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What else should I know about the Homebuyers Service?

This is an economy package. Because of the practical limits on the type of property and on the scope of its coverage, the homebuyer service is priced mid-range – more expensive than a mortgage valuation, but cheaper than a building survey.

The surveyor’s main objective in providing the service is to assist the prospective homebuyer to:

  • make a reasoned and informed judgement on whether or not to proceed with the purchase;

  • assess whether or not the property is a reasonable purchase at the agreed price; and

  • be clear what decisions and actions should be taken before contracts are exchanged.


The surveyor also gives his professional opinion on the particular features of the property which affect its present value and may affect its future resale.

The concise report covers the building inside and out, the services and the site. It focuses on the defects and other problems, which in the judgement of the surveyor are urgent or significant, but it also covers:

  • the general condition and particular features of the property;

  • particular points which should be referred to the client’s legal advisers; and

  • other relevant considerations concerning, for example, safety, location, the environment or perhaps insurance.

Matters that are judged not to be urgent or significant are in general not included in the report, but the
surveyor will mention matters judged to be both helpful and constructive.

If the client is advised to take some action before deciding to proceed with the purchase, this is signalled clearly in the text of the report and included in the summary of action and other key considerations.

Particular issues could be addressed such as: Is the property considered suitable for a disabled user?

This can be agreed with the client in advance of the inspection and would be subject to additional charges as appropriate.