Home Buyer Reports

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Buying a property is fraught with risk. Not least the chance that it may have hidden defects, so home buyer reports are a Level 2 survey designed to look for and highlight any defects present. A home buyers report is not as comprehensive as a full structural survey, but for most properties, it is sufficiently detailed.

What are Defect Diagnosis in London?

An important element of Home Buyer Reports includes Defect diagnosis, the process of identifying issues and faults in a property during the process of buying a home in London. It involves a detailed inspection of the property to look for defects, areas of concern, and potential problems by a qualified RICS surveyor. This is an important part of due diligence when purchasing a home, and the reason why home buyer’s reports are recommended.

Knowing about potential defects ahead of time allows buyers to make an informed decision and potentially re-negotiate on price if significant issues are found.

Common Building Defects in London Properties

Some of the most common building defects revealed in Home Buyer Reports that are found in London properties include:

  • Damp and mould growth – London’s wet climate makes damp a frequent issue, often caused by poor ventilation, leaking pipes, or poorly installed/missing damp proofing. This can lead to mould growth and deterioration over time.
  • Structural movement – London’s clay soil is prone to shifting, resulting in cracks and a loss of structural integrity. Subsidence is a particular concern.
  • Asbestos – This hazardous material was widely used in construction until 1999 and may be present in older buildings.
  • Japanese knotweed – This invasive plant can cause damage to properties and is difficult to eradicate. 
  • Outdated electrics – Old wiring, fuse boxes, and insufficient sockets and lights for modern needs.
  • Faulty plumbing – Leaking pipes, poor water pressure, outdated fittings, and corrosion damage are common plumbing issues.
  • Roofing problems – Faulty flashing, loose tiles, sagging gutters, and wear and tear over time can cause leaks.
  • Timber defects – Wet rot, woodworm, and other decay issues are prevalent in older buildings.

How a Home Buyer Report Can Save You Money

A home buyer’s report can potentially save buyers a lot of money in the long run by identifying issues early. This allows buyers to:

  • Renegotiate the price to reflect required repairs and the true value of the property.
  • Create a budget for any immediate repairs needed.
  • Factor in future maintenance and improvement costs. 
  • Avoid nasty surprises down the road that become more expensive problems to fix.
  • Make informed decisions about taking on a property or walking away from a money pit. Paying a few hundred pounds for a defect diagnosis could save tens of thousands in unseen costs.

When to Get a Home Buyer Report and Defect Diagnosis for Your Property

The ideal time to get a defect diagnosis is after having an offer accepted on a property but before contracts have been exchanged. This allows time to complete the checks, engage a surveyor to carry out a home buyer’s report, and incorporate their findings into the negotiation.

Defect diagnosis can also benefit sellers. Identifying any issues early on allows time for repairs to increase the home’s value before listing. Sellers can also use a defect diagnosis report to demonstrate to buyers that potential issues have already been investigated. 

Finally, a home buyer’s report is recommended for any home over 10 years old. Older properties are more likely to have hidden issues that may not be immediately obvious upon regular inspection.

Finding Defect Diagnosis Experts in London

There are a number of options for finding qualified professionals to carry out a defect diagnosis on a London property:

  • Ask estate agents for recommended surveyors or home buyers’ specialists.
  • Search online review sites like Trustpilot for highly rated defect diagnosis firms. 
  • Contact RICS or The Property Care Association to find certified surveyors.
  • Ask solicitors for referrals to surveyors they have worked with previously.

Look for surveyors with extensive experience of London properties, such as TCL. For peace of mind, work with an RICS surveyor.

A thorough defect diagnosis from an experienced surveyor provides peace of mind and can potentially save huge sums over the long run when buying a London property. 

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