Structural Survey

[tiggerblue10]

Having had the mortgage survey done on 19th Aug., the buyer has now asked for a structural survey which is being done this Friday morning. Would this just be normal procedure or is it based on the findings of the mortgage survey report?

[gingejbee]

Quite usual....anybody spending huge amounts on a property would want to know about any problems that may be "lurking"unseen til after the purchase. Some people do go for one....others just trust the rather superficial mortgage survey.

[bhg481]

It means the purchaser is getting serious about buying it. The mortgage survey just means somebody has ridden past on a bike to check the house is still there and looks like it's worth what mortgage they're going to offer.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Hi Tigger. The structural survey is normally asked for by the Mortgage Company if something has been found on the Mortgage survey. Maybe he noticed the damp smell under the stairs and reported that, and maybe because of that either the buyer personally, or the Lender, have asked for a more details survey to rule out rising damp or dry rot before a mortgage will be released on the property. A structural survey will take much longer and the surveyor will want to look into the loft space and check any flat roofs etc. It costs between £150 -£300 for a structural survey, so the buyers must still be keen. Hopefully nothing drastic will be found. Expect a revised offer though , to reflect how much work needs to be done, if any. If they do this, you must get yourself an independent estimate from a builder for the work, and not rely on what the buyers say it will cost .

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks all. I'll definitely get an independent estimate on any work that needs doing and get it done myself.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Tigger yes some people will use a structural survey to decrease their offer substantially. We were selling a house last year, the buyer had an SS done and came back with an offer of £10k less as the roof needed 'doing'. Little did the buyer know we are a family of builders and a nephew is a roofer - he estimated there was indeed work to be done - around £1750 worth and produced a detailed Quote which we passed on to their solicitor. They insisted on the £10k less offer for 'hassle' so we pulled out of the sale and sold it a few months later to someone else for £5k more than the original asking price.

[tiggerblue10]

My dad knows a few builders who have done work on my house in the past.

[The Builder]

That's good news Tiggs. Things are moving forward.
Listen to Aunty. She knows what she's talking about.

Be prepared though, surveys often result in a list of piffling faults which are easily (and cheaply) dealt with.
Your house isn't that old, so I wouldn't expect anything major, but you know you're welcome to come back here if it does.
Keep us informed :o)

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Builder. I think mine is a 30s or 40s build so not sure what this is classed as.