Why Independent Home Surveys Matter When Buying a Property
When buying a property, whether it’s your dream home in West Bridgford, a character-filled renovation project in Mapperley Park, or an executive family home in Bingham, commissioning a pre-purchase home survey is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
But not all surveys – or surveyors – are created equal.
In light of the recent BBC investigation into estate agency giant Connells, which exposed sharp practices around conditional selling and the pressure some buyers face to use in-house services, we want to be crystal clear:
At Bramble & Wagg, we are fiercely independent.
We do not pay estate agents for referrals.
And we do not allow anyone to influence our professional advice.
We work for you, the buyer, and our sole focus is helping you make a well-reasoned and informed decision about the property you’re considering.
What Is a Pre-Purchase Home Survey?
A pre-purchase survey is an inspection of a property’s condition and structure carried out by a qualified surveyor before contracts are exchanged. It’s your chance to identify hidden issues, assess the cost of potential repairs, and avoid nasty surprises after moving in.
At Bramble & Wagg, we offer:
Level 2 Home Survey (Homebuyer Report)
Best survey for conventional homes in reasonable condition. Includes:
- Visual inspection of key elements
- Advice on defects, repairs, and maintenance
- Clear condition ratings
- Optional valuation
Level 3 Home Survey (Building Survey)
Survey designed for older, larger, or more complex homes — or when you’re planning renovation work. Includes:
- Detailed inspection of structure and fabric
- Advice on causes of defects and future risks
- Maintenance planning
- Tailored technical advice
We operate across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire, focusing on premium properties and markets such as West Bridgford, The Park, Mapperley Park, and Edwalton, while also supporting buyers at all budget levels.
What’s the Problem With Estate Agent-Recommended Surveyors?
Estate agents often recommend surveyors and while this can be helpful in theory, there are serious risks when that recommendation isn’t truly independent.
In some cases, surveyors pay referral fees to agents to get work. This creates a conflict of interest, and in some instances can undermine the very purpose of the survey.
The recent BBC documentary into Connells highlighted this practice in stark detail. Buyers were shown to have been pressured to use in-house services for surveys, mortgages, and conveyancing, with some told their offer might not progress otherwise.
That’s conditional selling and it’s not just unethical. It’s unfair, especially when you’re making the biggest financial decision of your life.
Why Independence Matters in a Survey
Imagine being advised on the condition of a home by someone whose work depends on keeping the estate agent happy.
At Bramble & Wagg, we believe your surveyor should answer to you, and only you.
That’s why we:
- Never pay referral fees
- Do not share client data with agents
- Tailor every report to your needs
- Include MS Teams follow-up calls for clarity
- Encourage you to ask questions; before, during, and after the inspection
Your survey is not a box-ticking exercise. It’s part of a decision-making process that deserves transparency and depth.
What You Get With a Rolls Royce Level of Service
We often say we provide a Rolls Royce level of service, but what does that actually mean?
It starts before you book.
When you call us, you’ll speak to someone who understands property. Our sales manager, Jon, doesn’t read from a script he listens to your concerns and helps you decide what survey is right for your situation.
Your survey will then be carried out by a qualified Chartered Surveyor who:
- Understands building pathology
- Knows the local market
- Takes time to explain findings in plain English
- Writes tailored reports (not computer-churned templates)
Afterwards, we’ll walk you through the results whether that’s good news or not. We’ll help you assess risks, budget for future works, and negotiate from a position of strength.
Our reports often highlight hidden issues that allow our clients to renegotiate the purchase price or plan sensibly for remedial works.
Premium Advice for Premium Properties
As specialists in premium markets across Nottingham and the East Midlands, we often work with:
- Period homes
- High-value investment properties
- Homes with listed status or conservation constraints
- Homes that have been extended and modernised
That said, we inspect all types of properties at all price points, from first-time buys to major renovations. We’re not the cheapest, but we are confident that we offer exceptional value for money.
Whether you’re buying in The Park, Edwalton, Loughborough, Mansfield or a leafy village on the Leicestershire border, our approach remains the same; thorough, professional, and honest.
Because the cost of not knowing what you’re buying?
That can run into the tens of thousands.
Final Thoughts; Ask the Right Questions
Before you book your home survey, ask yourself:
- Is the surveyor truly independent?
- Do they pay referral fees?
- Will I get a tailored, comprehensive report?
- Do I get to speak to the surveyor before or after the inspection?
- Can they explain how the property’s issues affect my decision?
If you’re buying a home in Nottingham or the East Midlands, don’t settle for the first name an agent gives you. You deserve better.
Book Your Independent Survey With Bramble & Wagg
At Bramble & Wagg, we help homebuyers across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire make confident, informed decisions. Our reputation is built on trust, independence, and attention to detail.
Contact us to discuss:
- Strategic property advice
- RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Reports
- RICS Level 3 Building Surveys
- Property valuations
