Homebuyer Service

What is the RICS HomeBuyer Service?

The surveyor's main purpose in providing the service is to help you to:

Make a reasoned and informed decision on whether or not to go ahead with buying the property

Make an informed decision on what is a reasonable price to pay for the property

Take account of any repairs or replacement the property needs and consider what other advice to take before exchanging contracts.

The report covers the inside and outside of the building, the services and site, and includes:

  • Details of the general condition and particular features of the property
  • Condition ratings for elements of the structure of the building, the services and any garages and permanent outbuildings
  • Particular points you should refer to your legal advisers
  • Specific risks associated with the property
  • Other relevant considerations - for example, the location, the local environment and the energy performance of the property (if this information is available).

Any defects that the surveyor considers do not need repairing or replacing, or any minor matters that do not affect the value of the property, are generally not included in the report.

If you have a particular requirement that you would like the surveyor to consider, you should discuss this with the surveyor before they provide you with the service.

The surveyor may be prepared to arrange extra services but these will probably need a separate contract.

The main features of the RICS HomeBuyer Service are compared below with the features of a Building Survey.

 RICS HomeBuyer ServiceBuilding Survey
Type of Property Traditional houses, flats, bungalows and so on, in apparently reasonable condition. Any residential or other property, in any condition.
Type of Service A shorter, less detailed report in a standard format. A detailed report that is tailored to suit your needs.
Aims of the Service To help you - make a reasoned and informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying a property. Gives you - a detailed assessment of the condition and construction of the property.
  To help you - make an informed decision on what is a reasonable price to pay for the property. Gives you - technical advice on any problems and work needed to put them right.
  To help you - take account of any repairs or replacement the property needs.  
  To help you - consider what other advice you need to take before exchanging contracts.  
Special Features Provides condition ratings for elements of the building, services and any garages and permanent outbuildings. Provides full details of the property's construction, materials, uses, defects and need for future maintenance.
Valuation Included as part of the RICS HomeBuyer Service. May be provided as an agreed extra.
Form of Report RICS HomeBuyer Report which is a compact, standard format. In the surveyor's own format and usually longer, more detailed and technical than the RICS HomeBuyer Report.

For further help and guidance, do please call us on (0118) 978 0777.