3 Most Common Survey Issues

3 Most Common Survey Issues

Snags on surveys can have a big impact on the sales process, sometimes even stifling sales or reducing offers. Find out what are the most common issues that surveyors pick up on.

What is a survey?


If you're not already familiar with the purchasing process in very basic terms a survey is a an inspection of a property's condition, which flags any potential problems to a prospective buyer. They are carried out by a surveyor who visits the house, carries out an inspection and then drafts a report on what they've found. This report is then passed onto the buyer's solicitors and where required, mortgage lender.

Types of Survey


There are different types and levels of survey that as a buyer you can opt for...


Most Common Snags


Based on digital home surveys carried out by Legal and General last year the 3 most common 'red' issues were...

Electrical, Space Heating and Water Heating.

Examples of these types of issues would be dated wiring, faulty fuse boards, leaking pipes, asbestos issues, damaged boilers or unlagged water cylinders. Vendors could head some these issues off at the pass by having an electrician carry out an EICR (electrical condition installation report) or having the boiler serviced and heating system checked by an engineer.
If you're looking for a quick 'no hitch' type of sale it might be an idea to arrange for these trades to check common issues before marketing your property. While it does mean incurring some initial additional costs, by providing your potential buyers with as much information as possible from the get-go, you might just save your sale or negate the risk of having offers reduced in the long-term.


References:
Legal and General Surveying Services
Estate Agent Today
https://www.estateagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2022/5/revealed-the-most-common-surveyor-snags


Get in touch with us

Managing a probate property while coping with loss can feel overwhelming. This gentle guide explains the key steps, realistic timescales for 2026, and what to expect when selling a home as part of an estate.

New Year, fresh goals, if moving home by spring 2026 is on your list, now’s the moment to plan. Understand how long properties took to go under offer and complete in 2025, and the key steps you need to hit your timeline. Read on to map out your best move ever.

Selling a home can feel overwhelming, especially once an offer has been accepted. Suddenly, the excitement of securing a buyer can be mixed with uncertainty about what happens next. Understanding the process can make it much less stressful. Here’s a straightforward guide to what usually happens after your offer is accepted.

When a property sells quickly, it’s rarely down to one single feature. It’s usually a combination of practical factors that matter to buyers once they step through the door. From everyday viewings and feedback, certain priorities come up again and again.