You’ve found the house, agreed on the price, and, wisely, instructed a Chartered Surveyor to perform a professional home survey. Congratulations! Now comes the inevitable waiting period, followed by receiving that lengthy document detailing every crack, damp patch, and potential repair.
For many buyers, this moment is often accompanied by “post-survey panic.” At Anderson Wilde & Harris (AWH), we believe the survey should be a tool for empowerment, not anxiety. Understanding what happens after a survey on a house is crucial for navigating the final, and most vital, stage of your property purchase.
- The Report Lands: Understanding the Verdict
First, take a deep breath. Every old property, and even new builds, will have defects. Your AWH surveyor uses a traffic light system (often R1, R2, R3) to categorize urgency:
- R1 (Green): Minor issue, routine maintenance needed. No immediate action required.
- R2 (Amber): Defects requiring repair or replacement, but not urgent. Budgeting for these items is necessary.
- R3 (Red): Serious defects requiring urgent attention or investigation before contracts exchange. This is your priority list.
The key is distinguishing between cosmetic wear and serious structural or remedial issues.
- The Critical Negotiation Phase
The purpose of the survey is to provide leverage. Once you know the true condition of the property, you have three primary options:
Option |
When to Use It |
Action |
Renegotiate the Price |
When the R3 defects identify necessary repairs costing thousands (e.g., roof replacement, structural movement). |
Present the repair quotes to the seller and request the cost be deducted from the agreed sale price. |
Request Repairs |
When the R3 defects are manageable but critical (e.g., severe damp, faulty electrics). |
Ask the seller to fix the specific issues before completion, providing certification. |
Walk Away |
When the survey uncovers major, expensive, or unforeseen risks (e.g., subsidence, widespread Japanese Knotweed). |
This is your final safety net if the risks outweigh the property’s value. |
Expert Tip: Focus the negotiation only on the R2 and R3 items. Sellers will generally ignore R1 maintenance notes.
- Further Investigation (When Required)
Sometimes, the survey flags an issue that requires a specialist. For example, your surveyor might recommend:
- A Damp and Timber Specialist report.
- An Electrical Specialist to test and certify the wiring.
- A Structural Engineer to assess cracks indicating potential movement.
This extra step is an investment in certainty. Once these specialist reports confirm the cost and scope of the repair, you have concrete figures for your final negotiation.
- Finalising the Sale and Future Planning
Once the negotiations are settled, the conveyancer takes over, adjusting the final purchase price or confirming repair warranties.
The final, essential benefit of knowing what happens after a survey on a house is future budgeting. The report becomes your blueprint for ownership. It details all the R1 and R2 items you need to tackle in the first year, helping you budget for necessary maintenance and ensuring the long-term health of your new home.
Don’t proceed in the dark. Instructing a detailed home survey is the single best investment you can make in your property’s financial future.
Ready to gain clarity on your potential purchase? Contact Anderson Wilde & Harris today to instruct a RICS Home Survey (Level 2 or 3) and secure your investment.