Key Surveying Requirements Before You Sell

Fórte Flooring
May 5
3 min read

Here’s what sellers are typically required to provide:

Key Surveying Requirements Before You Sell

Certificate of Compliance with Planning Permission

What it is: A formal certificate issued by a qualified surveyor confirming that all extensions, renovations, or structural works were carried out in line with the planning permissions granted by the local authority.

Why it matters: If you’ve added a conservatory, extended your kitchen, converted an attic, or modified the external layout, your buyer’s solicitor will need proof that these works were legally approved and correctly implemented.

Common issues we see:

Homeowners unaware planning permission was needed
Works completed years ago without certification
Differences between what was built and what was approved

Survey Plus will inspect the property, compare it with planning records, and issue a Certificate of Compliance or advise on remedial steps if required.

Certificate of Compliance with Building Regulations

What it is: A certificate confirming that any structural works comply with the relevant Building Regulations in place at the time the works were carried out.

Why it matters: Even if planning permission was granted, building regulation compliance is separate. This covers things like:

Structural safety
Fire protection
Ventilation and insulation
Accessibility
Drainage and sanitation

Note: Building Regulation compliance applies to both small and large works — including window replacements, extensions, and re-roofing — and is often forgotten until a sale is underway.

Declaration of Identity / Boundary Confirmation

What it is: A written confirmation by a surveyor that the physical boundaries and structures on the ground match what is shown on the Land Registry or Folio Map.

Why it matters:Your solicitor may request this if:

There are fences or walls near the legal boundary
Outbuildings or extensions sit close to the site edge
The site layout appears unclear or inconsistent with official maps

This declaration helps avoid title disputes and legal challenges after the sale.

Pre-Sale Condition Survey (Optional, but Recommended)

What it is: A structural or condition report completed before the property goes to market, giving you a clear overview of its condition — including potential issues that a buyer’s surveyor might later find.

Why it helps:

Flag defects before the buyer uses them to negotiate
Avoid unpleasant surprises during conveyancing
Build trust by being transparent about the home’s condition
Provide confidence to buyers and estate agents
Speed up sale time and reduce price drop risk

At Survey Plus, we offer Pre-Sale Structural Surveys to homeowners who want to go to market with a clear report in hand.

Are These Surveys Mandatory?

Technically, you’re not legally required to provide all of the above — but in practice, your solicitor or the buyer’s solicitor will insist on:

Planning Compliance for any extensions/alterations
Building Regulation Compliance for structural works
Declaration of Identity for mapped boundaries

Without them, your sale will stall — or worse, fall through entirely. Banks also frequently request these documents before final mortgage drawdown.