it's structurally sound while protecting your investment for the future.

Surveyor Local works exclusively with RICS-qualified chartered surveyors who deliver professional, thorough assessments of your potential new home. Our surveyors identify all potential issues, including structural problems and evidence of previous flooding.

For a no-obligation survey quote, call , or use our easy-to-use online quote generator. Simply provide your details and the approximate property value, and we'll handle everything once you accept the quote.