Buying a property is a significant investment, especially for first-time buyers, so it is important the property is what you think it is and represents what you think it does. A surveyor can provide you with a market valuation as part of their service, which considers defects they may find. You can then negotiate as a result and potentially save thousands.

A surveyor will go into parts of the property you would not usually see before the purchase, such as a roof/loft-space or outbuildings, whilst they can also inspect the drainage and sewerage system. Most importantly, they will look at the property with an unbiased view which gives an accurate reflection of the property’s true worth. They will not be looking at paint colours, decorative choices, or carpets, but rather the defects which could compromise your investment.

A surveyors’ assessment of the property will be based on the past, the present and the future. They will look at how the property was built, what it was built out of, the construction methods used, the materials employed to do so. They will review its current condition and how this came to be.

A surveyor can also help you plan years into the future as a good report doesn’t just highlight the current serious defects, but it also brings your attention to problems which could come up and help you plan accordingly. It is, however, good to point out a surveyor is not a builder. Some proceed to buy a property with advice received from a builder, but you should be aware the builder is often not impartial and nor are they usually qualified. A surveyor, on the other hand, goes through a strict process of training which can often take years to complete to become chartered and, most importantly, they adhere to a strict ethical code. Therefore, you can trust their advice.

Finding a good surveyor can be challenging but think carefully before utilising an individual or firm recommended by your estate agent. If an agent actively pressurises you to use a particular firm (or, perhaps, not to), then you should find out from that person/entity why this might be as you may find this person or company is more (or less) thorough than you’d expect them to be. An important question to ask yourself here is why. Why is the agent saying this? What do they have to gain? What (perhaps) do they have to lose?

Someone who is sought out by and employed by you will have your best interests at heart. It’s not to say the estate agent won’t, however, they have a vested interest in selling the property whereas the surveyor, solicitor, mortgage broker or accountant you use doesn’t; they have a vested interest in giving you the best advice they can.

In short, employing a surveyor is highly recommended by Bennison Brown. Particularly for first-time buyers as it can sometimes be immensely reassuring. We only partner with trusted firms with a similar focus on excellent customer service to ensure that our clients are receiving the best service from firms based both locally and nationally. Your mortgage adviser at Bennison Brown will speak to you about this as we move through our thorough Fact-Finding process. Rest assured; you will receive the best advice.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up with your mortgage payments.

This article was written by Alex Esposito