Valuations & Surveys

We aim to provide you with a professional, reliable and knowledgeable service at a competitive rate. To discuss your individual requirements, please e-mail surveyors@jeremyleaf.co.uk.

We carry out valuations for mortgage, probate, investment and other purposes as well as RICS Homebuyer and Building Surveys. Our clients include many of the major lenders, financial institutions, companies and private individuals. Inspections are made over a wide area of North, West and Central London and the Home Counties and are generally undertaken within a few days of receiving an instruction.

1) VALUATIONS

Building societies, banks and financial institutions lending money for house purchase usually require a written valuation report before making a mortgage offer on a property. A valuation is not a survey. It is a property inspection undertaken for the sole purpose of deciding on the amount and terms of any loan.

As a rule, buyers pay for the valuation to be carried out and are usually given a copy of the report. However, the extent of the inspection is limited when compared to a survey and no potential buyer should rely solely on the information provided by the valuation before deciding whether or not to buy a particular property.

2) SURVEYS

There are two types of survey- an RICS Homebuyers Survey / Valuation Report and a Building Survey. Either survey undertaken by one of our Chartered Surveyors provides buyers with a detailed opinion about each property. The inspection should be carried out prior to entering into any financial commitment.

Where previously unforeseen problems are identified, the purchase price may be renegotiated to reflect the need for short or longer-term repairs as well as any inconvenience or disturbance involved. If required, the surveyor will try to discuss the contents with the client before the report is issued especially if there is concern over certain aspects of the property or the ability to improve/extend it in future, for example, as well as the valuation.

a) RICS Homebuyers Survey and Valuation Report

This is produced in standard format but intended only for particular types of property which are conventional in design and construction yet apparently in reasonable condition. These reports concentrate on the essentials, i.e. the urgent and that which may have a subsequent effect on value and / or occupation. The Homebuyers Report is more limited in terms of information but less costly than a Building Survey.

b) Building Survey

This is suitable for all residential properties and providing a fuller picture of construction and condition, particularly if the property is of unusual character or design. The cost is higher than for a Home Buyers Report because a Building Survey is more comprehensive and includes technical information on construction matters as well as greater details of defects. A valuation can be provided as an extra by arrangement.