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Home Survey Guide to Winchester
Buying a home in Winchester? Find out whether you need a Home Survey, what the difference is between a Level 2 and a Level 3 Home Survey and which one to choose. You’ll also get some ultra local knowledge on some of the different areas in 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 Home Survey in Winchester?
In a word – yes.
If you are buying a property in Winchester, whether it’s a charming 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 home survey to be a carried out before you commit to buying the property.
Why is it so important? Well, any property could have significant issues you are not aware of such as damp, structural issues, problems with the roof… the list is endless. So if you buy a property without getting a survey it is risky and could prove costly.
Getting a home survey quote in Winchester from a RICS surveyor can help to identify potential issues before you commit to buying the property.
What Are the Different Types of Home Survey?
Generally speaking, there are two main home surveys to choose from:
Level 2 Survey (previously known as a Homebuyer Report) – the mid-range survey.
Level 3 Survey (previously known as a Building Survey) – the most comprehensive survey.
There is also a Level 1 Survey, but this is generally considered too basic, and surveyors will often not offer this survey.
The Level 2 survey is the mid-priced survey, and the Level 3 survey is the more expensive survey.
Important Information – Always ask your surveyor to confirm that you’ve chosen the right home survey for the property you are buying.
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 opt for 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.
Other reasons you should choose the Level 3 survey include if the property is of non-traditional construction or is in a poor condition.
For modern properties (built after 1930’s) people will often choose the mid-range Level 2 survey (previously called a Home Buyer Report). 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.
However, it’s important to note that you can choose the Level 3 survey for any property for a more thorough home survey.
Important Information – Always ask your RICS surveyor to confirm that you’ve chosen the right home survey for the property you are buying.
get Survey Quotes
If you’re buying a house in Winchester, you can get quotes for home surveys through HitHome.
Which Home Survey for which Winchester Area?
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 which makes Fulflood popular with commuters. Fulflood also benefits from excellent local schools which also makes 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.
Important Information – Always ask your surveyor to confirm that you’ve chosen the right home survey for the property you are buying.
Badger 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 situated 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: For properties built in the 1970s and ’80s, a Level 2 is generally considered sufficient. However, if the property has been significantly altered or is in poor condition then you should choose the Level 3 survey.
Important Information – Always ask your surveyor to confirm that you’ve chosen the right home survey for the property you are buying.
Hyde
Hyde is characterised by beautiful rows of late Victorian and Edwardian houses. Located close to Winchester train station and the city centre, Hyde is popular with families and professionals.
Recommended survey: For any Victorian or Edwardian property in Hyde it is always advisable to choose the Level 3 survey. Many houses in Hyde have been extended which is further reason to choose the more detailed Level 3 Survey.
Important Information – Always ask your surveyor to confirm that you’ve chosen the right home survey for the property you are buying.
The Riverside Developments
There are numerous recently built tower blocks along the Wandsworth riverside. The buildings have been built on previous industrial sites and are popular with young professionals.
The riverside areas are interwoven with some good pubs and riverside walking.
People will often choose a Level 2 survey when buying a more modern property, but with any property you can choose the Level 3 survey if you want a more thorough survey.
