Revealed! The most common surveyor snags

Surveyors have revealed the key issues coming up in reports that could stifle sales or reduce offers.

The most common issues over the past six months are electrical, space heating and water heating problems.

The research is based on 740 digital home surveys conducted by Legal & General Surveying Services for buyers last year.

The survey highlights key issues to prospective homeowners and sorts them into ‘red’ and ‘amber’ categories according to severity and cost of repairs.

Of the 740 surveys, 14% highlighted electrical issues such as dated wiring or faulty fuse boxes.

Another 14% mentioned space heating and 8% referred to water heating concerns. 

This could mean leaking pipes, unlagged cylinders, asbestos risk and damaged boilers.

These are referred to as ‘red issues’ as they are risky and cost the most to fix.

The reports also highlight ‘amber issues’ that only present a moderate risk and will cost less to fix.

The most common amber issues were outside property problems, mentioned in 12% of reports, roof issues and external wall – raised in 8% and 9% of surveys respectively.

These minor defects may include perished brickwork, cracked tiles, or chipped walls. 

The Digital Home Survey, introduced in 2019, provides customers with a jargon free and fully visual homebuyer report. 

A RICS-qualified surveyor checks the property from top to bottom before sending the customer a detailed report usually in 48 hours from the inspection.

Kevin Webb, managing director of Legal & General Surveying Services, said: "An effective and  accurate survey provides peace of mind and confidence that the property they are buying does not have major issues and safety concerns waiting to be uncovered.

“In simple terms, the Digital Home Survey is doing its job – protecting our customers from risk in terms of finance and health.”