Posted: 8th February 2023

Do You Need A Survey When Buying A Property?

Buying a new home can be a bewildering process. Some things can be a little unclear at times, and this is certainly true when it comes to surveys. Are you wondering what a survey is or how much they cost? And do you want to know who organises a survey when buying a property or even if you need to get one at all? 


What Is a Survey?

A property survey is an inspection of the condition of the building, which is carried out by a qualified expert. When you’re looking to buy, a chartered surveyor takes a detailed look at it to assess the overall condition of the building. Problems that can be pointed out range from minor cosmetic issues to major structural concerns, allowing you to make an informed decision on whether to proceed with your purchase.

As well as identifying potential problems such as dampness, a survey also provides you with an in-depth report on the overall condition of a property. This can include anything from how the walls and roof are constructed to the state of kitchen units, what insulation there is and how windows and doors are glazed. The survey will then advise what repairs and improvements are required to bring a property up to an acceptable standard.


Is a Survey Essential? Legally, no,

A full homebuyer survey is not essential. However, buying a home is usually the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make, so it’s a very good idea to obtain a thorough survey before you part with your money and mortgage lenders insist on them.


Different Types of Surveys & The Process of Buying

Some of the language used in the home-buying process can be confusing. Conveyancing solicitors often call checks on the local area ‘searches and surveys’, which are different to a house survey that inspects the condition of the building itself. Mortgage companies also carry out valuation surveys to ensure you’re paying a fair price for the property. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) bands into three levels and we can provide further information about the right survey for your property purchase.

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I would definitely recommend Barbers. Their staff are very helpful, reassuring, have all the answers to your queries, keep you advised throughout the transaction and extremely professional. They...
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Very prompt, efficient service. Property particulars and photographs led to a very quick sale. Mrs D - January 2020
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Barbers of Market Drayton are a great team of proactive professionals. Selling and buying properties can be extremely stressful in the wrong hands but the team at Market Drayton really do go out...
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I ask you to pass on my very grateful thanks to you all for making it look easy to sell a home and then buy another. That takes a bit of skill. And all done with cheerfulness and...
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Could we also just add that your accompanied viewer (Suzanne) Is marvellous. This is the second time we have viewed with her and she's a credit to Barbers Estate Agent. She's very welcoming and...
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Barbers have provided an excellent service, they have been very efficient. I was more than happy with the way my property was marketed, they gave useful advice and all comments from viewers were...
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I found Barbers, pleasant efficient helpful and proactive. All staff were excellent all aspects of the service was explained to me and showed staff showed empathy as it was a stressful time for...
Pleasant, efficient, helpful and proactive.

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  Barbers restored my faith in estate agents. T hey arranged all the viewings, rang with feedback & recommended tradesmen when needed. When I needed advice not always related to...
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Thank you all so much for overseeing the sale of our house and also helping me find a new, temporary place to live! Your efficiency, friendliness, professionalism, reassurance and kindness has...
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This was the best decision I ever made. Jess was amazing and patient with me. Everything was clear and pain free. I would use this service again - highly recommended. Miss Cox – Vendor...
Modern Auction Method

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The Barbers team at the Wellington branch are polite and friendly. They kept me informed and responded to queries quickly and coherently. Their behaviour was exemplary and I felt reflected the...
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Thank you for all your help and patience. You have made the moving process a lot less stressful for us. Ms H, Shrewsbury
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The agent did accompanied viewings as the property was empty and being disposed of by relatives after probate. They liaised and negotiated well with me and the vendor, and provided support and...
The agent did accompanied viewings as the property was empty

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No hassle, Barbers were fantastic. Will use again should I ever move. Listed in The Property Ombudsman Survey for Barbers Wellington/Telford Branch
No hassle, Barbers were fantastic

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The service was very good. We would recommend them to others. Listed in The Property Ombudsman Survey for Barbers Wellington/Telford Branch
The service was very good.

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Initial contact professional and fully understanding of our needs. Always available and acquainted with the ever changing services. Good team effort from all those involved in the transaction....
Initial contact professional and fully understanding of our needs

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Information was accurate. Guarantees about seller leaving property by a deadline I was working to were met. Trouble free purchase. Listed in The Property Ombudsman Survey for Barbers...
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Very friendly efficient staff who kept us up to date with any development. Listed in The Property Ombudsman Survey for Barbers Wellington/Telford Branch
Very friendly efficient staff

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I am just e-mailing you to thank you for the incredibly smooth transaction of letting our new rural cottage in South Shropshire. To enable our move you have also found us an excellent tenant for our own property in Wem. From the moment we saw our cottage

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Barbers were very efficient and despite the market conditions it took only 5 weeks to sell our property. We would use them in the future (if we ever move again!) Listed in The Property...
Barbers were very efficient

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Very helpful and friendly did their best to market the property and provided a lot of viewers. Always kept me in touch. Karen was very efficient approachable and charming. Listed in The...
Very helpful and friendly

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All the staff at Barbers were all fantastic in their approach to our sale. We cannot thank them enough. They went beyond our expectations and we would not hesitate in contacting them again when...
All the staff at Barbers were all fantastic

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Karen was my contact @ Barbers, Newport. So helpful, friendly & efficient. Nothing too much trouble. What as asset to a company! Listed in The Property Ombudsman Survey for Barbers...
Karen was my contact @ Barbers, Newport

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Very satisfied with Barbers service over whole sale process. Listed in The Property Ombudsman Survey for Barbers Market Drayton Branch
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We would use this company again & would be happy to recommend them to friends. Listed in The Property Ombudsman Survey for Barbers Newport Branch
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I would say that Barbers, Market Drayton were very helpful, approachable and much mofe efficient than some estate agents I’ve dealt with in the past. Listed in The Property Ombudsman...
I would say that Barbers, Market Drayton were very helpful

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Thank you - I have to say Barbers has been one of the best estate agents I have dealt with

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To all the staff at Barbers- Many thanks for your kind and professional help during the duration of this nail-biting and difficult sale. Many Thanks. Mr and Mrs O, Shrewsbury
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