Protect your investment
Your home is one of the largest purchases you will make, so it is understandable that you want to proceed in confidence that there are no surprises. You can do this is by commissioning a survey of the property by a RICS qualified chartered surveyor.
If you are buying with a mortgage, your lender will carry out a valuation of the property which sometimes includes a visit to the property. However, this is not the same thing as a survey – it's designed to tell your lender what the property is worth and help assess whether they want to lend on.
Instructing your own RICS survey will tell you the actual condition of the property and highlight any potential issues.
Reasons why you may need a property survey
A RICS Home Survey will highlight potential issues, giving you everything you need to make a more informed purchase.
A survey can provide you with confidence, gather information for your legal advisors and tradespeople, and, if the survey does uncover any issues, it can be used to negotiate your next steps.
What type of survey is right for you?
There are different types of surveys that are better suited to different types of property, depending on the preperty's condition and whether you're planning on doing any work to it. All of Arnold & Baldwin's surveys follow the RICS Home Survey Standard, which features an improved structure and better use of photos to provide clearer, more accessible information to you.
When should you book your survey?
Timing is key in property. Just like with your mortgage and paperwork, arranging your property survey quickly keeps your purchase moving smoothly. It’s best to include the survey request in your offer, then schedule it as soon as your offer is accepted. This simple step maintains momentum and helps ensure your dream home doesn't slip away.
Increase the value of leasehold properties
If you own a leasehold property, or are thinking of buying one, you can increase its value by extending the lease on the property. The right experts can make the process straightforward and you can use our free calculator to get an estimate of how much it would cost to extend the lease on your property.
Why choose Arnold & Baldwin
Arnold & Baldwin's vision is to protect your investment. Their team of honest, approachable experts specialise in property surveys and valuations throughout London and the South East, providing expert advice that gives you confidence in your investment. They deliver expert knowledge with accuracy, care and diligence, and support all of their surveyors with market leading technology.
Working with more than 200 lending institutions, they understand the requirements of lenders and investors, as well as the requirements of individuals and families embarking on a home move. Big enough to matter, small enough to care – in one year, Arnold & Baldwin inspected over 6,500 properties, with a value in excess of £3.2bn.
Arnold & Baldwin property surveyors regularly provide expert insight for Foxtons buyers and vendors. However, they are an independent company, regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and Foxtons cannot influence their surveys.
What is RICS?
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) promotes and enforces the highest professional qualifications and standard in the development and management of land real estate. If you are booking a home survey, make sure you choose a surveyor that is regulated by RICS.