Get a Valuation
    Register/Login/Report a Maintenance Issue
    LogoLogo

    Our Branches

    Barming – 01622 720000
    Bearsted – 01622 730020
    Headcorn – 01622 890089
    Larkfield – 01732 875706

    Maidstone – 01622 691255
    Snodland – 01634 240966
    West Malling – 01732 844111
    Period Homes Malling – 01732 844111

    Period Homes Weald – 01622 850888
    Lettings & Management – 01732 875777
    New Homes – 01732 221411

    Book a Valuation

    If you would like a no obligation, professional valuation on your property, please complete our valuation form and one of our appraisal team will be in touch to book an appointment.

    Book my Valuation

    Home/News/Q&A special: are surveys for sellers as well as buyers?

    Q&A special: are surveys for sellers as well as buyers?

    over 2 years ago
    Sales
    Q&A special: are surveys for sellers as well as buyers?

    Sellers? Commission a survey? It’s not as silly as it sounds. Issues identified in a buyer’s survey are some of the most common reasons why a sale collapses, asking prices are negotiated downwards and delays occur. Sometimes it pays to be forewarned and sellers can do this by ordering their own surveys. Here are some helpful Q&As for those concerned about the condition of their property or who want to avoid the unexpected.

    Q. Who usually requests a survey?

    A. Buyers are encouraged to instruct a registered surveyor to undertake a survey of the property they want to buy. They can choose from a condition survey, a HomeBuyer survey or a full structural/building survey. The buyer is also responsible for the cost of any survey.

    Q. Why should a seller commission a survey?

    A. A poll of its accredited surveyors conducted by Legal & General found damp, asbestos, electrical issues, flat roof problems and Japanese Knotweed were all common issues that were undetected by property sellers and only picked up by the surveyor. It is prudent for a seller to know if such issues exist before they sell their property, otherwise they may compromise the security of a sale and the value of their home.

    Q. What type of survey should a seller order?

    A. A HomeBuyer or a full structural/building survey isn’t usually necessary. Instead, a seller can choose a condition survey for a general property overview, or choose to focus on areas they are most worried about. This could be inviting an electrician, plumber or structural engineer in to carry out an inspection. Sellers can also commission a damp or Japanese Knotweed specialist to inspect areas and file a report.

    Q. What happens if faults are found by the seller ahead of a sale?

    A. Knowing about faults upfront gives the vendor the opportunity to take action and it reduces the chance of any surprises coming back in the buyer’s survey. The most common course of action is for the seller to rectify the problem themselves. In this case, it’s wise to get proof of the work, together with a guarantee – this will put any buyer’s mind at ease. An alternative is to get estimates for the work and reduce the asking price to accommodate the cost to the buyer.

    Q. Can I ask to see the buyer’s survey report?

    A. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors states that ‘a seller doesn’t have any right to see a copy of the [buyer’s survey] report unless the buyer chooses to disclose them.’ In addition, it says ‘the surveyor must not discuss the report’s actual or likely contents with the seller without the buyer’s knowledge and consent.” This doesn’t mean a buyer won’t share the contents of a survey report with the vendor, so it’s always worth asking. Bear in mind that seeing a buyer’s report so late in the transaction may lead to haggling over the property price or the purchaser pulling out of the sale.

    Q. Can I be sued if a buyer finds defects once they’ve moved in?

    A. Sellers are usually covered by caveat emptor – let the buyer beware – and sellers do not have to disclose unknown property defects. Trouble can arise if a buyer feels the seller covered-up known issues or used fraudulent documents to disguise defects during the sale. A buyer may also try to prove misrepresentation by the seller or their agent to reclaim costs.

    Q. Will surveys ever be part of an ‘upfront information pack’?

    A. Not for now. When the now defunct Home Information Packs (HIPs) were launched in 2007, the Government initially wanted a seller-commissioned and paid-for survey to be a compulsory component but the idea was quickly scrapped. In 2022, National Trading Standards announced that more upfront ‘material information’ would need to be disclosed by sellers at the point of listing but at present, this will not include the results of a survey.

    If you are thinking of selling a property you own and would like advice about its condition and how any defects may affect its value, please contact us.

    Share this article

    More Articles

    First-time buyers stretch repayment terms for forever homes

    First-time buyers stretch repayment terms for forever homes

    Published 2 days ago

    New analysis has revealed an interesting shift in the purchasing habits of first-time buyers. Instead of buying a traditional starter home – a studio, a one-bedroom flat or a small terraced house – Barclays found a third of first-timer purchases are semi-detached homes.

    Read More
    Converting a garage: 8 key considerations

    Converting a garage: 8 key considerations

    Published 9 days ago

    Earlier this year, Aviva published the results of its survey on how we use our garages. Of those UK garage owners questioned, 28% said they hardly ever used their garage to park their car. 

    Read More
    Selling? It’s all about the autumn shift

    Selling? It’s all about the autumn shift

    Published 16 days ago

    And just like that, the seasons have changed. Meteorological summer officially ended on 31st August and wet, windy weather moved in without hesitation. While we’re keeping everything crossed for a return to calmer, drier conditions, there’s no escaping that autumn is here.

    Read More

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Subscribe to receive the latest property market information to your inbox, full of market knowledge and tips for your home.

    You may unsubscribe at any time. See our Privacy Policy.

    Back to Home

    Our branches 

    Barming
    Bearsted
    Headcorn
    Larkfield

      

    Maidstone
    Snodland
    West Malling
    Lettings & Management

    Period Homes Malling
    Period Homes Weald
    New Homes

    OnTheMarket
    RightMove
    SafeAgent
    ThePropertyOmbudsman
    Logo
    Logo
    Logo
    Logo
    © 2025 Simon Miller. Registered Address: 11 Colman Parade, Colman House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1DJ
    Privacy Policy|Terms & Conditions|Cookie Policy|Complaints Procedure|Landlord Fees|CMP Certificate
    Powered by