Surveys – what you need to know
Having a survey carried out on a property before you commit to buying it makes financial sense, as it can save you thousands of pounds in repair bills. There are various options available, and we can offer help and advice on choosing the type that meets your needs.
A mortgage valuation isn’t the same as a structural survey. A mortgage valuation is undertaken by your lender to assess whether the property you want to buy is sufficient security for your loan. It won’t tell you about the state of the property or show up any underlying faults in the way that a survey does.
There are two main accrediting bodies for surveyors – the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) – and you should check that your surveyor is a member of one of them.
RICS surveyors offer three levels of survey:
| Type of survey available | Scope |
|---|---|
| RICS Condition report | This is the most basic form of survey and is aimed at new build and conventional homes in good condition. |
| RICS Homebuyer Report | The next level up, this will identify structural problems and common problems such as subsidence or damp |
| RICS Building Survey | The most comprehensive survey, this covers a full inspection and give professional advice on any repairs that may be required and the likely costs involved. |
Why your credit score matters
Mortgage lenders look carefully at how you manage your finances when assessing your mortgage application. If you want to qualify for a competitive mortgage rate, then you need to have a good credit rating. When a potential lender reviews your application, they’ll look at your credit report at one or more of the main credit reference agencies like Experian or Equifax.
Generally, the higher your credit score, the better your chances of getting a good mortgage product at a lower interest rate.
Simple steps like paying your utility bills and making existing loan repayments on time, increasing your monthly credit card repayments, registering on the Electoral Roll and not taking on additional borrowing before you make your mortgage application, can help improve your chances of having a good credit score.
It pays to check your credit score. If it’s not as good as it could be, take steps to improve it before you make your mortgage application.
What are the main stages in buying a property?
Here are the major milestones in the house buying process:
- Contact your adviser to discuss your plans
- With your adviser, work out how much you can afford
- Draw up a budget to cover legal costs, surveys and mortgage fees
- Make your application and get a mortgage agreed in principle
- Start looking for a property you can afford
- Make an offer
- Arrange the most suitable protection plans with your adviser
- Expect your lender to arrange a mortgage valuation on the property
- Appoint a solicitor or conveyancer who will start the searches and legal work
- Arrange a survey, in Scotland review the Home Report and arrange a survey if necessary
- Finalise your offer and agree your formal mortgage offer
- Arrange to get your deposit to your solicitor
- Exchange contracts (England and Wales) or agree the contract (Scotland)
- Arrange buildings insurance to start from date of exchange of contracts
- Arrange completion and pay Stamp Duty if applicable
- Move in
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