When it comes to selling your home, one question that often comes up is whether you’re required to get a property survey before putting your property on the market.
Many sellers think that surveys are only something buyers arrange, but understanding how they work can make a big difference to your selling experience and benefit you in the long run.
While surveys aren’t legally required for sellers, commissioning your own can be a smart, proactive move that helps you avoid surprises, price your property accurately, and speed up the sales process.
Why a Proactive Survey is the Smartest Move for Home Sellers
Selling a property is one of the largest financial transactions most people will ever make. So ensuring that your property receives a thorough examination through a survey can benefit you considerably during the sales process. Yet many homeowners are unsure what to expect when it comes to property surveys.
While buyers typically arrange their own survey after an offer is accepted, sellers can still benefit greatly from commissioning a pre-sale survey. Doing so helps you identify any potential problems early, allowing you to fix or disclose them before listing. This level of transparency not only builds buyer confidence but also reduces the risk of negotiations falling through later.
Equally important is understanding what’s legally required and what’s simply good practice. Being clear on your responsibilities as a seller helps you avoid unexpected delays or disputes once the sale is underway.
Understanding the Basics: What Is a Property Survey?
A property survey is a professional assessment of a building’s physical condition, carried out by a qualified surveyor. It provides an independent report on the structure, materials, and overall state of the property, highlighting any defects, maintenance concerns, or potential risks.
Surveys vary in depth and detail depending on the type you choose. Each survey type is designed to help property owners make informed decisions.
- Condition Report (Level 1): the most basic survey, giving a general overview of the property’s condition and identifying any urgent issues that need attention.
- HomeBuyer Report (Level 2): a more detailed assessment, including a valuation and specific notes on defects or repairs that may affect the property’s value.
- Building Survey (Level 3): the most comprehensive inspection, ideal for older, unusual, or heavily modified properties. It provides an in-depth analysis of the structure, materials, and any defects or risks that could affect future maintenance or costs.
Are Surveys Legally Required to Sell in the UK?
In the UK, sellers are not legally required to commission a survey before selling their property. The responsibility for arranging a survey typically falls to the buyer, who usually does so after their offer has been accepted.
That said, there are still certain legal documents sellers must provide to ensure transparency and compliance.
- The TA6 Property Information Form , which forms part of the conveyancing process and requires sellers to disclose any known issues such as disputes, boundaries, or alterations.
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) , which is a legal requirement before a property can be marketed for sale.
While a pre-sale survey isn’t mandatory, it can complement these requirements by giving both you and potential buyers a clear, accurate picture of the property’s condition. This foresight can save considerable time and stress later in the transaction.
The Seller's Advantage: Reasons to Get a Survey Before Listing
Many sellers find that getting a survey before listing their home is more advantageous to them.
A pre-sale survey allows you to identify issues early, before they become obstacles during negotiations. Small structural issues, damp, or roof repairs can easily surface during a buyer’s survey, often leading to last-minute renegotiations or delays. Addressing these concerns beforehand helps maintain control and momentum.
Having an independent survey can also help you set a realistic price. Pricing a property too high can deter potential buyers, while undervaluing it means losing out on money. A survey gives you an evidence-based understanding of your property’s true condition and market value, helping you price it accurately.
Furthermore, a recent independent report can boost buyer confidence. In a competitive market, buyers appreciate transparency. Presenting a recent survey shows that you’re open and honest about the property’s condition, which can help your listing stand out to buyers.
Ultimately, a survey will help speed up the entire transaction. When buyers already have a qualified report to review, they’re often more comfortable moving forward without delay or additional inspections.
Potential Downsides of a Pre-Sale Survey
While there are clear advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to commissioning your own survey.
A survey is an upfront expense, that may feel unnecessary if you expect the buyer to commission their own survey later.
Additionally, if the survey identifies significant structural issues or defects, you are legally required to declare these findings to potential buyers. Failing to do so could lead to legal complications under the Consumer Protection Regulations, which require full and honest disclosure of known issues.
Even if you commission a pre-sale survey, buyers may still choose to arrange their own, particularly if they’re purchasing with a mortgage, as lenders often require a separate valuation. However, having your own report ready can still make these later steps more predictable.
Where Surveys Fit into the Selling Process Timeline
To understand how surveys fit into the overall property-selling timeline, it helps to look at the process in three stages.
Before Listing
Some sellers choose to commission a pre-sale survey to help with pricing and marketing. This can provide reassurance for you, as well as strengthen your position when negotiating with buyers.
After an Offer is Accepted
The buyer usually arranges their own survey, sometimes through their mortgage lender. The results can influence whether they proceed, renegotiate, or request certain repairs before completion.
Post-Survey Stage
Once the survey results are ready, any adjustments or repairs can be discussed and agreed upon. Sellers who have already addressed potential issues often find this stage far less stressful and time-consuming.
Professional Standards and Compliance
Whether arranged by the buyer or seller, surveys should always be conducted by RICS-accredited surveyors. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors sets strict standards to ensure reports are accurate, impartial, and professionally delivered.
For sellers, compliance with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations is equally important. You must disclose any known issues honestly, from structural problems to disputes or previous alterations, to avoid future disputes or failed sales. Transparency not only protects you legally but also helps build trust with potential buyers, making the overall process smoother.
At ASL, our RICS-qualified surveyors offer a full range of pre-sale surveys, giving sellers the clarity and confidence they need before listing.
We provide clear guidance on which survey type best suits your property. Every report is detailed, impartial, and written in plain language so you can understand exactly what’s been found and what steps, if any, need to be taken.
ASL also supports you throughout the selling process, from booking your survey to interpreting the results and liaising with your estate agent or solicitor. With our efficient systems and expert local knowledge, we help you avoid delays and achieve a smoother, more transparent sale.
How ASL Can Help You Sell Your Property
Trust in ASL - Chartered Surveyors & Valuers
While you aren’t legally required to get a survey to sell your property, it’s a good decision to get a grasp on the condition of your property. A pre-sale survey can identify potential issues early, prevent last-minute surprises, and build buyer confidence, helping you complete your sale faster and with greater certainty.
If you’re preparing to sell and want expert guidance, ASL’s RICS-accredited surveyors can provide professional, accurate assessments tailored to your needs.
Contact ASL today to book your property survey or speak to one of our specialists for personalised advice on how to make your sale as smooth and successful as possible.
