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Home Survey Guide to Winchester
Important Information – This article isn’t personal advice. You should always seek advice from a suitably qualified professional. Always ask your surveyor to confirm that you’ve chosen the right home survey for the property you are buying.
Do I need a survey when buying a property in Winchester?
In a word – yes.
Whether you are buying a period property on one of Winchester’s Victorian or Edwardian streets or a more modern house on the outskirts of the city, it is essential you arrange for a survey to be a carried out before you commit to buying the property.
Why is it so important? Well, any property could have problems you are not aware of such as damp, structural issues, problems with the roof, chimneys… the list is endless. So buying a property without a survey is risky and could prove costly. It is also possible that after reading the survey you’ll decide the property isn’t right for you after all.
What Are the Different Types of Home Survey?
Generally speaking, there are two main home surveys to choose from:
Level 2 Survey (previously called a Homebuyer Report) – the mid-range survey.
Level 3 Survey (previously called a Building Survey) – the most comprehensive survey.
The Level 2 survey is the mid-priced survey, whereas the Level 3 survey is the more expensive survey. There is also a Level 1 Survey, but this is generally considered too basic, and surveyors will often not offer this survey.
Should I choose the Level 2 or Level 3 Home Survey?
If you are buying a period property in Winchester, so anything built in the 1930’s or earlier, it’s always advisable to choose the higher, Level 3 survey (previously called a Building Survey).
If the property has been significantly altered, for example many of the Victorian and Edwardian houses in Winchester have been extended upwards and to the rear, then the more comprehensive Level 3 survey is also recommended.
You should also choose the Level 3 survey if the property is of non-traditional construction or is in a poor condition.
People normally choose the Level 2 survey for modern properties (built after 1930’s). The Level 2 survey is cheaper and is often considered sufficient for a modern property of standard construction, unless it has been significantly altered or is in a poor condition, in which case the Level 3 survey is recommended.
You can however choose the Level 3 survey for any type of property if you want the most comprehensive home survey available.
Don’t forget to ask your RICS surveyor to confirm that you’ve chosen the right survey for the property you’re buying.
If you’re buying a house in Winchester, you can get quotes for home surveys through HitHome. Start your home survey quote now.
Important Information – Always ask your RICS surveyor to confirm that you’ve chosen the right home survey for the property you are buying.
get Home Survey Quotes In Winchester
If you’re buying a house in Winchester, you can get quotes for home surveys through HitHome.
Fulflood
Fulflood is a residential area of attractive, late Victorian terrace houses, next to Winchester train station. The train station has a direct line to London, making Fulflood popular with commuters. Fulflood also benefits from excellent local schools which make it a popular choice for families.
Recommended survey: If you’re buying a Victorian house in Fulflood, it’s worth opting for a Level 3 survey, especially when the property has been extended with a loft conversion or a rear extension.
Bagger Farm
Badger Farm, named after William Badger, a former farmer on the site, is a suburban development of houses built in the 1970s and ’80s. Badger Farm is on the outskirts of Winchester, next to one of Winchester’s main supermarkets (Sainsbury’s). Residents in the Badger Farm also benefit from easy access to the nearby M3 motorway.
Recommended survey: A Level 2 is generally considered sufficient for properties built in the 1970s and ’80s. However, you should choose the Level 3 survey if the property has been significantly altered or is in poor condition.
Hyde
Hyde is characterised by beautiful rows of late Victorian and Edwardian houses. Hyde is close to Winchester train station and the city centre, making it popular with families and professionals.
Recommended survey: For a Victorian or Edwardian property in Hyde it is always advisable to choose the Level 3 survey. Many houses in Hyde have been extended with loft conversion and rear extensions, which is another reason to choose the more detailed Level 3 Survey.