What to do if You’re Nervous About a House Survey

Whether you’re buying or selling a property, a home survey can be a nervy time. You’ll be hoping everything goes smoothly and the sale progresses without any major issues. But there’s always a possibility the survey will uncover some unexpected problems that could delay the process or even call it off.

If you’re nervous about a house survey, we’ve put a list of helpful tips together designed to put your mind at ease.

Steps to take if you’re nervous about a house survey

It’s only natural to feel nervous about a house survey. While you’ll want to get as much money as possible for your home — or move into a home that isn’t plagued with problems — you may have missed a few issues the survey will flag up.

That’s why getting a house sale over the line can be stressful. In 2024, 28.8% of UK residential property sales fell through before completion. And the most common reason for a deal collapsing was buyers withdrawing or lowering their offer after a survey had taken place (27.3%).

Whether it’s problems with damp or a leaky roof, electrical issues or structural wear and tear, it’s easy to see why sellers get nervous about a house survey. When homebuyer budgets are tight, it’s little wonder that the discovery of costly repairs can be a major stumbling block before contracts have been exchanged.

The following checklist is designed to take the stress out of a home survey for both property sellers and homebuyers.

1. Book the right home survey for your needs

People typically book a home survey when they’re moving home. Responsibility for arranging the survey usually falls on the homebuyer. But with different types of home survey available, which one should you get?

Finding the most suitable survey for your needs will stop you from overspending and avoid unnecessary disruption. Homebuyers can choose from three main options of home survey – Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 – each backed by the industry’s professional body, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

• RICS Level 1 Survey (formerly a Condition Report): The most basic home survey available and the cheapest, a Level 1 Survey offers simple overview of the property for sale. Please note, e.surv does not offer Level 1 Surveys.
• RICS Level 2 Survey / HomePlus Survey (formerly a Homebuyers Report): A more detailed survey that covers everything from building defects to priority repairs and highlights relevant legal issues, energy efficiency and location information.
• RICS Level 3 Survey / Building Survey (also known as a Structural Survey): The most detailed and extensive survey available, a RICS Level 3 Survey is often used for older properties, those with major alterations or unique and bespoke constructions, or homes that are known to have defects and require significant repairs.

2. Get your documents together

A lot of admin is required when buying and selling a home. Your solicitor will take care of most of it, but a little organisation on your part will speed up the process. Locating the following documents will put you in a good position and give you peace of mind:

3. Declutter your property

Getting your property ready for the visit of a surveyor before your home survey could make you nervous. In reality, the surveyor isn’t there to judge you on the décor or your taste in furnishings but to carry out their inspection on the property itself.

You can make the process easier for the surveyor by decluttering any access areas to provide a clear path. For example, ensure the loft and garage are within comfortable reach. If there’s any furniture blocking entrances or walkways, be sure to move it. Also, put away unwanted objects that keep things as tidy as possible for the day of the survey.

4. Give your home a thorough clean

Making sure your home is clean and presentable will make a good impression for a home survey and demonstrate that you’ve cared for your property.

Cleaning windows will maximise natural daylight and make your home feel brighter and more spacious. Similarly, ensure your windowsills are clear of visible signs of damp and mould that could be a major red flag for surveyors.

5. Make minor repairs

If you’re nervous about a house survey, carrying out minor repairs will restore confidence in your property. Any small DIY projects you can tick off before the survey will improve the look of your home and create a positive impression.

From fixing cracked kitchen tiles and repairing leaky taps to mending doorknobs and painting walls, addressing smaller issues will make your home more presentable and ultimately more attractive to buyers.

6. Inspect the exterior of the property

Kerb appeal is everything when selling a home. Most buyers make up their minds within minutes of viewing a property. If you’re nervous about a survey, pay attention to the property’s exterior by checking the roof and walls for any cracks or defects that could put buyers off.

It’s also important to check the areas around the property including the boundary walls, garages, paths and alleyways, ensuring the surveyor has clear access. You may also want to inspect the condition of your roof and gutters to look for cracked tiles and blockages and fix any problems before the survey.

7. Check all utilities

Testing your utilities will ensure they’re in a safe working condition or highlight issues that need fixing in advance of your home survey. Hire a professional electrician to check all the electrics, get your gas boiler and supply properly inspected and serviced and book a plumber to look at your water supply, pipes and drains.

Once your utilities have been tested, your certificates of approval can help prevent delays and reassure buyers that your utilities are in good order. A surveyor won’t necessarily conduct these checks, but it may assist their reporting back to the purchaser.

What does a property survey involve?

If you’re nervous about a house survey, it’s good to know what to expect when the surveyor turns up at your door.

Property surveyors play a key role in the sale of your home, and their duties include:

Thorough property inspection

The surveyor will assess the interior and exterior of your property in varying detail depending on the level of RICS survey being carried out. They’ll examine the structure, roof, walls and floors and check windows, doors, utilities, electrics, outbuildings and garages before recording their findings in a report.

Look for defects

Surveyors look for visible signs of wear, tear and damage to a property that may affect the sale price or enable buyers to negotiate a better deal. A survey also involves checks for hidden problems like damp, mould, structural movement, roof defects and utility problems.

Offer professional advice

After your survey, the surveyor will provide a professional analysis of the overall condition of the property and make maintenance recommendations for repairing damage. Some surveys also include an estimate of the repair costs to guide potential buyers and sellers.

File a final report

The surveyor will compile their findings from the survey into a written report. This will include details of the property’s condition, highlighting major issues and recommending maintenance work or further checks if required.

Give a property valuation

Not all home surveys include a property valuation, though most provide a market valuation or an Independent Property Valuation Report. The valuation considers any problems or issues identified in the survey which could assist buyers and sellers when negotiating a price. It also highlights repairs that when fixed could boost the property’s value.

What are surveyors looking for? Final checklist

Whether you’re buying or selling a property, surveyors follow a detailed checklist when carrying out inspections. The key areas they inspect include:

• Structural issues: These include checking for signs of subsidence, roof sagging, structural damage , cracks and more.
• Damp and moisture: They’ll look for rising damp, leaks, mould, condensation and visible signs of water ingress.
• Services and utilities: The condition of your plumbing, electrics, heating system and possibly drains will be inspected.
• Environmental concerns: Checks will be made on potential risks from flooding or other nearby developments that could affect the property.
• Health and safety risks: Such as fire risks, loose flooring, missing safety handrails, inadequate glazing and other safety hazards.

If you’re nervous about a house survey, spotting issues and problems early will help buyers avoid costly repairs and allow sellers to repair problems before listing the building on the property market.

Are you nervous about a house survey? Contact e.surv

All our surveys are carried out by professional, RICS-certified surveyors, putting your mind at ease. If you’re looking for a surveyor to inspect your property, get in touch with e.surv today.