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Cost of skipping surveys

ended 20. April 2026

In your experience, when buying a home, do too many people opt for the most basic type of survey to save money when they should really go for a full structural survey (or at least a Level 2)? Have you got any horror stories to this end where people opted for a cheap (or no) survey and ended up with a property with subsidence, for example? Do you think people take too many risks with property and need to see surveys as an essential part of the purchase rather than as a luxury? Any other thoughts or insights, send them across.

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Charles Hart
Business Principal at LionHart Mortgages & Protection
Buyers shouldn't confuse a lenders "generosity" in offering a free survey as a favour to them... it's there to protect the lenders against being overexposed in case you've paid too much for your dream home!

Let's be honest, we often spend longer test driving a new car than we do inspecting a new home. The pressure of the estate agent looking over your shoulder, or the seller listening to your every word and wanting to know about your plans for their family home, can often mean we are distracted at best, or rushed in most cases.

Unless you are a damp expert, roofer, builder, carpenter, electrician, or ideally a combination them all remember that you spent months, or probably years, saving for your deposit, so saving a few hundred British pounds is potentially a very expensive shortcut that quickly becomes a regret.

Understanding the difference between mortgage valuation's, homebuyer surveys , and building surveys is key. Consider it an investment in knowledge & reassurance!