What Happens After a House Survey?

After a house survey has been completed, you will receive a report setting out the surveyor’s findings. The report can help you understand the condition of the property and decide whether any further action is needed before exchange.

The next steps may include asking the surveyor questions, obtaining repair quotations, speaking to your solicitor or renegotiating with the seller.

When will you receive the survey report?

The report is prepared after the inspection. The exact turnaround time depends on the survey type, property and surveyor’s workload.

Once received, read the entire report rather than focusing only on the most serious-looking condition ratings. The context and recommendations are important.

What should you do first?

Make a note of anything you do not understand, along with defects that may affect your decision or budget.

You should pay particular attention to:

• Urgent or significant defects
• Recommendations for specialist reports
• Areas requiring repair quotations
• Legal matters to raise with your solicitor
• Potential maintenance liabilities
• Issues that could affect your decision to proceed

Should you speak to the surveyor?

Yes, particularly if you need clarification about the significance of a defect or the next recommended step.

The surveyor may be able to explain whether an issue is relatively common, whether it requires urgent attention and whether further investigation should be arranged.

Should you get repair quotations?

If the survey identifies work that may be expensive, obtaining quotations can help you understand the likely cost.

This is particularly useful for:

• Roof repairs
• Damp or timber work
• Drainage repairs
• Structural investigations
• External wall or render repairs
• Significant window or joinery replacement

Our guide to common survey problems explains some of the defects that frequently require further consideration.

Should you send the report to your solicitor?

You should raise relevant legal and documentary matters with your solicitor. These may relate to extensions, alterations, planning permission, building regulations, boundaries, access rights or leasehold responsibilities.

The surveyor deals with the physical condition of the property, while your solicitor deals with legal ownership and documentation.

What happens if damp is identified?

The appropriate response depends on the likely cause and extent. Further specialist investigation may be recommended where the cause cannot be established during the survey.

You can learn more about possible causes in our guide to damp in properties.

Can you renegotiate after the survey?

Potentially, yes. If substantial and unexpected defects are identified, you may decide to discuss the agreed price with the seller.

Repair quotations can help support the discussion, particularly where the work is likely to involve significant expense.

What if you arranged a Level 3 survey?

A Level 3 Home Survey from Dunford Penrose includes estimated repair costs where appropriate. This can help you understand the possible financial impact and plan your next step.

A Level 2 Home Survey identifies condition issues but does not include the same cost and repair schedule.

What if the survey is mostly reassuring?

A report that identifies no major visible concerns can give you valuable reassurance. It may still contain routine maintenance recommendations, but you can proceed with a better understanding of the property.

What if serious problems are found?

Do not make a rushed decision. First establish what the problem is, whether further investigation is needed and what repairs may cost.

You can then decide whether to:

• Proceed as agreed
• Renegotiate the price
• Request further reports
• Ask the seller to address specific matters
• Withdraw from the purchase

Final thoughts

After receiving a house survey, review the findings carefully and complete any necessary enquiries before exchange.

The report exists to help you make an informed decision. Use it to ask questions, investigate significant concerns and understand the property before becoming legally committed.