Over two-thirds (71%) of property professionals are in favour of pre-sale surveys to speed up the homebuying and selling process, a poll from Countrywide Surveying Services has revealed.
The belief that the valuation is a survey for the benefit of the customer rather than lender was cited as being the primary obstacle by 54% of respondents – as many don’t know the difference between a survey and a valuation.
In terms of actively recommending borrowers to instruct a home condition survey, 39% of property professionals stated that they do this every time, with 36% saying sometimes.
Matthew Cumber, managing director at Countrywide Surveying Services, said: “It’s clear from these results that the industry sees significant value in pre-sale surveys as a means to help streamline the homebuying and selling process.
“By providing buyers with as much up-front property-related information as possible will provide greater levels of transparency and efficiency during such a complex and emotive process.
“There remain many barriers to overcome from a consumer perspective but many of these can be addressed relatively easily via education and advice.
“As such it underlines the importance of everyone involved in the process conveying the right information and messaging around surveys and helping consumers make informed early decisions about the property they are buying.”
Over 300 people actively engaged with the session, with the audience consisting of lenders, brokers, surveyors and other property professionals.
