Surveying

Surveying

With a range of surveys to choose from, you can trust us to give you the low-down on the condition of a property before you buy.

Buying a residential property, whether as a home or as a business opportunity can be a significant financial commitment. Ensuring the property is of a suitable type and condition makes sense and may help to avoid a costly decision.

Did you know that a mortgage valuation is only commissioned to satisfy your bank or building society of the financial viability of the loan decision? It does not provide adequate advice and reassurance to you as a purchaser.

By using an established and award-winning business such as Countrywide Surveying Services to undertake a property survey on your behalf, it could save you many thousands of pounds whilst providing you with peace of mind about your new property.

Countrywide survey reports are designed to provide home buyers and renters with information on the condition of a property, plus repairs and maintenance advice to assist in making a decision on whether to purchase the property or not. For more information on each type of survey, see below:

Countrywide HomeFact® Report

HomeFact is our property condition report which is a basic type of survey. It’s designed to give you an overview of the home you are purchasing, highlighting key issues but not going into extensive detail. A HomeFact report is great if you want to understand your property’s internal and external condition, and confirm that everything looks okay. 

  • Traffic light ratings to illustrate the condition of the property.

  • Suitable for a wide range of properties, up to and including 5 bedrooms.

  • Highlights any serious defects that need urgent attention.

  • Includes information on the local area, such as crime statistics, schools etc.

  • Doesn’t include a market valuation.

RICS Home Survey Level 2

The RICS Home Survey Level 2 – previously known as the HomeBuyer Report – is the most popular type of survey. It looks at everything that would be covered in a HomeFact Report, with handy extras. It will highlight problems that could affect your property’s value, pointing out issues like damp and subsidence and anything that doesn’t meet current building regulations.

This survey can take around two to four hours to complete.

  • An easy-to-read report with clear traffic-light ratings.

  • Highlights common defects and advice on repairs and maintenance. 

  • Great for modern, conventional properties in a good condition.

  • Includes a summary of legal issues that need to be investigated.

  • An independent market valuation can be included.

RICS Home Survey Level 2 (survey and valuation)

As the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 above but also includes:

  • the surveyor’s professional opinion on the ‘market value’ of the property.

  • an insurance reinstatement figure for the property.

  • a list of problems that may affect the value of the property.

RICS Home Survey Level 3

This is the most thorough survey you can get and it’s brilliant for those of you purchasing an older or more unusual property. It provides a comprehensive analysis of both the property's structure and condition. Unlike the other two surveys, the surveyor will be extremely thorough and check more than simply ‘surface level’ issues – they will check the property and even look under floorboards and in the attic.

  • A detailed inspection of the property – more extensive than Level 1 and 2.

  • Good for more complex buildings, listed properties, or houses with obvious defects.

  • Highlights risk of potential or hidden problem areas.

  • Outlines appropriate remedial work and explains the likely consequences of non repair.

  • Can give an indication of likely costs of future and ongoing maintenance and repairs.

  • Includes a summary of legal issues that need to be investigated.

Find out more

Find out more

We offer a range of survey advice to suit your buying needs. Whether you’re a first timer or an experienced mover, our property professionals can help you negotiate, budget and plan for essential works you may need to carry out on your new home.