What type of home survey do I need for a heritage property?
Few properties in the world are as alluring as the heritage properties found around the UK. Whether it’s a grand manor house in the Cotswolds, an elegant Georgian townhouse in Bath or an exquisite country estate in rural South Wales, these buildings transport their owners into a piece of history.
But, of course, these heritage properties come at a considerable cost – often in excess of £2 million – and with that investment comes a heightened degree of risk.
As an estate agent, property consultant or conveyancer brokering these high-value home transactions, you need to be able to make sure these properties come with minimal risk and no unexpected costs for your client, plus no disruptions to the process.
That’s why getting a home survey from a trusted chartered surveyor is so essential. Here at GB Home Surveys, we’ve been conducting RICS home surveys for over thirty years, with local teams who know the regional property markets inside out. This article explores the key considerations when selecting a home survey for a heritage property.
Why are heritage properties so special?
Before we get into the specifics of home surveys, let’s first discuss what makes a heritage property so desirable. Whether it’s a charming thatched cottage in the Cotswolds, a sweeping estate in Worcestershire, or a historic manor house in Herefordshire, heritage properties are an attractive proposition.
Although you tend to see strong performances in the market over time (thanks to ongoing desirability), heritage properties are so much more than a sensible financial asset. They show prestige and a sense of timelessness, an irreplaceable connection to history.
You’ll find incredible features in many such heritage homes around the UK, such as long forgotten craftsmanship, period oak beams, vaulted ceilings, stables or even ancient servants’ quarters.
Of course, as you know, due to their incredible aesthetics and place in history, these properties are often subject to stringent planning laws, and the upkeep can be costly. However, these are usually minor concerns for buyers with ample finances, such as your clients.
Still, it’s essential to be aware of all potential pitfalls before your client commits to the purchase. That’s where a detailed RICS Home Survey comes into play.
Why are home surveys critical for heritage properties?
The risk of unexpected expenses is higher with heritage properties than with more modern homes. These buildings may have been constructed in eras when building regulations and safety standards were less stringent. It’s not uncommon to find all sorts of related issues, such as outdated electrical circuitry or structural defects.
As someone working on behalf of an affluent buyer, you might know your client has cash to spare, and that might mean these problems aren’t necessarily a deal-breaker. However, they can lead to substantial future headaches and additional costs.
You need to reassure your client about the long-term viability of living in, and being financially responsible for, a heritage home. And one of the best ways to do this is by instructing a detailed home survey from an experienced and trusted chartered surveyor.
In the UK, the title ‘chartered surveyor’ is a protected designation. Only individuals registered by the regulatory body RICS can use it. A RICS-registered chartered surveyor must have gone through years of training and experience before they qualify. They’ll use a structured home survey report template, and they’re bound by a code of ethics and professionalism.
GB Home Surveys always goes above and beyond. We know what to look for in heritage homes, even on an area-by-area basis. With the ability to uncover hidden defects like damp, subsidence, timber rot or boundary issues, you’ll gain invaluable insight into the property’s true condition before any negotiations begin.
How to choose the right survey for a heritage property
When brokering a property deal for a client purchasing a heritage home, you’re looking for assurance. With a property of this calibre, your client is unlikely to be directly involved in the survey process, but will instead rely on their trusted consultants and agents to handle the details.
Here at GB Home Surveys, we understand that dynamic. We’ve helped dozens of heritage properties exchange hands over the decades, and work with you and other property professionals to provide the most comprehensive surveys possible.
RICS home surveys come in a simple tiered structure. There’s a Valuation, then a more in-depth Home Survey Level 2, and finally a Home Survey Level 3, which takes a deep dive into a building’s structural attributes.
If a heritage property is what you’re after, GB Home Surveys suggests recommending a RICS Home Survey Level 3 to your client.
A Level 3 survey brings the reassurance and peace of mind that no matter how unique the property may be, the finer details are being examined by recognised experts.
What does a RICS Home Survey for a heritage property include?
The RICS Home Survey Level 3 is designed for properties like these, and includes the following (and more):
- A complete inspection of the property – inside, outside and all accessible areas
- Detailed report on the building’s structure – including walls, roof, floors, windows and doors
- Assessment of visible defects – plus the likely causes, severity and potential consequences
- Advice on repair options – including what’s urgent and what’s long-term
- Check for damp, timber issues and signs of movement – like cracks or subsidence
- Commentary on construction materials and techniques – especially useful for heritage homes
- Inspection of services – like electrics, heating, plumbing and drainage (visually assessed)
- Risks to the building, grounds or occupants – including health and safety issues
- Legal considerations – like planning or building control concerns you may need to check further
- Optional extras – like a drone inspection to examine the roof, guttering and grounds
- Limitations and next steps – including if any further specialist investigations are needed
It’s a detailed and thorough process that goes beyond what standard home surveys offer. This is the level of service needed to protect such an investment. Get in touch to discuss your needs, or use our online quote calculator to get a free quote for your Home Survey Level 3.
Why choose GB Home Surveys for luxury heritage property surveys?
For more than three decades, GB Home Surveys has built a reputation as a trusted partner for professionals in the high-net-worth property market. With deep local knowledge of the Cotswolds, South Wales, Bath, Bristol, the West Midlands, Three Counties and beyond, we’re uniquely placed to offer surveys that cater to the specific needs of luxury homes, their owners and their agents.
Our experienced surveyors will guide you through every step of the process to help you understand your report and answer any questions you may have. Your surveyor will provide their phone number and email address after discussing the findings and addressing any questions. It means you get an exceptional level of personal service, as well as trusted, impartial insight into the construction and condition of the property so the transaction can proceed as swiftly and smoothly as possible.
We pride ourselves on our discretion, professionalism and in-depth understanding of the unique challenges involved in purchasing and maintaining historic properties. Let us handle the survey, so you can focus on the rest of the transaction. We’re always happy to walk you and your clients through any questions you might have with your report, too.
Reach out today to discuss how we can assist with your luxury heritage property surveys, so you can help your client make the best decision about their home.
