Mortgage Valuation Survey

The basic mortgage valuation is a quick, walk-through visible inspection which can usually be performed in about 20 to 25 minutes.

This valuation is usually suited to anyone either borrowing to purchase a property or re-mortgaging; most building societies will insist on one.

If buying a newer property, less than 40 years old, this level of valuation is often enough to assess the approximate value of the property. However, you should be aware that a mortgage valuation is NOT a search for possible defects.

1. Home Buyers Survey and Valuation

This is a mid-range, budget priced report designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and can only be prepared by a Chartered surveyor. It provides you with a concise and easily read pro-forma style report based upon a thorough inspection. It follows a set format with sections covering the different elements of the property from the chimney stacks to the damp course. It is ideal for conventional two storey houses and flats less than or about 100 years old. The report will refer to significant defects which can materially affect the value of the property and it will alert you to any specific matters which the surveyor considers needs more detailed or specialist investigations. It will also give you a valuation taking full account of the surveyor’s findings.

2. Private Building Survey (sometimes referred to as a full structural survey).

This is a much more detailed and costly report to prepare and will not only report on the existing condition of the property but will also help identify the cause of problems and advise upon necessary repairs and remedial works and general future maintenance. It is based on a detailed inspection of all visible and readily accessible areas. If there are matters upon which the surveyor is unable to report fully then he will advise as to the nature and extent of any further investigations considered necessary. For example, exposure of drains, digging of trial holes to look at foundations or the opening of cavity walls to closely inspect the wall ties, etc. He will either undertake or arrange such investigations for you if required. He can also arrange specialist tests on services such as electrics, drains and gas installations if these are thought necessary.

The private building survey is ideally suited to the larger, older and more complex buildings, particularly those in need of repair/renovation.

“Tailor Made” reports can also be provided on specific defects or areas about which you are concerned.

If you would like greater detail regarding any of the surveys or services mentioned above, be sure to contact Sutton Kersh Valuations and Building Surveying on 0151 207 9966 and speak to one of our 10 specialist surveyors directly.