Surveys when selling a house

Selling a house requires manoeuvring through a maze of legalities, paperwork, and processes. One common question for sellers is whether including a survey is essential in the selling procedure. Seller surveys can give a prospective seller reassurance in their valuation of the property. 

While a property survey isn't always required when selling your house, having one can serve as a useful visual aid for potential buyers. In certain cases, such as clarifying boundary lines or easements, a survey might be essential to address any uncertainties regarding your lot.

There are three different types of surveys: Property Valuation Report, RICS Level 2 survey and RICS Level 3 survey. Each of these surveys has a different focus, so buyers should consider which of the three is the right choice for them. 

We've created a helpful infographic to illustrate the 6 benefits of getting a property survey.

House surveys play an integral part in providing this peace of mind by providing independent expert advice regarding the property in which you are looking to sell.

Statistics reveal that 53% of property sellers felt they got less than they wanted for their home without first consulting an impartial surveyor for advice. A house survey provides sellers with invaluable insight and clarity, helping them make informed and confident decisions.

Unseen structural defects within a property can pose serious threats to its structural integrity and the well-being of its occupants, with issues like dampness, rot, and wiring faults lurking below the surface and jeopardising its long-term livability.

Professional house surveys are essential in uncovering hidden defects. While casual inspection may go undetected, surveyors are trained to spot subtle signs of structural damage or safety hazards - through meticulous examination and special tools, they can identify areas that otherwise go unseen by most.

By uncovering hidden defects early on, a house survey ensures the safety and long-term liveability of any given property. Furthermore, its invaluable insights equip buyers to make more informed decisions regarding their investment - from repair negotiations and price adjustments to considering other alternatives altogether.

A seller's survey plays an integral part in helping sellers assess the true value of their property during the selling a house process, providing insight into any factors that could hinder its worth.

Recent statistics demonstrate that 7.5% of selling processes end with problems found in a home survey. Use information gleaned from house surveys to negotiate a price reduction. It highlights the significance of having an accurate understanding of a property's condition and value before finalising a sale agreement. 

An investment in house surveys is both an act of negotiation leverage and financial prudence. By drawing upon insights provided by a survey, sellers can negotiate confidently for property prices that reflect their true worth while avoiding pitfalls that could lead to them getting less than the property is valued.

Acknowledging potential renovation costs associated with a property is key for prospective sellers considering improvements or changes they may need to make before beginning the process of selling. A house survey provides valuable insights into the property's condition as well as highlights any areas requiring renovation or improvement.

House surveys also help sellers anticipate and budget for any surprises or expenses that might crop up during the renovation. By identifying potential issues upfront - like structural deficiencies or hidden defects - house sellers can better plan repairs and renovations ahead of time, creating an easier renovation experience and lessening financial strain, allowing the person selling a house to get a better value on the property.

Local knowledge can be an invaluable asset when conducting property surveys, as it enables surveyors to anticipate and address specific issues for that region. Local surveyors have in-depth knowledge of their region as well as an appreciation of common issues found there and what should be looked out for during property assessments.

Our property surveyors at Surveyor Local are RICS regulated, ensuring professional standards, quality assurance and consumer protection.

If a recent survey has already been conducted on the property, it may be adequate for the current transaction, particularly if the property has remained unchanged and no new disputes have emerged since the last survey.

Certain types of properties, especially those situated in rural or expansive areas, are more prone to boundary disputes or easements, making a survey more necessary. Conversely, properties within subdivisions or regions with clearly defined lot boundaries may face fewer survey-related issues.

Although not mandatory, some buyers may request a survey to ensure peace of mind. This is particularly common if they intend to make significant modifications to the property or have concerns about existing boundaries and potential encroachments.

The buyer is responsible for organising their own survey. A RICS survey or property valuation report is separate from your mortgage valuation as it is independent and allows you to get further visibility on how to improve your property. Consider getting a survey 1 to 3 Weeks After Offer Acceptance.

Arranging a survey is usually a straightforward process and you should do so once an offer has been accepted.

At Surveyor Local, we work with over 100 RICS surveyors across the country who possess local knowledge and expertise. They are independent and ensure you get the best service value.

If you have any questions or would like to proceed with a seller's survey, call us today on or get a quick online quote, and we will be in touch shortly.