Property survey

[chas2008]

if someone is buying a house cash who is responsible for arranging the survey ? i assumed the solicitor would sort it out but so far it hasnt happened, yes, i will ring the solicitor before anyone comes up with the obvious.....just wanted to be sure of the facts before i do

[KJN]

Having a survey carried out is down to the buyer to sort out due to the different levels of survey they may require. i.e. short survey, full survey, structural survey.

[jackthehat]

Simply speaking, there are two types of survey.

The first is to reassure the mortgage company that they will make their money back from any mortgage they advance, should there be a default on that mortgage. It is of little use of protection to the purchaser.

The second concentrates on the structural fabric of the property and reassures the purchaser that they are buying a 'sound' building (it should highlight and flaws, defects, potential problems). If this is carried out by a professionally qualified, and accredited, RICS surveyor, should there be any problems discovered at a later date, it may be possible to seek compensation from the surveyor.
This survey will also include a sum which the property is 'worth' which may well vary from the price asked and offered in the purchase.

It is perfectly possible to buy a house without a survey but that means 'Caveat Emptor' on possibly the largest purchase you will ever make!

There is no reason a solicitor would concern himself with organising a survey.

[bednobs]

or herself

[chas2008]

as there is no mortgage involved i thought the onus would be on us to arrange the survey but at the same time i thought the solictor would at least mention.
i am aware of the 2 types of survey....

[jackthehat]

Are you purchaser, or seller?

He deals with the conveyancing only. It doesn't matter to him what condition the property is in.....

[jackthehat]

...or her.

[tonyav]

When we bought the house that we live in now, bought just over tree years ago ( no mortgage ), the estate agent gave me a list of independent surveyors and i just phoned one up and he gave me the choice of three options ie short survey, full or structural each level at a different fee. Or just have a look in your yellow pages.

[The Builder]

Chas, a decent solicitor should hand-hold their client through the whole process. It ought to have been mentioned. I've bought many times over years, and, even now, mine still makes sure I'm fully aware of everything relevant.
She isn't obliged to by law, but she's being professional.

[solvitquick]

The solicitor is not resonsible for survey. However he ought to submit a series of questions to seller's solicitor including no-debts on property down to any disputes e.g. boundries, council, nuisance neighbours etc. But it is the buyer's responsibility to arrange survey if they wish. Strongly advise full structural survey incuding drainage and essential services. Buying house is largest investment of anyone's life so why scimp on e.g. £500 versus possible £1000's or 10's of £1000's in future? Advised even for new property regarding build quality and possible extraneous scrubland attached.

[chas2008]

purchaser, but the same solicitor is acting on the sale of another property which will fund this one,survey has been done on that one.

[jackthehat]

You will need to organise your own survey, in that case.

Look for a RICS in your Yellow Pages (or equivalent).

[chas2008]

im one step ahead of you on that, just cant believe the solicitor (london based so top money) hasnt mentioned it in any communication.

[jackthehat]

As has already been said, strictly speaking, it is not an issue that s/he is legally obliged to address.
S/he has to carry out her part of the transaction with 'due diligence' but is not legally responsible for ensuring that other professionals are brought on board to do theirs.
Perhaps s/he charges extra for organising matters beyond the usual scope of a Conveyancing remit and as you are not paying for that, s/he hasn't organised it?