When buying a home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of viewings, negotiations, and finally having an offer accepted.
But amid the rush, one crucial step is too often overlooked, a property survey.
We’ve seen first-hand how a professional survey can be the difference between a sound investment and an expensive mistake.
Here’s why commissioning a survey isn’t just advisable, it’s essential.
Understanding the Role of a Property Survey
A property survey is a detailed inspection of a home’s physical condition. Unlike a mortgage valuation, which is conducted for the lender’s benefit, a survey provides you, the buyer, with a clear picture of the property’s true state.
From structural issues and damp to roof damage, timber decay, or outdated electrics, a survey uncovers problems that may not be obvious during viewings or through a basic valuation.
Hidden Defects Are More Common Than You Think
At Stokemont, we regularly inspect homes that appear perfectly fine on the surface, only to uncover costly issues beneath.
Structural movement, penetrating damp, roofing problems, and poor workmanship are all too common and often come with repair bills in the thousands.
Damp alone, for instance, can cost anywhere from £3,000 to £6,000 or more to remediate, depending on the severity. Without a survey, these costs become your responsibility the moment contracts are exchanged.
A Survey Gives You Leverage
One of the biggest advantages of having a survey carried out is negotiation power. If defects are discovered, you may be able to renegotiate the agreed purchase price, ask the seller to carry out repairs, or, if the risks are too high, reconsider the purchase entirely.
Time and again, buyers who commission Level 2 or Level 3 surveys via ourselves, either save money up front, or avoid unexpected costs later on. It’s an investment that often pays for itself.
A Smart Investment, Not an Extra Cost
Depending on the type and complexity of the property, surveys typically range from £900 to £1,500. When compared to the potential cost of unplanned repairs or replacements, that’s a modest price to pay for peace of mind and financial protection.
Think of a survey as due diligence, an essential step that ensures you’re buying with clarity, not just emotion.
Make Informed Decisions with Confidence
At Stokemont, our RICS Accredited surveyors are committed to delivering detailed, impartial, and actionable reports. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, our surveys are designed to help you make fully informed decisions about your property purchase.
We believe a home should be a place of comfort, not a source of hidden stress and mounting bills.
Final Thought
Skipping a survey might seem like a way to save money in the short term, but it can lead to far greater costs down the line. With so much at stake, don’t take the risk.
Use our instant quote function to get an instant fixed cost, turnaround time and get it booked in with our local surveyors, taking the next step toward a secure and confident home purchase.
