Valuation information
The level of detail which a surveyor will include in a
valuation or survey report, depends on the type of report
being carried out. The table here shows you what would
be included in a typical report.
Mortgage Valuation (Level 1) - this is a basic property valuation for our underwriting purposes only and may not result in a physical inspection of the property. We may ask a surveyor to carry out an internal inspection or Remote Valuation using property details, previous sale/valuation prices and local area knowledge without visiting the property. Or we may use an Automated Valuation (AVM), a combination of historical and market data to compare the property to others in the local area. A report will only be available if a surveyor visits the property. If a physical inspection takes place this will be based on a limited inspection and defects that could affect your client’s decision to buy may not be identified. It should not be relied on for their buying decision. There is not the option to choose the type of Level 1 valuation carried out. It is important the client is aware of the different valuation types and limitations of each.
Survey and valuation (Level 2) - This gives guidance on defects and other issues which could affect a decision to buy. We base our lending decisions on the valuation aspects only.
We do not offer a Level 3 Building Survey, the information provided below is for guidance only. If your client would like a building survey please refer to the RICS website to locate a local surveyor. The client will still need to pay us for a Level 1 Mortgage Valuation which is for lending purposes only.
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Level 1 Mortgage Valuation |
Level 2 Survey and Valuation |
Level 3 Building Survey |
What is it? |
This is a very brief report on the property and its market value.
This report is just for our purposes but your client will be sent a copy.
This may not be a physical inspection of the property or produce a report.
It's based on a limited inspection of the readily visible and accessible parts of the property, and property defects may not be identified.
This level of report may not mention matters that could affect a decision to buy, and it should not be relied upon for the clients buying decision . |
The survey is for your client and we don't receive a copy.
We only receive and make our lending decision on the valuation.
The survey gives guidance on defects and other issues that may affect the property.
The surveyor will send the appropriate terms and conditions for your client to read, sign and return. |
The building survey is for your client and we don't receive a copy.
We only receive and make our lending decision on the valuation.
The building survey is a detailed report on the property, which can be tailored to fit your client's requirements.
The surveyor will send the appropriate terms and conditions for your client to read, sign and return. |
Exterior inspection |
Brief |
General |
Detailed |
Inspection of
concealed parts |

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Level of detail by arrangement with surveyor
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Evidence of major problems e.g. structural movement |

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Evidence of major defects |

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Roof covering |

From ground level only
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Pitched roofs from ground level and with binoculars. Flat roofs if visible from within property and from using a ladder up to 3m height
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Level of detail by arrangement with surveyor
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Drain inspection/test |

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Accessible drain covers
are lifted
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Level of detail by arrangement
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Internal inspection |
Brief |
General |
Detailed |
Damp tests |

Limited tests in accessible areas
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Damp readings taken to accessible areas
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Damp readings taken to accessible areas
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Carpets moved |

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Level of detail by arrangement with surveyor
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Furniture moved |

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Heavy furniture not moved
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Heavy furniture not moved
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Roof space inspected |

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 Where further investigations are required, limited inspection using loft access point
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 With reasonable access
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Sub-floor space inspected |

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Limited inspection with reasonable access
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Level of detail by arrangement with surveyor
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Doors/window operation checked |

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Sample only, if not locked or painted shut
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Level of detail by arrangement with surveyor
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Visual inspection of services, such as electrical equipment and central heating |

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Testing of services, such as electrical equipment and central heating |

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Taps will be operated individually, WCs flushed
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Level of detail by arrangement with surveyor
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Report |
General |
General |
Detailed |
Identify construction |

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Detailed analysis of construction |

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Local issues e.g. mining |

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Other factors e.g. legal matters |

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Advice on urgency of repairs |

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Valuation advice |

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By arrangement with surveyor
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Insurance valuation |

Subject to lender requirements
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By arrangement with surveyor
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