You wouldn’t believe the number of home moves that can be scuppered when something is discovered about the property that puts off the potential buyer or, worse, their financial advisors! Find out how you can avoid this scenario with the help of JDB.

Usually, before you purchase a home, the sensible thing to do is commission a home survey. This is where any nasty surprises get flagged up to the purchaser. Commonly, this is to do with damp, timber and structural movement, but it could also flag up other issues such as asbestos, reoccurring flooding, fracking, neighbour disputes and much more.

If the thought of any of these affecting your new home sends a shudder up your spine, then you’re not alone.

Before 2008, the seller had all the power in the buyer-seller relationship. But with the introduction of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs), the balance of power has shifted to the buyer.

CPR’s protect all consumers from misleading trader actions, whether you’re buying a chocolate bar or a house. So if you think a trader has been deliberately misleading, you are able to take action against them and are protected by law.

But, don’t think that as the buyer you don’t need to fulfil your obligations! It would be extremely wise to ensure that you are fully aware of what it is you are buying. A good place to start is to make sure that you have information about all the property’s key characteristics – the property’s size, the land borders relating to the property and also any information relating to the area that the property is located within, such as school catchment areas and local authorities.

The next thing to do is to get a full building survey on the property so that you can be alerted to anything that needs your attention. Remember, this is not the same as a lender valuation.

There are three levels of service that can make up a Home Survey. Depending on what type of home you’re buying, you’ll need a different survey.

• RICS Condition Report – This shows the condition of the property, offers guidance to any legal advisors and highlights any defects. Usually aimed at conventional properties and newer homes.

• RICS HomeBuyer Report – Includes all the features of a Condition Report, but also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild costs. It will also include advice on the defects that may affect the value of the property, and also includes an ongoing maintenance advice.

• RICS Building Survey – This survey is essential for older properties or for properties that require major planning works. This is the most comprehensive report and includes advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options.

A full building survey, like one of the three mentioned above will help you to build a compete picture about what you’re buying. As things get tighter for lenders there may come a time when you have to get a building survey on any property that you wish to buy.

And all this means that sellers need to be prepared of showing their homes off totally, warts and all.

So, if you’re planning on selling your home make sure that you share everything with the purchaser otherwise you could be hit with a “misleading omission” breach under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.

Contact JDB to arrange a full building survey on 0151 486 3437.