What Type Of Survey Do I Need When Buying A Property In Harrogate?

12/10/2023

Buying a new home in Harrogate is such an exciting time. We adore it when our clients find the home of their dreams and are excited to move in ready to start a new chapter. However, before that can happen, we are often asked; "What type of survey do I need?" Well, this depends on the property you want to purchase.

There’s more to buying a property in Harrogate than simply falling in love with it. You must make sure it’s a sound property and isn’t going to cause you headaches, turning your dream into a nightmare.

That’s where surveys come in. A home survey will help you decide whether it’s green for go or a bright red STOP right now.

There are three main types of survey to consider. We'll explain them here so you are fully informed when you buy a property in Harrogate.

First though, the question home buyers ask us most often!

Do I need a home survey?

The answer is probably yes, for two reasons. Firstly, you may love the house you’ve found, but think about this.

Is it structurally safe?
Is it going to need rewiring or things fixing?
Is lots of work involved to bring it up to standard?

If it’s going to cost you a lot of money and lots of time to correct, is it really the right house for you?

Conversely, if a survey suggests you need to make repairs worth thousands and you still want the place, you could potentially ask the seller to reduce the asking price.

In a Nutshell: A survey gives you security that the property is right for you.

Is a home survey a legal requirement?

Actually, no, it’s not a legal requirement to have a home survey done on a house that you are buying. You may look at the cost and wonder if the cash is better in your own pocket. But we would always respectfully suggest that you seriously think about commissioning a survey.

If it’s a new property, then the survey you need won’t be as expensive as a full survey on an older property that may have issues. If you have a survey that flags up issues, it could save you money in the long run.

In a Nutshell: Take a step back from the emotional thinking and think of your money and your investment, because that’s what you’re spending your money on.

Is a home survey the same as a mortgage survey?

No! As a condition of getting a mortgage approval, you may need to complete a survey on the property you want. This is a survey the lender will do – via an independent surveyor – to make sure that they can be confident the property is worth what it is on the market for. If you are a first time buyer, it's easy to confuse the two!

A survey like this isn’t as in-depth as a structural survey and can be completed from a distance.

In a Nutshell: Your lender survey and home survey are two different elements of the home buying process. If you need help clarifying what type of survey you require, just ask us and we’ll explain. We like to talk in plain English and love to help.

What’s in a survey?

The type and level of survey very much depends on what sort of property you are looking to purchase.

What type of survey do I need?

There are three main types of survey to consider.

1.Condition Report

If you are eying up a newbuild, which should come with a warranty and certain guarantees, you should be looking at a low-level survey – a Condition Report. These typically cost a few hundred pounds and take a few hours to complete.

2.Homebuyers Report

Then there’s a Homebuyers Report, which costs a little more but is more detailed, containing advice on potential work needed. You can see why these are required for an older property.

3.Full Building Survey

A full Building Survey – now this does cost more but is very thorough. It’s ideal for an older property or one that is perhaps unusual. You need to make sure that the house you are buying is structurally safe and this will tell you everything – warts and all.

In a Nutshell: Your surveyor should be a a member of a recognised governing body such as the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) or Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Choose your survey based on what you need, not on the cost.

What happens after the home survey?

Your survey may point out defects and highlight work needed. You should properly assess whether this is something you either want to do or can afford to do.

In a Nutshell: Weigh it all up, don’t scrimp on costs, make sure you understand essential works and prepare to take them on.

What Next?

Ready to sell your property in Harrogate? Request a valuation here.

TLC Properties are your local estate agent in the Harrogate Area. Call us on 07825 924690 or email tom@tlc-properties.co.uk to find out how we can help you.