If you’re considering a property purchase in the South of France, you may be wondering when you should get a property survey conducted.
While this will of course depend on the specific circumstances of your property purchase, in general, it’s in your best interests to have a survey conducted as early in the purchasing process as possible.
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Read more: How to Find the Right French Surveyor for Your Needs
A building survey is designed specifically to help buyers identify any issues with the property that may affect their decision to go ahead with the purchase. A home survey may also help you get an accurate mortgage valuation from a mortgage lender. As such, having a survey conducted sooner rather than later will give you plenty of time to address any issues that may emerge in a survey report before you commit to anything.
During this time, you will have the opportunity to negotiate with the seller over any issues that are identified. For example, a house survey may reveal that damp is present in the building (something not uncommon on the French Riviera), or that you will soon need to have a full roof replacement. Being armed with this information in advance will put you in strong position to negotiate on the asking price – or may, indeed, help you decide to pull out of the deal altogether.
Ultimately, the best time to have a home survey conducted will depend on your individual circumstances and the particular details of the purchase. However, it’s always best to consult with a South of France professional property surveyor to determine the best timing and approach for your specific situation.
What Type of House Survey Should I Have Conducted?
There are three main types of survey that you can have done by a RICS chartered surveyor in the South of France – a Level 1 Report, a Level 2 Report, and a Level 3 Report. Each type of survey entails different levels of detail, and each is appropriate for different types of property.
Let’s take a closer look at each one in turn.
Level 1 – The Condition Report
This is the most basic type of survey. It involves a visual inspection of the property to identify any visible defects or issues. This type of survey is most appropriate for relatively new or well-maintained properties, where there are unlikely to be any major issues or defects. A Condition Report can give you peace of mind that there are no major issues with the property, but it may not identify any hidden defects or issues.
Level 2 – The Homebuyer Report
A Homebuyer Report is a more detailed survey than a Level 1 Report. It involves a more thorough inspection of the property, including checking for any signs of damp, subsidence, or other structural issues, the potential costs of ongoing maintenance, and may include a valuation. A Level 2 Report is most appropriate for properties that are more than 10 years old or have had significant alterations or extensions. This type of survey can give you a better understanding of the property’s condition and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed.
Level 3 – The Full Structural Survey
A Full Structural Survey is the most comprehensive type of survey available. It involves a detailed inspection of the property, including checking the structure and foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, and any other major components. A Level 3 Report is most appropriate for house surveys on older properties or properties that need significant repair or renovation. This type of survey can give you a complete understanding of the property’s condition and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed before you purchase the property.
Charles Mackintosh – RICS Chartered South of France Property Surveyor
Buying a property in the Southern France is a dream come true for many. The French Riviera is full outstanding natural beauty, with plenty of golden sandy beaches, cobblestone streets, elegant architecture, art galleries, sand dunes, olive groves and beautiful towns to recommend it. As such, it’s hardly a wonder that the region isn’t just a globally popular holiday destination, but one of the most sought-after places in the world for overseas property buyers.
With so much to offer, however, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of purchasing a property somewhere in a little fishing village, a medieval town, or near the azure glow of the Mediterranean Sea – and make an ill-informed decision. That’s why it’s crucial to seek professional advice from a qualified member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
RICS Chartered Surveyor Charles Mackintosh has over 30 years’ experience living and operating in the South of France. Charles offers a friendly and professional RICS building survey service, specialising in providing highly regarded English language property surveys and advice for overseas buyers. Get in touch today for more information.