Leicester: local lockdown
Due to localised lockdown, we have suspended all physical property inspections in impacted Leicester postcodes until further notice.
CALL US FREE TO BOOK A HOMEBUYER REPORT
0800 169 9661
Coronavirus Information Hub.
Following the guidance set out by the UK Government and the RICS, we’ll be asking our customers and our surveyors to take a few extra precautions in these extraordinary times.
Please watch our short video to find out what to expect when an e.surv surveyor visits your property, and read our Safety and Wellbeing Charter which is available in 11 languages.
Alternatively, please browse through the FAQs below or get in touch if you have any questions.
Over recent weeks, we have welcomed the change in legislation that enabled a gradual return to physical property inspections for surveys and mortgage valuations. Following a relaxation of restrictions in Wales and Scotland, we are now able to conduct physical property inspections across the UK (apart from where there is localised lockdown) and we are looking forward to getting back out into our local communities and supporting those seeking to complete property transactions.
While the restrictions on social distancing have been relaxed, we will still be asking our surveyors and customers to take extra precautions before and during property inspections. For more information, watch our short video and take a look at our Safety and Wellbeing Charter. You can also read our Risk Assessment Certificate, which sets out our commitment to the ongoing health, safety and wellbeing of everyone we work with.
FAQs
Are you carrying out inspections in all types of properties and for all types of mortgage application?
We are now conducting physical inspections in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland for all categories of property and mortgage application.
Due to the in-depth and structural nature of the Building Survey and the length of time the surveyor is required on-site, we are not yet undertaking Building Survey inspections. As soon as this position changes, we will update our website.
I had a valuation / survey booked in before the lockdown came into force. When can I expect to receive a new appointment date?
When the lockdown announcement was made, we made the decision to cease all physical property inspections and the large pipeline of appointments already booked had to be placed on hold.
Now that the lockdown restrictions have been relaxed, we’ve recommenced physical inspections and are working as hard as we can to clear the backlog of valuations and surveys. If you had a valuation or survey appointment booked in before the lockdown, you should expect to receive details of a new appointment date within the next two weeks.
Is Walker Fraser Steele providing Home Reports in Scotland during COVID-19 pandemic?
Following the review by the Scottish government on 18 June 2020, we are now able to carry out the physical property inspections required for a Home Report.
I have an outstanding mortgage application. What will happen next?
We understand how frustrating it is to be stuck in the mortgage application process during this period of uncertainty. If you’re wondering what will happen with your mortgage application, please speak to your lender or mortgage broker as each individual case will be different.
My lender/broker has advised me that you’re unable to carry out a remote valuation on the property I’m hoping to buy. Why is this?
We work directly with each mortgage lender to determine the risk-based rules around remote valuation and each lender has a different set of criteria. A number of factors determine whether a case is suitable for a remote valuation, including the Loan-to-Value (LTV) percentage and the age or style of property. To find out why your case is not suitable for remote valuation, you should speak with your mortgage lender directly.
I have a question about a survey / valuation that was carried out prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. What should I do?
We’re still available to answer any questions you may have about your valuation or survey. Please contact us on 0800 169 9661 or email us at helpline@esurv.co.uk
Please don’t send anything via post as our offices are closed while our colleagues work from home.
I’m thinking about proceeding with my property purchase without a survey. What are the risks?
Just as you wouldn’t buy a used car without full-service history, we recommend investing in a survey before you proceed with your purchase. It’s important to remember that a valuation conducted on behalf of your mortgage lender is not the same as a comprehensive survey. Only an independent survey conducted by a RICS-registered surveyor provides you with a complete picture of the property you are thinking of buying and can uncover defects that may prove costly to repair.
Are e.surv’s offices closed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes, all our offices are currently closed to minimise the risks associated with COVID-19. However, to ensure we continue to offer uninterrupted support to our clients and customers, many of our colleagues are working from home and can be contacted in the normal way.
Is e.surv using the Government’s Job Retention Scheme?
Yes, we have used the Government’s Job Retention Scheme to furlough a number of colleagues until we are able to deliver a full service.
Is e.surv still recruiting surveyors during the COVID-19 pandemic?
While all live vacancies are on hold at this time, we’re always delighted to hear from surveyors interested in joining our team or keen to find out more about life at e.surv.
Please email your CV to recruitment@esurv.co.uk, but be aware that there may be a delay in responding to your email due to COVID-19.
Putting safety first
As a responsible business, the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues, customers, householders, and the wider public is our overriding priority. Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be led by the Government guidance and the protocols set out by our professional body, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
What sort of health and safety precautions have we taken to minimise the risk of infection during property inspections?
We have taken the time to ensure appropriate health and safety arrangements to protect colleagues and customers. This includes personal protective equipment (PPE), the completion of risk assessments before and during any visits, and colleague training on new safety processes. And when booking an appointment, we will advise all householders on what to expect when our surveyor visits their property.
What should I do if I'm contacted as part of the Government's Test and Trace initiative?
If you are contacted as part of the Government’s Test and Trace initiative and asked to isolate due to an increased risk of infection, please contact us immediately on healthandsafety@esurv.co.uk.
So, what can you expect on the day of the inspection? Is there anything you should do differently, and what will the surveyor do?
To help you understand what to expect before and during the property inspection, we have created a Safety and Wellbeing Charter.
Because it is important for everyone to understand these expectations and the precautions we need to take, our Safety and Wellbeing Charter is available in 11 languages.
Please take the time to read the Charter (below) thoroughly and if you have any questions, do let us know.
Alternatively, please take a look at our short video.
Safety and Wellbeing Charter
To help you understand what to expect before and during the property inspection, we have created a Safety and Wellbeing Charter which is available in 11 languages. Alternatively, please take a look at our short video.
COVID-19 updates
#SurveyorKev: “Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky”
How was #SurveyorKev’s first day back ‘on the ladders’ after lockdown in Scotland?
#SurveyorKev: Back on the ladders in Scotland …
As we finally resume physical property inspections in Scotland, we catch up with Kevin Keane (#SurveyorKev) as he prepares to get back to the job he loves.
Got a question?
If you have a question, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 0800 169 9661 or email helpline@esurv.co.uk.