What to Expect During the Home Survey Process: A Guide for Sellers
When you’re selling your home, it’s natural to focus on finding the right buyer and achieving the best possible price. However, one crucial part of the process that can impact the sale is the home survey. Being prepared for this step can help avoid delays, renegotiations, or lost sales—and ensure a smoother journey to completion.
Understanding the Home Survey Process
A home survey is typically commissioned by the buyer and carried out by a qualified surveyor. The aim is to assess the condition and structural integrity of your property. This step helps buyers make informed decisions—and it can also influence their willingness to proceed, renegotiate, or request repairs. As the seller, understanding how the survey works puts you in a stronger position to anticipate and respond to any findings.
What the Surveyor Will Look For
The surveyor will carry out a non-invasive inspection of both the interior and exterior of your home. They will examine key areas including the roof, walls, plumbing, electrical systems, and signs of damp, mould, or structural movement. The depth of the inspection will depend on the type of survey the buyer chooses—from a basic condition report to a detailed building survey. While surveyors are impartial, their findings can raise red flags for buyers—even minor issues may feel significant to someone about to make a major investment. Preparing your home beforehand (e.g., fixing visible issues or clearing gutters) can create a more favourable impression.
What Happens After the Survey
Once the survey is complete, the buyer will receive a report outlining any concerns. These are often categorised by urgency and may recommend further specialist investigations. If the survey highlights serious issues, the buyer may come back with a request to reduce the asking price, ask for certain repairs to be made, or even withdraw their offer in extreme cases.
By being proactive and transparent, you can reduce the likelihood of surprises. If you’re aware of any problems in advance—such as damp or outdated electrics—it may be worth addressing them before listing the property or disclosing them early in the process to build trust.
How to Respond to Survey Results
If a buyer raises concerns after their survey, it’s important to remain open to discussion. Work with your estate agent to assess whether a renegotiation is justified or if it's worth seeking alternative quotes or second opinions. Staying flexible and solution-oriented can help keep the sale on track and reassure the buyer that they’re making a sound investment.
Conclusion
A home survey is a standard part of the sales process and should be seen as a shared step toward a successful transaction—not a hurdle. By understanding what surveyors look for and how buyers may respond to the findings, you’ll be better equipped to manage expectations and avoid last-minute setbacks.
Thinking of selling your home in SE London? At Brown & Brooke, we guide you through every step of the process, including preparing for the buyer’s survey. Call us today on 020 8858 0200 to find out how we can help you sell with confidence.
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