What Type of Survey Do I Need When Buying a Property in Cardiff?

Buying a new home in Cardiff is an exciting time. At Fortis Estate Agents, we love seeing our clients find a property they can call home and begin an exciting new chapter.

However, buying a property is about more than simply falling in love with a house. Before committing to what could be one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make, it's important to understand the condition of the property and whether there could be expensive repairs or maintenance issues further down the line.

One of the questions we're often asked by buyers is:

“What type of property survey do I need?”

The answer depends on the property you're buying, its age, construction and condition.

In this guide, we'll explain the different types of home survey available when buying a property in Cardiff, what they cover and why having the right survey could give you greater confidence in your purchase.

Do I Need a Home Survey When Buying a Property?

Technically, you don't have to have a home survey when buying a property in England or Wales.

However, a survey can be a valuable investment, particularly when you're spending a significant amount of money on a property.

A survey could identify issues that aren't immediately obvious during a viewing, such as:

• Damp
• Roof problems
• Structural movement
• Defective windows or doors
• Issues with insulation
• Problems with drainage
• Electrical or plumbing concerns
• General maintenance issues

If significant problems are identified, you'll have a better understanding of the potential costs involved before you proceed with the purchase.

Depending on the circumstances, survey findings may also give you grounds to reconsider your offer or negotiate with the seller, although there is no guarantee that a seller will agree to reduce the price.

In a nutshell: A survey can provide valuable information about the condition of a property before you commit to buying it.

Is a Home Survey a Legal Requirement?

No. A home survey is not a legal requirement when buying a property in Cardiff or elsewhere in Wales.

However, your mortgage lender may arrange a mortgage valuation as part of the mortgage application process.

It's important to understand that a mortgage valuation and your own home survey are not the same thing.

A mortgage valuation is primarily for the lender. Its purpose is to help establish whether the property provides suitable security for the mortgage and whether it appears to be worth the amount being lent.

It isn't designed to give you a detailed assessment of the property's condition.

If you're buying a home, you should therefore consider arranging your own independent survey in addition to any valuation required by your mortgage lender.

Is a Mortgage Valuation the Same as a Home Survey?

No — and this is an important distinction for Cardiff home buyers.

A mortgage valuation is carried out for the lender, while a home survey is commissioned for you, the buyer.

A mortgage valuation isn't intended to identify every defect or potential repair that could affect the property.

A home survey, on the other hand, provides information about the property's condition and can highlight potential problems that may need further investigation.

In a nutshell: Don't assume that because your mortgage lender has arranged a valuation, you've had a full survey carried out on your behalf.

What Type of Property Survey Do I Need?

The appropriate survey will depend on the property you're buying.

RICS Home Surveys are generally available at different levels, allowing buyers to choose an inspection that matches the property and the level of detail they need.

1. RICS Home Survey Level 1

A Level 1 survey provides a basic overview of the property's condition.

It is generally most suitable for conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition. It identifies significant visible defects but doesn't provide the same level of detail as the higher survey levels.

This can be an option for buyers purchasing a relatively modern, conventional property where there are no obvious concerns.

2. RICS Home Survey Level 2

A Level 2 survey provides a more detailed assessment than a Level 1 survey.

It can be suitable for conventional properties that are in reasonable condition, particularly homes built using common construction methods.

The report can highlight defects and potential issues that may require attention and can help you understand the overall condition of the property you're considering buying.

This type of survey may be appropriate for many standard houses and flats across Cardiff, although your surveyor can advise you on the most suitable option.

3. RICS Home Survey Level 3

A Level 3 survey is the most comprehensive of the standard RICS Home Survey levels.

It is generally more suitable for older, larger, unusual or significantly altered properties, or homes where there are concerns about the building's condition.

A Level 3 survey provides a much more detailed assessment of the property's construction and condition and can identify areas where further investigation may be required.

If you're considering buying an older Cardiff property or a home that has undergone substantial alterations, it may be worth discussing whether a Level 3 survey is appropriate with a qualified surveyor.

Which Home Survey Is Best for an Older Property?

If you're buying an older or unusual property in Cardiff, a more detailed survey may be worthwhile.

Older homes can have different construction methods and materials to modern properties, and there may be issues that aren't immediately obvious to an untrained eye.

For example, a period property could have:

• Older roofing materials
• Traditional construction
• Signs of damp
• Previous alterations
• Structural movement
• Outdated services
• Maintenance requirements

A Level 3 survey can provide a much more detailed assessment, but the right choice will depend on the individual property.

Don't simply choose the cheapest survey. Choose the level of inspection that is appropriate for the property you're buying.

What Happens If My Property Survey Finds Problems?

Don't panic.

Discovering issues doesn't automatically mean you should walk away from the property.

Instead, consider what the survey has identified and determine:

Is the issue urgent?

Some problems may require immediate attention, while others could simply be part of the normal maintenance of an older property.

How much could repairs cost?

You may want to obtain quotes from suitably qualified tradespeople to understand the likely cost of putting things right.

Can the problem be investigated further?

A survey may recommend additional specialist inspections. This could be particularly important if the surveyor identifies a potential structural, electrical, roofing or damp-related issue.

Does it change how you feel about the property?

Ultimately, the decision is yours. A survey gives you more information so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.

Choosing a Surveyor

When arranging a survey, make sure you choose an appropriately qualified and experienced professional.

Look for a surveyor who is a member of a recognised professional organisation, such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and check that they offer the type of survey appropriate for the property you're buying.

It's also worth asking exactly what the survey includes before booking.

Buying a Property in Cardiff? Don't Skip the Research

Buying a home is a major financial commitment, so taking the time to understand the property you're purchasing is important.

A survey won't necessarily identify every possible issue, but it can provide valuable information about the condition of the property and highlight areas that may require further investigation.

If you're currently looking for a property to buy in Cardiff, our team at Fortis Estate Agents can help guide you through the buying process and answer questions about the property you're interested in.

While we're not surveyors and can't provide specialist advice on the condition of a property, our local knowledge of the Cardiff property market means we're always happy to help point you in the right direction.

Looking for Your Next Home in Cardiff?

If you're searching for houses for sale in Cardiff, speak to the team at Fortis Estate Agents on 02920 561111 or email hello@fortis.homes.

As local Cardiff estate agents, we're here to help you find your next home and make your move as straightforward as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Surveys

Do I legally need a survey when buying a house in Cardiff?

No. A home survey isn't a legal requirement when buying a property in Cardiff. However, having an independent survey can help you understand the condition of the property before completing your purchase.

Is a mortgage valuation the same as a property survey?

No. A mortgage valuation is primarily carried out for the lender, while a home survey is designed to give the buyer information about the property's condition.

Which survey should I get when buying a house?

The right survey depends on the property's age, construction, condition and whether it has been altered. RICS Home Survey Levels 1, 2 and 3 offer different levels of inspection. A qualified surveyor can advise you on the most appropriate option.

Is a Level 3 survey worth it on an older property?

It can be. Level 3 surveys provide a more detailed assessment and are generally more appropriate for older, larger, unusual or substantially altered properties. Your surveyor can advise whether one is suitable for the property you're buying.

Can I negotiate the property price after a survey?

Potentially. If a survey identifies significant defects or unexpected repair requirements, you may choose to discuss the findings with the seller and consider whether your offer should be revised. However, the seller isn't obliged to accept a lower offer.

Who should carry out my property survey?

Your survey should be carried out by an appropriately qualified and experienced professional. Many buyers choose a surveyor who is a member of RICS, but you should check their qualifications and exactly what is included in the survey before instructing them.