You’ve found your dream home in the South of France. Before you buy, however, you need to have the building thoroughly checked over by a professional. The best way to do this is by commissioning a Homebuyers survey report. In this post, we’re going to take a close look at a Homebuyers survey checklist to see exactly what’s covered in this report.
What Is a Homebuyers Survey?
There are three main types of survey report you can have conducted. These are:
- Condition report
- Homebuyer report
- Full Structural Survey
Read more: What Type of House Survey Do You Need in the South of France?
Also known as a Level 2 RICS Survey, a Homebuyer report is essentially a health check on the property. More detailed than a Condition report, yet not as in-depth as a Full Structural Survey, a Homebuyer survey is an independent review of all visible and accessible parts of a property, and is ideal for homes in reasonable condition that have not had significant remedial works done to them.
Homebuyers Survey Checklist – What’s Covered in a Homebuyers Report?
A Homebuyers survey report includes the following items:
- A visual inspection of all major interior and exterior features, including walls, ceilings, roofs, bathrooms, kitchens, windows, plus all permanent outbuildings
- A background check on the property and its location
- A full assessment of drainage systems, as well as insulation and damp-proofing
- Damp tests on walls
- An inspection of the condition of the building’s timbers
- Inspections of heating, electricity, and gas/oil to confirm they are all functional
- The identification of any problems that may impact the property’s value
- Full fault assessment that may require further investigation by a specialist – such as signs of subsidence
- Details of major or urgent problems that require immediate action – for example, a suspected gas leak
- Current valuation
Your professional surveyor will work from a checklist that contains all these items and will note the condition of each of the various aspects of the property. This information will then be written up in a Homebuyers survey report and presented to you for consideration before you make an official offer on the property.
What’s Not Included in a Homebuyers Report?
The Homebuyer report is not the most comprehensive survey report available. As such, it does not cover the following:
- Inspections to parts of the property that are not immediately visible
- Any communal areas – for example, the lift in an apartment building
- In-depth inspections of electrics, gas, plumbing, drainage, and heating systems (however, the report will advise you on what to do and who to contact if a problem is suspected)
- Temporary outbuildings
Even though it does not cover absolutely everything, a Homebuyers survey is a great option if the property is relatively new and appears to be in good condition.
However, if you are concerned about anything and worried it won’t be covered in a Homebuyers report, it may be worth investing in a Full Structural Survey instead.
Read more: How to Conduct a Full Structural Survey in the South of France
Charles Mackintosh: South of France Property Surveyor
If you’re looking for a property surveyor in the South of France, then look no further.
Charles Mackintosh is a RICS chartered surveyor who has lived and worked in the region for over 30 years, providing highly revered English-language property surveys and advice for overseas buyers.
Get in touch today for more information.