Resources

The main focus of a home survey is on reporting the current condition of a property and, depending on the chosen service level, may include advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance. Before inspection, we undertake background research on important matters specific to the property, such as the local geology, flood risk or risk of radon gas as these directly impact the building and its occupants.

The third party links below are to information helpful for home buyers and home owners.

RICS

Consumer Guides – copies download directly from our website (as not always easy to find on theirs):

UK Government & Legal Guidance

Buying a home: Guide from GOV.UK – The buying process, costs, and legal aspects.
https://www.gov.uk/buying-a-home
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rates and calculator – Helps estimate Stamp Duty costs.
https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax
Check if a property is freehold or leasehold (HM Land Registry) – Guidance on ownership types.
https://www.gov.uk/leasehold-property
Search for a property’s title deed (HM Land Registry) – Check property ownership and any charges against it.
https://www.gov.uk/search-property-information-land-registry

Property Checks

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – Find a property’s energy rating and recommendations for improvement.
https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
Planning applications history (Local Councils) – Check for planning applications in the area.
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority
Flood risk check – Helps buyers assess if a property is at risk of flooding.
https://www.gov.uk/check-long-term-flood-risk
Radon risk report (UK Health Security Agency) – Shows radon gas risk in different locations.
https://www.ukradon.org/information/ukmaps

Property Services (Safety & Legal Requirements)

Electrical safety in the home – Guidance on home electrical safety, including checks before buying.
https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/safety-around-the-home
Find a registered electrician (Registered Competent Person) – Certified electricians.
https://electricalcompetentperson.co.uk/
Gas Safety in homes (Gas Safe Register) – Official site for gas safety, including checks when moving home.
https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/gas-safety-in-the-home
Gas Safe Register – Verify a gas engineer’s credentials.
https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/find-an-engineer
Septic tanks and sewage treatment plant rules (GOV.UK) – Legal requirements for non-mains drainage.
https://www.gov.uk/permits-you-need-for-septic-tanks
Septic tanks: Buying or selling a property (Environment Agency) – Checks before purchasing property with a non-mains system.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-binding-rules-small-sewage-discharge-to-the-ground

Neighbourhood

School checker (Ofsted Reports) – Find and compare local schools and Ofsted ratings.
https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk
Crime map – Shows crime levels in specific areas.
https://www.police.uk/pu/your-area
Air quality check (DEFRA) – Helps assess pollution levels in an area.
https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/data/gis-mapping