Surveys

When purchasing a property in Coventry or the West Midlands, you've likely already viewed your potential new home thoroughly. However, serious building defects may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Having a professional Coventry surveyor inspect the property can reveal issues before you complete the purchase, potentially saving you significant costs in the future..

Types of Property Surveys Available

As a family-run Coventry estate agent with years of local experience, we recommend considering these three main types of property surveys. Each serves a different purpose and provides varying levels of detail for Coventry homes.

The Mortgage Valuation Report

This basic assessment is organised by your mortgage lender. Its primary purpose is to determine whether the property represents suitable security for the loan amount.

While the valuer will consider the general condition of the building, this property valuation is based on only a brief, superficial inspection. The pro-forma report offers limited space for comments on the building's condition. Remember that as the borrower, you are ultimately responsible for the building's condition and maintenance, which is why lenders consider the property somewhat secondary to your ability to repay.

RICS Homebuyer Report & Valuation

This report follows a format established by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and provides Coventry property purchasers with detailed information on:

• The general condition of the property
• Any urgent or significant factors likely to materially affect the property's value
• The property's value
• The value for insurance purposes

The information is presented in a straightforward layout. It's based on a visual inspection of accessible interior and exterior elements, including roof voids, roofs accessible with a 3m ladder, outbuildings, site boundaries, and more. The report also includes an overall assessment of services (gas, water, electricity, and drainage) essential for Coventry homeowners.

This type of report is suitable for most twentieth-century properties in Coventry. However, buildings with unusual designs or construction methods, as well as particularly large properties, may require a more detailed assessment.

The Building Survey

The building survey, often called a structural survey, is a comprehensive investigation into the construction and condition of the building. It involves a detailed inspection, conducted as thoroughly as possible without damaging the building or its contents.

This survey is essential when purchasing older or period buildings in Coventry, those with unusual characteristics, or properties of unconventional construction. However, it's equally suitable for traditional homes.

The report describes in detail the condition of each element of the property, typically providing advice on any necessary remedial work and often including cost estimates for repairs—crucial information for Coventry property buyers.

Expert Property Survey Advice in Coventry

If you're unsure which type of survey would best suit your needs as a Coventry property buyer, we recommend consulting with a RICS-accredited surveyor. Local professionals in Coventry can provide personalised advice based on the specific property you're considering.

As a family-run Coventry estate agent, we're happy to provide recommendations on reputable surveyors in the area who can help ensure your property purchase proceeds smoothly.

Feel free to contact our friendly Coventry team for personalised property survey guidance that meets your specific needs.

Drop us a line via our Contact Us page