The RICS Homebuyer Survey and Valuation
The Home Buyers Report is prepared in a standard format in order to keep costs down. This survey is much more detailed than the basic valuation, and is for your own benefit rather than the mortgage lender's. The main objectives of the home buyers report are to give you the surveyors opinion of those items relating to the condition of the property which are urgent or significant and need action, and to confirm that you are paying a fair price for the property. A home buyers report is likely to be the most appropriate choice if the property that you are buying is built after 1919 of a traditional construction and free from obvious structural defects. If the property is older than this then you should consider a full structural survey.
Areas which are urgent or significant would include subsidence or settlement. The surveyor reports on all visible parts of the property, such as the condition of the roof, pointing out particularly any areas that will need work straight away or at a later date. Further specialist surveys will be recommended if required. While less comprehensive than a full structural survey, a homebuyer's report gives a good indication of the state of the property and its level of repair and maintenance.
The homebuyers report comes on a standard report sheet and is normally between about 8 and 20 pages long. The cost of a homebuyer's report ranges from about £250 to £500, depending on the price of the house (2009 costs). The typical cost of a home buyers report for an average sized property is around £350 to £450 plus VAT. In addition to buying peace of mind, many buyers find that they are able to recoup the cost of their survey by using it as a negotiating tool in subsequent house price negotiations.