1. E.
UK
A guide to
our services
Professional, independent property advice
Part of the LSL Property Services plc Group
2. Do you own a house, or are you buying a new home?
Looking for your first property, or a portfolio investment?
There are lots of different situations when it comes to
property, but as independent property experts it’s our
job to help you make better property decisions.
Buying a house?
Buying a house is one of the most important financial decisions of your life. Surveys and
valuations are an essential part of any home purchase; they provide information to ensure
your sale proceeds without difficulty. In this guide we aim to set out clearly the differences
between the surveying products available to you when buying your next home.
“As a surveyor, I love
talking customers
through their survey
and making sure they
fully understand it.”
VICKI LAWSON MRICS CHARTERED SURVEYOR
CENTRAL LONDON
If you’re buying or selling a property in Scotland, the process is different to the rest of the UK.
Scottish Home Reports came into force as part of legislative changes in 2008, and our e.surv
Scotland team can help with every aspect of homebuying following these changes.
Wherever you’re buying, if you’re choosing a brand new property from a housebuilder, then
as part of your purchase you have up to two years to submit your snagging list of defects for
them to rectify. Make sure you identify every fault with your brand new home with a
professional snagging report prepared by a fully qualified surveyor before you move in
to avoid issues later down the line when your warranty has expired.
Existing home owner?
Once you’ve bought your new home or investment property, it’s important to protect your
purchase. Houses are living, breathing objects that change over time. PropertyCare is a
product uniquely designed by e.surv to help homeowners understand how their home has
changed over time, and help budget for unexpected repair costs following the inspection.
When buying a property on a leasehold tenure, it is part of the conveyancing process
to check the length of time remaining on that lease. Most people are unaware that the lease
will require an application to renew, and that this is a process which requires expert advice.
At e.surv, we’re confident in arranging lease extension valuations as part of the process of
extending a lease, and we’ll negotiate with your freeholder on your behalf.
So whether you’re buying a new home, or you
already own a property, we’re sure we can provide
you with the right products to help you make the most
of your property.
3. Surveying products
Surveys are professional reports carried out by fully qualified surveyors to give you
independent advice on the condition of your new home. Many purchasers still wrongly rely
on their lender’s mortgage valuation for this information. In fact, the mortgage valuation is
a report a lender requires to approve the loan for your purchase, and is not designed to give
you reassurances on the condition of the property you are looking to purchase.
Here’s a summary of the four survey and valuation products, and what
they offer:
Mortgage Valuation:
RICS Condition Report:
A Mortgage Valuation Report is prepared for your lender to help them decide if your new
home is one that they want to secure a loan against. The lender’s Mortgage Valuation only
answers the questions your lender has as to whether the property offers suitable security for
your loan. It doesn’t answer questions that may be important to you about the condition of
the property you’re looking to buy.
The RICS Condition Report gives a clear and concise “snap shot” of the condition of your
potential purchase on the date of inspection. This is your survey report, prepared
independently for you and not your lender. The RICS Condition Report is a survey which
includes an inspection of your home. There is also a section which provides you with advice
for your conveyancer, with a clear summary of the key risks associated with purchasing your
new property. The report uses a simple traffic light (red, amber, green) colour coding system to
rate individual elements of the property, and highlight any areas of concern. The report covers
all aspects of the property, risks and legal considerations.
When a surveyor carries out a Mortgage Valuation for your lender they will only alert them to
the issues with your property that have a material impact on the lending decision. What this
means is that they may not include any defects within the property that could be significant
to you. This is why it is always recommended that anyone looking to buy a property requests
their own independent survey which clearly describes all of the defects relating to the
property before committing to a purchase.
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Prepared for your lender
Concise report
Focused on the lender’s requirements
Limited questions
Liability to purchaser restricted
Want to learn more? Visit esurv.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 169 9661
The RICS Condition Report provides you with an overview that will help you understand the
construction of the property you are buying, any serious problems needing attention and any
areas of further investigation that need to be undertaken prior to commitment to purchase.
This survey type is an economic report that provides you with important information that a
Mortgage Valuation does not.
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Prepared for you as the buyer
Victorian to modern property styles
Urgent and serious defects
Matters for conveyancer
Risks associated with purchase
No advice on what to do next
No valuation or rebuilding cost
Buy with confidence visit esurv.co.uk or give us a call at 0800 169 9661
4. RICS HomeBuyer Report:
Building Survey:
The RICS HomeBuyer Report provides information on the condition of your property and advice
to your conveyancer. What the RICS HomeBuyer Report has in addition to The RICS Condition
Report is our professional advice on the issues that may affect the value of your property, plus
a market valuation and insurance reinstatement cost. There will also be a dedicated section to
provide advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance requirements.
The Building Survey is the most detailed survey we offer. It is particularly suited to older
buildings, those of an unusual construction, or those with major extensions or alterations. The
Building Survey is also the best choice where you know there are significant defects that need
attention. The report will provide details on the materials and methods of construction, advice
on defects, and the appropriate repair options. Where The RICS HomeBuyer Report is suited to
modern properties of standard construction, the Building Survey is specifically designed for
properties of virtually any age, style or condition.
The report uses the RICS red, amber, green colour coding system, just like The RICS Condition
Report, and may pick up issues including damp, timber and structural movement.
This report is perfect for providing you with detailed information on the most urgent or serious
issues with your potential purchase. When you receive your report the defects of your property
will be highlighted, so this means you’ll be able to judge the value of your purchase in line with
any budget you may need for future works. Investing in a RICS HomeBuyer Report before
purchasing your home will help you predict what any future maintenance expenditure, plus
repair or restoration costs may be.
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Prepared for you as the buyer
Victorian to modern property styles
Urgent and serious defects
Matters for conveyancer
Risks associated with purchase
Advice on what to do next
Valuation and rebuilding cost
Want to learn more? Visit esurv.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 169 9661
Many older properties have distinct needs in terms of how they must be looked after and their
components need a different approach to more modern buildings. It is essential to understand
this in order to preserve and enhance the value of your investment. Listed buildings or those in
conservation areas need specific care and use of correct materials and techniques.
If you are planning to purchase an older property that’s run down, or a building that has had
major alterations, then this is the report for you. If you have plans to alter the structure of the
property this can often form part of the advice provided. If you plan to make a substantial
investment in a property of age or character, then this report is an important safeguard.
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Prepared for you as the buyer
Any age of property
Detailed appraisal
Matters for conveyancer
Comprehensive advice
Valuation and rebuilding cost
Buy with confidence visit esurv.co.uk or give us a call at 0800 169 9661
5. Product Matrix
Compare our products side-by-side to see which type of report is right for you.
Mortgage
Valuation
RICS
Condition Report
RICS
HomeBuyer Report
Building
Survey
Mortgage
Valuation
Completed by a fully qualified
Surveyor
Building
Survey
An Inspection
Suitable for you
RICS
HomeBuyer Report
Includes:
Suitable for your lender i.e. tells them
whether the property is a suitable
security for your mortgage
RICS
Condition Report
Highlights parts needing urgent
attention
Tells you the condition rating of the
property
Clear traffic light ratings
Advice to your legal advisors
Helps you identify possible problems
that could help with price negotiations
Professional advice from your surveyor
e.g. ongoing repairs and maintenance
Will help you avoid expensive repairs
after completion
Market valuation
Suitable for any property
Building reinstatement costs for
insurance purposes
Suitable for properties 1850 - to date
and standard construction
Comprehensive report on construction
and defects
Ideal for sellers
You can see what other customers said about our surveying products
by reading their reviews on our website. Take a look at www.esurv.co.uk
Aftersales Support:
Helpline
Speak to the surveyor before the
inspection
Speak to the surveyor before and after
the inspection
Read customer
reviews at
www.esurv.co.uk
Want to learn more? Visit esurv.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 169 9661
Buy with confidence visit esurv.co.uk or give us a call at 0800 169 9661
6. New Build Snagging Report
Buying a new build property has many advantages, such as having the freedom
to choose fixtures and fittings and the perfect plot for your individual
circumstances. But a new build property is never perfect, and developers ask
homebuyers to prepare what is known commonly as a Snagging Report of the
faults they find at their new home.
Some homebuyers feel confident enough in their own ability to identify defects to prepare the
Snagging Report themselves. However, it is often useful to arrange for a professional surveyor
to complete the report ahead of you moving in so that the defects can be corrected at the
final stage of build.
“A survey from us will
give you professional
advice on the condition
of the property you
want to buy.”
You have up to two years in which to submit your list of defects, or Snagging Report to your
housebuilder. If you select e.surv to carry out your Snagging Report on your behalf then a fully
qualified RICS surveyor will be sent to your new property to identify any faults that your
housebuilder may have missed. They will confirm whether the property has been finished to
an acceptable build standard, as well as listing any defects to be rectified before you complete
your purchase.
Once your report is completed you will receive a copy of this by email, and
a copy will be posted to you to pass on to your housebuilder.
Price
Flats
From £160 inc VAT
Houses
GARY WINGROVE MRICS CHARTERED SURVEYOR WARWICK
Types of property
From £185 inc VAT
Please
call for a
quotation
Want to learn more? Visit esurv.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 169 9661
Buy with confidence visit esurv.co.uk or give us a call at 0800 169 9661
7. Scottish Home Reports
In 2008, the law changed so that most properties marketed for sale in Scotland
must be presented with a Home Report. The Home Report consists of three
documents: The Single Survey, The Energy Report and The Property Questionnaire.
The Single Survey
The Single Survey provides potential buyers with information about the condition of the
property, and gives an indication of value. Using the information from this report, potential
purchasers can make an informed decision about whether or not to make an offer. As part
of the Single Survey, an Accessibility Audit is included, which provides information on the
accessible features of the property. This helps parents with young children, elderly people,
and those with disabilities decide whether the property will be suitable when considering
future living arrangements.
The Property Questionnaire
This element of the Home Report brings together useful information on the facilities and
services at the property. Solicitors, surveyors and potential homebuyers will all rely on this
information to highlight any potential areas for further investigation as early as possible in
the transaction. Information typically includes council tax banding, parking facilities, and the
availability of gas and electricity at the property.
The Energy Report
Every property will have an energy rating, which provides information on its impact on the
environment. This report will highlight the areas within a property where potential energy
savings could be made, and general recommendations on energy efficiency.
You should note that a Home Report has a valuation which is only valid for three
months. Therefore it will be necessary to arrange a Replacement Home Report
after this time once a buyer has been found, or sooner if there are any significant
changes to the property.
Want to learn more? Visit esurvscotland.co.uk or give us a call on 0141 418 1008
Buy with confidence visit esurvscotland.co.uk or give us a call at 0141 418 1008
8. London Specialists
As the country’s largest surveying practice, we have a wealth of experience in property
surveys and valuations, whether they are for home purchases, investment or key life
milestones. Our London specialists are local experts, having worked in the capital for many
years. They are attuned to the unique market cycles, property types and common obstacles
faced with London property.
Buying in London?
If you’re buying a new property in London, as either an investor or owner occupier, then
it’s important to consider having a survey as part of the homebuying process. Refer to our
survey and valuation product information at the start of this guide to find out more about
these products.
The e.surv Capital team is also experienced in offering acquisition advice if you’re new to
buying in London, or moving to a new part of the city. To find out more about how acquisition
advice can give you a better insight into the area you’re considering purchasing in, please visit
the e.surv Capital website.
Selling in London?
The London property market is fiercely competitive, and the e.surv Capital team is
knowledgeable in offering pre sale appraisals to help homeowners get their properties
ready for marketing in order to achieve the best possible selling price.
Existing homeowners in London
Extending a lease protects the saleability of a property, and if extended sooner rather than
later ensures a lower premium can be negotiated. Please see our guide on lease extensions
over the page to find out more about lease extensions.
Properties suffer from general wear and tear, and change over time. Whilst you may check
your property’s condition aesthetically for any tell-tale signs, only having your property
professionally inspected will give you an independent view of the true condition of your
property. The e.surv Capital team helps homeowners living in London maintain a healthy
home, offering advice on energy efficiency, and providing likely repair costs for defects
identified in order to help budget for necessary maintenance works.
Meet our London specialists and find out more about the services they offer
by visiting esurvcapital.co.uk
Want to learn more? Visit esurvcapital.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 169 9661
Buy with confidence visit esurvcapital.co.uk or give us a call at 0800 169 9661
9. Meet your local surveyor
From Penzance to Inverness, we have
more than 400 dedicated local surveyors
throughout the UK, with specialist
teams in London and Scotland. Visit
www.esurv.co.uk/faces and enter your
postcode to find your local surveyor, or
if you know a surveyor personally or by
recommendation, you can enter a name
to view their professional profile.
“Understanding
the condition of
the property you’re
looking to buy should
be important
to you; it is to us.”
TOM MCLEAN ASSOC RICS SURVEYOR
HUDDERSFIELD
When buying your property, have it properly checked by a professional. Many purchasers still
wrongly rely on a lender’s mortgage valuation thinking it’s a survey, when unfortunately this
isn’t the case.
0800 169 9661
www.esurv.co.uk/faces
10. Lease extension
PropertyCare
When you purchased your leasehold property, you’ll have been made aware of
the time left on your lease term. What you may not have realised is that leases
are not automatically renewed when they expire, and you need to make an
application to your freeholder to extend or renew your lease.
General wear and tear and changeable weather conditions can soon turn into
serious issues for your home, and your wallet. But, if you catch them in time you
can easily stop costs spiraling out of control.
If you’ve owned your property for more than two years then you are able to start the lease
extension process, and the sooner you do the less it will cost you. If you choose not to extend
your lease then this will have a serious impact on the value of your property, and may impact
on your ability to sell it in the future, as mortgage companies require a minimum term to
remain on a lease as part of their lending criteria. Having a short lease may also impact on
your ability to remortgage your property.
Find out more about the process for extending your lease and how we can help.
More information on lease extension is available on our website, or you can talk
to one of e.surv’s lease extension specialists by calling 0800 169 9661.
You can stop unexpected costs now by arranging an e.surv PropertyCare inspection for
your home. This report is designed to give you a detailed picture of the condition of your
house, expert advice on solving any current problems, and helpful guidance on maintaining a
healthy property for your future.
• Obtain a clear picture of the condition of your home
• Identify the areas of immediate concern and those that you should keep an eye on
over the next few years
• Avoid defects worsening and costs escalating, and help budget for repair work
• Expert advice on solving current problems and future maintenance
PropertyCare
for Landlords
If you’re a landlord with an investment portfolio, solving problems when they are raised by
tenants or managing agents can be costly. With PropertyCare it is possible that by having
your properties regularly inspected by a fully qualified surveyor you can keep unexpected
maintenance bills at bay. This can also help you create a cyclical maintenance plan for the
costs over the coming years.
ra n c e •
ra n te e d
su
ty
r
Want to learn more? Visit esurv.co.uk or give us a call on 0800 169 9661
ua
P ro p e
Helpful
advice
on lease
extension
G
Visit our dedicated PropertyCare website for more information on this report
type, and also to find useful information on common property defects.
C a re A s
Buy with confidence visit propertycareplus.com or give us a call at 0800 169 9661
11. For more information
please visit the Information Centre
on our website www.esurv.co.uk
thinkGreen
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Regulated by RICS
Part of the LSL Property Services plc Group
e.surv Ltd. Lahnstein House, Gold Street, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8AP.
Registered in England, Company No: 2264161. Regulated by RICS
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