Surveying Myths: What Buyers Often Get Wrong
Myth 1: “I Don’t Need a Survey — The Mortgage Valuation Covers Everything”
When buying a property, there’s a lot of information floating around — and not all of it is true. From thinking surveys aren’t necessary to assuming they cover everything, homebuyer survey myths can lead to costly mistakes.
In this article, we’ll bust the most common misconceptions about surveys in the UK property market and explain what you really need to know before making one of the biggest investments of your life.
A mortgage valuation is not a survey. It's done for your lender to assess whether the property is worth the amount they're loaning — not to protect you from hidden issues.
If you skip a survey, you may miss structural problems, damp, or signs of subsidence that could cost thousands to fix.
Myth 2: “New Builds Don’t Need a Survey”
Even brand-new homes can have snags, poor workmanship, or incomplete finishes. A Level 2 survey or snagging report can highlight issues to raise with the developer before your warranty starts ticking.
Myth 3: “A Survey Will Devalue the Property”
A survey doesn’t affect the market value — it just informs you of the condition. If defects are found, you can use the report to renegotiate the price or request repairs. You're not lowering the value — you're protecting your investment.
Myth 4: “All Surveys Are Basically the Same”
There’s a big difference between a Level 2 Homebuyer Report and a Level 3 Building Survey. The level of detail, property suitability, and repair advice can vary hugely. Choosing the right survey ensures you get the information you need.
Myth 5: “Surveyors Will Check Everything, Including Electrics and Plumbing”
Surveys are non-intrusive. Surveyors assess visible areas, but they don’t open up walls or test electrics, heating, or plumbing. However, they may recommend further investigations by specialists if something looks suspicious.
Why It Matters
Falling for these homebuyer survey myths can lead to expensive surprises after you move in. A proper survey could save you thousands — and offer peace of mind during a stressful time.
How Survey North Can Help
We’re RICS-qualified surveyors offering Level 2 and Level 3 surveys across the North East. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we'll help you avoid nasty surprises and make smarter property decisions.
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