Can a House Survey Fail?
House surveys do not technically pass or fail, but a survey can identify serious defects or repair concerns that may change how you feel about the property purchase.
Does a house survey pass or fail a property?
A house survey is not normally a pass-or-fail test. The surveyor's role is to inspect the visible condition of the property, identify defects and explain where further action may be appropriate.
Quick answer
A property does not technically “fail” a house survey. Instead, the report may identify significant defects, maintenance concerns or areas requiring further investigation. You then decide what those findings mean for your purchase.
What can make buyers think a survey has “failed”?
Some findings can be serious enough that a buyer decides not to proceed, but that decision belongs to the buyer rather than the surveyor.
Significant dampness
Extensive visible dampness, deterioration or related defects may require specialist investigation or substantial remedial work.
Cracking or movement
Visible cracking or distortion may require further investigation where the surveyor cannot establish the cause during the inspection.
Major roof defects
Poor roof condition, deterioration or significant maintenance requirements can create substantial future expenditure.
Extensive repairs
A combination of defects may result in repair costs that materially change how attractive the purchase appears to the buyer.
What should you do if a survey finds serious problems?
A serious finding does not automatically mean you should withdraw from the purchase.
Depending on the issue, you may want to obtain specialist advice, request contractor quotations, discuss the findings with your solicitor or ask the seller further questions.
Our guide to what happens after a house survey explains the process in more detail.
Can you renegotiate after a bad survey?
Potentially. If the survey identifies significant defects or expensive repair requirements, you may decide to discuss the findings with the seller.
This could involve asking the seller to address a problem, obtaining quotations or proposing a revised purchase price.
Read our full guide: Can You Renegotiate After a Survey?
Can a Level 2 or Level 3 Survey find serious defects?
Yes. Both survey types can identify visible condition concerns.
Dunford Penrose carries out the same level of property inspection for both Level 2 and Level 3 Surveys.
The Level 3 report provides more detailed reporting and includes estimated repair costs where appropriate.
What problems commonly appear in house surveys?
Common findings can range from relatively routine maintenance to more significant defects.
Examples include dampness, roof deterioration, damaged rainwater goods, cracking, timber issues, poor ventilation and maintenance problems.
See our Common Issues Found in Surveys and Common Property Problems guides for more examples.
More help understanding survey findings
Visit the Property Survey Help Centre for guidance on defects, survey reports and what to do before exchange.
House Survey Problems FAQs
Can a house fail a survey?
No. A survey does not technically pass or fail a property. It reports defects and condition concerns so the buyer can make an informed decision.
What happens if a survey finds serious problems?
You may choose to obtain specialist advice, get repair quotations, raise enquiries, renegotiate or reconsider the purchase.
Should I pull out after a bad survey?
That is a decision for the buyer. The survey provides information about the property's condition so you can consider the risks, costs and any further advice required.
Can a survey reduce the house price?
A survey does not determine the sale price, but significant findings may lead a buyer to discuss the agreed price or repair requirements with the seller.
Buying a property and need a survey?
Arrange an independent survey so you can understand the condition of the property before you become legally committed to the purchase.
