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	Terms and Conditions - Valuations - Residential Property      (In pdf format)
	Valuation Definitions  - Guidance Notes for Clients   (In pdf format)
	Homebuyer Report - Terms of Engagement     (In pdf format)
	Description of the Homebuyer Service     (In pdf format)
	Building Surveys - Terms & Conditions     (In pdf format)
	Building Survey Instruction Form     (In pdf format)

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SURVEYS EXPLAINED

Why should I have a survey?

• Is the price reasonable and does it reflect the condition of the property?
• Are there problems/defects that I am unaware of?
• If so, what do I need to do about them?
• Should I even buy the property?

Having your own survey is the simple and economical way to avoid unpleasant (and perhaps costly) surprises after you move in. In some cases the surveyor's report may help you to renegotiate the price.

But I already have a mortgage valuation

You have your mortgage offer and probably also a copy of the report prepared for the lender following a brief inspection by the valuer. It is still advisable and prudent to arrange your own survey, by your own surveyor. The Consumers' Association, Which magazine and also The Council of Mortgage Lenders ALL give this advice.

The reason is simple - the mortgage valuation is for the benefit of your lender - not for you, the borrower. It answers only the lender's questions relating to the security of the property for loan purposes. You cannot rely upon it to answer the questions that concern your personal interests. It also may not disclose significant defects.

What choice of surveys do I have?

ASHDOWN LYONS offer two types of survey, at competitive prices, which are specifically designed to help home buyers.

The Building Survey (formerly the structural survey)

This is suitable for all residential properties and provides a full picture of the construction and condition. It can be designed to suit your own specific needs.

It is likely to be needed if the property is unusual, dilapidated or has been altered extensively or if you are planning alterations yourself.

The report will include extensive technical information and will detail major and minor defects.

The Homebuyer Report

By contrast this is in a standard format and is designed specifically as an economy service. It therefore differs materially from a Building Survey in two major respects:

• It is intended only for particular types of properties: houses, flats and bungalows which are:
  • Conventional style and construction.
  • Apparently in reasonable condition.
  • Of an age and size that does not warrant a Building Survey.

• It focuses on essential defects and problems which are urgent or significant and thus have an adverse effect upon the value of the property - although it does also include other valuable information.
• The Homebuyer Report, unlike a Building Survey, also includes a valuation.

What else should I know about the HOMEBUYER SERVICE?

The Service - the inspection, report and valuation - are all explained, in detail, in The Description of the Homebuyer Service. The main features are:

• It is an economy package. Owing to the practical limits of the type of property and the scope of it's coverage, The Homebuyer Service is priced economically - more expensive than the lender's mortgage valuation, but less than the Building Survey.
• The surveyor's main objectives are to assist the client:
  • In making a reasoned and informed judgement on whether to proceed with the purchase.
  • Assess whether or not the agreed price is reasonable.
  • Be clear as to what decisions/action should be taken before exchange of contracts.
  • The surveyor also gives his/her professional opinion on those features of the property which affect present value and may affect future resale potential.
• The concise report covers the inside and outside of the building, the services and the site. It focuses on defects/problems which, in the judgement of the surveyor, are urgent or significant. It also covers:
  • The general condition and features of the property.
  • Particular matters that should be referred to the client's legal advisers.
  • Other relevant considerations i.e. safety matters, location, environment, insurance etc.

Matters which are judged to be not urgent/significant are, in general, not included in the report. However, the surveyor will mention matters judged to be helpful and constructive.

• Where the client should take some action before deciding to proceed with the purchase. This is mentioned in the body of the report and the summary.

   Use our instruction form to instruct our surveyors