5. Getting a survey

The valuation will not give you much detail about the condition of the property, so it is a good idea to arrange for a survey to be carried out.

A survey is more expensive than a valuation and the fees will not be refunded even if you decide not to buy the property. The cost of the survey will depend on the size, age and type of the property and also on the type of survey you request.

Only a survey will tell you whether there are any serious problems with the property. The sellers and estate agents do not have to tell you, unless you ask. Even then they may not know all of the problems with their property.