House surveying tips

The best way to find out anything is wrong with a property is to do a survey. You can do this by hiring a Surveyor.

• If the survey shows a problem, you can negotiate a reduction in the price with the vendor.

• If you are buying a newly-built home, the mortgage valuation should be sufficient, especially as your builder should have signed up to the NHBC (the National House-Building Council, is the standard setting body and leading warranty and insurance provider for new and newly converted homes in the UK) guarantee.

• If you are an older or empty property, then you should expect faults and consider paying more to get a detailed survey of the property.

• If you don’t understand any part of the surveyor’s report, give the company a call and ask him or her to clarify. He or she may also give you advice.

• The valuation and survey report will come with the value of the property on the open market. So be prepared to haggle with the seller if the property you wish to buy is undervalued.