Beyond the Surface: How Comprehensive Pre-Purchase Surveys Uncover Hidden Risks
When purchasing a property, it’s essential to look beyond immediate aesthetics and structural soundness. A comprehensive pre-purchase survey encompasses various factors that could influence your property’s value, legal standing, and future marketability.
At Bramble & Wagg, our surveys delve into:
1. Property Defects
We meticulously inspect the property for structural issues, dampness, roofing problems, and other defects that might necessitate immediate or future repairs.
2. Legal Compliance
Our surveys identify any modifications lacking proper planning permissions or building regulation approvals, ensuring all are legally compliant, and, if not, identify the steps you may wish to take.
3. Environmental Considerations
We assess potential environmental risks, such as flood zones, contamination, or proximity to hazardous sites, which could impact your property’s safety and insurability.
4. Planning Records and Future Developments
We investigate planning applications for both the subject property and neighbouring properties to understand potential future developments that could affect your property’s value and desirability.
Case Study: Neighbouring Property with A Potentially Undesirable Planning Application
During a recent Level 2 Survey in a Nottinghamshire village, we discovered that the adjacent property, currently in disrepair, had submitted plans to convert from a single dwelling into a 14-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Our client was unaware of this at the point of purchase.
This proposed development could significantly impact our client’s property’s future value, privacy, and overall living environment.
Our Approach
We collaborated closely with our client within our report and subsequent MS Teams call to:
- Analyse Potential Impacts: We discussed how the neighbouring HMO could affect aspects like noise levels, parking availability, and neighbourhood dynamics.
- Assess Future Saleability: We evaluated and guided out client how such a development might influence the property’s market value and appeal to future buyers.
Armed with this comprehensive information, our client chose to proceed with the purchase, fully aware of the potential future implications.
Why Choose Bramble & Wagg?
Our thorough pre-purchase surveys equip you with detailed insights, enabling informed decisions about your investment. We go beyond surface-level inspections, considering legal, environmental, and future developmental factors that could impact your property’s value and your quality of life.
Investing in a property is one of life’s significant decisions whether to live in or for investment purposes. Ensure you’re fully informed by choosing a surveyor who examines all facets of the property and its surroundings.
Contact us today to book your survey or valuation.
