What is a Pre-Purchase House Survey?

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A ‘Pre-Purchase Survey’ is a detailed internal and external inspection of an apartment or dwelling house to assess its condition and to determine whether there are any defects present which could potentially have a substantial cost implication to repair or affect a Purchaser’s decision to proceed and complete the sale.

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It is frequently referred to as a ‘Structural Survey’, ‘Building Inspection’ or ‘Home Survey’ and is carried out on behalf of the potential purchaser of a property. The building elements typically considered during a Pre-Purchase Survey are listed below.

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Pre-Purchase Surveys are usually carried out prior to the signing of final contract documentation at the ‘Sale Agreed’ stage and are usually considered mandatory by Solicitors and lending institutions as they highlight any Planning or Building Regulation compliance issues and detail the extent of any remedial works required to refurbish a property or structural repairs.

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The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland broadly categorises building surveys as being either ‘Type 1, 2 or 3’. We carry out ‘Type 2’ surveys on all properties inspected and is the most detailed inspection possible without carrying out opening up works. Type 3 building surveys would only be allowed in exceptional circumstances as a follow-on to a Type 2 survey when further investigation to establish the cause of a defect is required.

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Why is a Pre-Purchase House Survey important?

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Pre-Purchase Surveys are usually carried out prior to the signing of final contract documentation and are very frequently required by solicitors and lending institutions as they will highlight any planning or building regulation compliance issues and detail the extent of any remedial works required to refurbish a property or carry out any structural repairs. 

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You do not need to get a survey done on the house you are buying. But a survey can help you avoid expensive and unwanted surprises, like an unexpected rewiring job, as well as give you peace of mind by telling you that those hairline cracks don’t mean the house is falling down. Given the high cost of buying a property, it is a small cost to have the reassurance of an independent Chartered Engineer looking to survey the property. 

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With the information from the survey, you might reconsider whether to buy the property or use the unbiased information you have to renegotiate the price. If you find for example it needs €25,000 for roof repairs, it is reasonable to ask for €25,000 off the price. Alternatively, you might ask the seller to fix the problems before you buy. We would particularly recommend a survey if:

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• You have any specific worries about any part of the property,

• You feel unsure about what sort of condition the property is in,

• You are looking to buy an old or unusual property.

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