The buyer's survey has been completed. You won't see the report itself, but its completion is generally a positive sign, it means the buyer is actively moving the purchase forward rather than sitting on an accepted offer without acting on it.
What actually is a property survey?
An independent inspection carried out by a qualified surveyor on the buyer's behalf, assessing the property's physical condition and producing a written report. There are three main levels: a Level 1 Condition Report giving a basic traffic-light summary, a Level 2 Home Survey suited to most conventional properties in reasonable condition, and a Level 3 Building Survey, the most detailed option, recommended for older, unusual, or heavily altered properties. The buyer's mortgage lender will also carry out their own valuation, but that's purely for the lender's purposes and isn't a substitute for a proper survey of condition. You, as the seller, neither commission nor receive the buyer's report.
Why does this matter from a seller's perspective?
A completed survey is generally a positive milestone, it means your buyer is actively progressing rather than stalling. That said, the results can still affect your transaction. If significant defects come up, the buyer may seek to renegotiate the price or ask for remedial works before completion. How you respond to any such request is genuinely a matter of negotiation, but being prepared for the possibility, rather than caught off guard by it, puts you in a stronger position.
What happens behind the scenes?
The buyer's surveyor contacts the estate agent to arrange access. As a seller, you should make sure the property is accessible on the agreed day and that nothing obstructs the areas they'll need to inspect, roof spaces, basements, extensions. Once complete, the buyer's solicitor uses the results alongside the legal process to advise their client on whether to proceed, and on what terms.
What should you actually do at this stage?
Make sure the property is fully accessible on survey day, with any locked areas, loft hatches, outbuildings, either open or with keys provided. Prepare for the possibility that the buyer raises findings in negotiation. Most surveys identify something, and minor issues rarely affect a transaction significantly. If a request for a price reduction comes back based on the survey, weigh it carefully against the genuine cost and disruption of remarketing the property from scratch.
| Around survey day | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Full access arranged in advance | Avoids delay or a repeat visit for the surveyor |
| Expect some findings, most are minor | Surveys rarely come back with nothing flagged at all |
| Weigh renegotiation requests against remarketing costs | Starting over has its own real cost and delay |
Frequently asked questions
- Do I get to see the buyer's survey report as a seller?
- No, it's commissioned by and for the buyer, though specific findings may come up in negotiation.
- Is a completed survey good news for a seller?
- Generally, yes, it shows the buyer is actively progressing the purchase.
- What should I do to prepare for the survey visit?
- Ensure full access, including loft hatches and outbuildings, on the agreed day.
- What happens if the survey flags a problem?
- The buyer may negotiate on price or repairs. Minor issues rarely derail a sale.
This guide is general information for home sellers in England and Wales, not legal advice.