While a property survey is an important part of most residential purchases, there are a few situations where a survey might not be essential. According to guidance from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), there are some circumstances where the risk is considered low and a survey may not be strictly necessary.
You may decide not to commission a survey if:
• You are purchasing a newly built property that comes with a warranty (such as NHBC or LABC) and has been recently inspected by building control. These properties are generally built to modern standards and any issues should be covered under the warranty for a set period.
• You are buying from a reputable developer and have clear documentation of recent inspections, structural certification, and guarantees.
• You are familiar with the property—for example, if it’s been in the family, you’ve lived there previously, or you’ve carried out regular inspections yourself and have intimate knowledge of its condition.
• You are a professional in construction or property and feel confident assessing condition and risk without formal documentation.
However, it’s important to consider:
Even in the cases above, a survey can still provide peace of mind, especially for resale potential, identifying minor issues early, or negotiating final snagging works in new builds.
Also, some issues (such as poor workmanship, hidden damp, or problems with roof coverings) may not be immediately obvious—even in seemingly “safe” properties.
As a Chartered Building Surveyor, I’m always happy to have an informal chat to help you assess the risk and decide whether a survey is advisable in your specific circumstances. There’s no pressure—just honest, professional guidance based on over 30 years of experience.
Want to know more?
If you’re thinking about getting a property survey or just have a few questions, we’re happy to help. Get in touch to talk through your options, I am happy to give you a 30 minute free advice to give you confidence in your next move.