What Happens After a Property Survey?
- Dunham Hale Surveyors
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
Finding out what happens after a property survey is one of the most common questions we are asked, many buyers are unsure what the next steps should be. Receiving the survey report can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly if the report identifies defects or recommends further investigation.
A professional survey is designed to give buyers a clear understanding of the property's condition before they proceed with the purchase. It highlights potential risks, maintenance issues and structural concerns that could affect the property in the future.
Understanding what typically happens after a survey can help buyers use the report effectively and make informed decisions before exchanging contracts.
Buying a property and need a survey?
Receiving the Survey Report
After the inspection has taken place, the surveyor will prepare a detailed written report outlining their findings. This report will normally include:
– A description of the property’s construction
– Observations about the condition of key elements such as the roof, walls and structure
– Identification of defects or areas of concern
– Advice on repairs, maintenance and possible further investigations
– Condition ratings to indicate the seriousness of any issues
For many buyers, this is the first time they fully understand the condition of the property they are purchasing.
Understanding the Condition Ratings
Most modern survey reports use a traffic-light style rating system to help buyers quickly understand the significance of any issues identified.
Typically this includes:
– Condition Rating 1 – No significant repairs required
– Condition Rating 2 – Defects that require attention but are not considered urgent
– Condition Rating 3 – Issues that require urgent repair, health & safety or further investigation.
These ratings help buyers prioritise potential repairs and identify any areas that may require specialist advice.
Discussing the Findings with Your Surveyor
If the report identifies defects or areas of concern, it is often helpful to discuss these with the surveyor directly. A good surveyor will be happy to explain their findings and help you understand the practical implications. They can also advise on:
– The likely seriousness of any defects
– Whether further investigations are recommended
– The potential impact on the property's value
– Possible repair considerations
Unsure what survey you need or want advice before buying?
Negotiating the Purchase Price
One of the most common outcomes of a property survey is price negotiation.
If the survey identifies defects or repairs that were not previously known, buyers may choose to renegotiate the purchase price with the seller. This might include:
– Requesting a reduction in the purchase price
– Asking the seller to carry out repairs before completion
– Requesting further specialist investigations
Survey findings can provide strong evidence when negotiating adjustments to the purchase price.
Arranging Further Investigations
In some cases, the surveyor may recommend further specialist inspections. These could include:
– Structural engineer assessments
– Electrical testing
– Drainage surveys
– Roof inspections
– Damp investigations
Further investigations are recommended when a potential issue requires specialist expertise or more detailed testing.
Deciding Whether to Proceed with the Purchase
After reviewing the survey report and any additional investigations, buyers must decide whether to proceed with the purchase.
In many cases the survey simply highlights maintenance issues that are common in residential properties. However, occasionally a survey may identify significant structural problems that could influence the buyer’s decision.
Having this information before exchange of contracts allows buyers to make an informed decision.
Planning Future Repairs and Maintenance
Even if the purchase proceeds without renegotiation, the survey report can still be extremely valuable. Many buyers use the report as a maintenance guide, helping them prioritise repairs and plan improvements once they move into the property.
This can be particularly helpful for older homes, where ongoing maintenance is often required.
Property Surveys by Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors
At Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors, we provide professional RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Reports and RICS Level 3 Building Surveys for property buyers across London, Manchester and surrounding areas.
Our surveys are designed to give buyers clear, practical advice so they fully understand the condition of the property before making one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.
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