Home Condition Survey (HCS)

Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions that most people will make. The Home Condition Survey (HCS) provides the potential buyer with an independent report from which an informed decision can be made about the condition of property under consideration for purchase.

Studies by Which? show that without a survey 1 in 4 homebuyers find that they have to make repairs costing on average £2500.00, that would have been identified in a detailed survey, and that for 1 in 10 the cost is in excess of £10,000.00. Despite this 4 out of 5 people do not commission a survey on the property which they are considering buying, often mistakenly thinking that their lender’s valuation report is a survey, which it is not. For those that do commission a survey then there is an average asking price reduction of £2000.00.

The HCS is an objective report, based on factual information about the condition and construction of the property. Each element of the building is surveyed and given a condition rating to make the report clear, concise and unambiguous for the layperson. The HCS will provide a detailed report on:

· Any structural movement
· Alterations
· Building condition and defects
· Dampness
· Drains
· Environmental issues
· Health and safety risks to people and property
· Heating and Electrical services
· Issues relevant to legal advisors
· Reinstatement cost figure for insurance purposes.
· Areas or issues which require further specialist investigation

In order to prodcue a HCS a surveyor must be a member of a Certification Scheme. Building and Property Surveys Ltd. are members of the BRE Certification Scheme, one of the most respected and trusted schemes in the market. Membership of the scheme ensures that the surveyor adheres to professional standards, codes of conduct and procedures, is suitably qualified to conduct the survey and produce the report, has a suitable complaints procedure in place, and holds the appropriate professonal indemnity insurance to undertake the work.

Please contact us for further information, or to discuss your particular requirements, or to view a sample of a HCS.