Pre Purchase Survey

Purchasing a home or apartment is likely to be one of the most significant long-term financial decisions you will ever make. To ensure the property you are considering represents a sound investment, a Pre-Purchase Survey is a critical step once the sale price has been agreed. A Pre-Purchase Survey involves a detailed internal and external inspection of the property to evaluate its overall condition and to identify any defects that may impact its value, safety, or require costly repairs. This process enables prospective buyers to make fully informed decisions before proceeding with the transaction. Often referred to as a Structural Survey, Building Inspection, or Home Survey, this report is carried out on behalf of the purchaser and is typically requested at the Sale Agreed stage—prior to signing final contract documents. Solicitors and financial institutions generally view such surveys as essential, as they highlight any planning or building regulation compliance issues and outline any required remedial or refurbishment works. At Survey Plus, all of our surveys are conducted to the SCSI Type 2 Standard—the most comprehensive non-invasive inspection available. Type 2 surveys provide a thorough assessment without destructive testing or opening up of building elements. In rare cases, a Type 3 survey may be recommended for further investigation, but only where significant issues are identified during the initial inspection. Our reports provide the clarity and confidence buyers need to move forward with their purchase, while ensuring all key structural, regulatory, and maintenance concerns are fully understood.

The duration of a pre-purchase survey depends largely on the type, age, and condition of the property. For example, a recently built three-bedroom semi-detached home typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours to inspect. However, older properties or those in poor condition may require significantly more time, due to the need for closer examination of potential structural or maintenance issues.

A Pre-Purchase Survey is a detailed inspection of a second-hand property, assessing its overall condition and identifying any structural issues, defects, or regulatory concerns that may impact the purchase decision.

In contrast, a Snag List is specifically for new-build properties that have never been previously occupied. The snagging process focuses on identifying incomplete, substandard, or defective finishes—such as damaged joinery, poor paintwork, or incorrectly fitted fixtures. These items are compiled into a report to be sent to the builder or developer for rectification prior to handover.

We typically require 3 to 5 days' notice to schedule a pre-purchase survey. However, we understand that some clients may have tighter timelines, and we will always do our best to accommodate urgent requests where possible. If you require a faster turnaround, please get in touch with our team to discuss your specific needs.

Our reports are typically completed within 2 to 3 business days following the inspection. Faster turnaround times may be available if required — please contact us to discuss urgent timelines.

Yes — if you're considering an extension as part of your future plans, we can provide guidance on both planning considerations and practical construction-related factors. Our surveyors can assess the property’s suitability for extension and highlight any potential limitations, regulatory requirements, or structural implications that may arise.