Surveys
before purchase are much less common than surveys in the U.K.
Instead
of survey, people tend to use
local builders to inspect a property and give an opinion on say, the
roof,
and to give a written quote or estimate
for repair.
This
system works well - but there is a major drawback for
a foreign buyer with limited time in the area.
Obviously, you may need several builders,
each specialist in different types of work
to get a picture of the overall cost
and condition of the property,
and this is a time consuming business.
So some knowledge of the types local surveys available may be of help.
You
need a complete check of the whole building, and you need it
BEFORE YOU SIGN THE INITIAL CONTRACT-
If you find an unexpected fault
after you have signed you lose your deposit, and some legal fees too.
This is especially worrying if you are
buying a property in need of extensive repair.
It
is not easy to find a succession of local tradesmen to come and give
a range of quotes,
even if you have a week or two in the
area to try to arrange it all.
Have you tried to do it in the UK recently?
They all seem to be so busy!
And how well will you understand what
they are telling you?
There
are several options.
THE
ESTATE AGENT
A
local estate agent will inspect and offer their comments about the price
and
general condition of the property.
Although this is not really a survey,
a knowledgeable agent does have a wide knowledge of property conditions.
This costs around £200.
MORTGAGE
VALUATION
If
you are getting a mortgage, there will usually be a survey on behalf
of your lender.
These tend to be even less detailed
than in the UK.
It is unlikely to be sufficient for
peace of mind unless the property is almost new.
LOCAL
SURVEYORS and ARCHITECTS
There
will be local surveyors and architects,
both of whom can give a condition report.
Your lawyer should be able to put you in touch with one.
There may only be one in the area, and
the reports again
tend to be less detailed than in the UK.
It is also going to be in the local
language,
so a translation will be another cost.
Allow £60-80 per 100 words.
When translating into English, a native
English
speaking translator is regarded as the best option.
Surveys of this type are likely to cost between £500 and £1500.
SPECIALIST
SURVEY
In
areas popular with British buyers, there may be local surveyors
who have geared up to service this market.
You may get a report more similar in
style to those we are used to,
and they may also supply a translation.
Similarly,
there are some British surveyors working in popular areas.
They need full knowledge of the local
regulations and conditions
and they should have indemnity insurance for your protection.
They
tend to cost more, but the report will be in (real) English.
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