Home surveys

Our Countrywide home survey reports provide home buyers and renters with information on the condition of a property, plus repairs and maintenance advice to assist in making a decision on whether to purchase the property or not.

We offer four types of home survey:

• HomeFact Report
• RICS Home Survey - Level 2 (previously RICS HomeBuyer Survey)
• RICS Home Survey - Level 2 & Valuation (previously RICS HomeBuyer Survey & Valuation)
• RICS Home Survey - Level 3 (previously RICS Building Survey)

Alternatively if you would prefer to talk to one of our friendly survey support team please call 08081 698400

Once you have booked a survey to be carried out, our surveyor will contact you to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Which survey is right for you?

Buying a residential property, whether as a home or as a business opportunity can be a significant financial commitment. Ensuring the property is of a suitable type and condition makes sense and may help to avoid a costly decision.

Did you know that a mortgage valuation is only commissioned to satisfy your bank or building society of the financial viability of the loan decision? It does not provide adequate advice and reassurance to you as a purchaser.

Choosing Countrywide to undertake a property survey on your behalf might save you many thousands of pounds whilst providing you with peace of mind about your new property.

HomeFact Report

HomeFact is our property condition report designed to offer you essential information about the home you are buying. It will help you understand your new home better - its condition both inside and out, and what you need to do to maintain it.

Report features:

• Colour coded and easy to follow.
• Photographs of any major concerns.
• Summary of risks and legal matters.
• Local area information, such as crime statistics, schools, shopping and recreation.
• Jargon buster and maintenance tips for looking after your home once it’s yours.
• Digitally interactive.

Service exclusions

• Property is built before 1800
• 6 or more bedrooms
• Property has an annex

RICS Home Survey - Level 2 (previously RICS Homebuyer Survey)

This survey is available on most conventionally constructed properties that are in reasonable condition. It includes the following:

• Clear ‘traffic light’ ratings of the condition of the different parts of the building, a review of the services connected, garden areas, garage and outbuildings including advice on repairs and on-going maintenance.
• A summary of risks affecting the property.
• Identification of issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions.
• A summary of the legal issues which should be investigated before completing a purchase.

Service exclusions

• Property is built before 1800

RICS Home Survey - Level 2 & Valuation (previously RICS HomeBuyer Survey & Valuation)

Our most popular survey is also available with a valuation. It includes the following:

• Clear ‘traffic light’ ratings of the condition of the different parts of the building, a review of the services connected, garden areas, garage and outbuildings including advice on repairs and on-going maintenance.
• A summary of risks affecting the property.
• Identification of issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions.
• Our surveyor’s professional opinion on the value of the property, plus a sum for building reinstatement for insurance purposes.
• A summary of the legal issues which should be investigated before completing a purchase.

RICS Home Survey - Level 3 (previously RICS Building Survey)

Our flagship survey and ideal if you are purchasing a larger, older or more unusual property, including one that has been significantly altered or extended. It’s also suitable for properties in obviously poor condition and may be helpful if are planning to carry out alterations. It will provide you with the following:

• A more thorough and extensive inspection and a detailed report covering a wider range of issues.
• Detailed description of the construction of the property.
• Description and advice on the visible defects and potential problem areas.
• An outline of repair options and indication of the consequences if matters are not dealt with.
• Additional advice on energy efficiency.
• Identification of legal issues that need to be investigated before completing a purchase.