RICS has relaunched its home surveys to make them more accessible and concise than its sometimes ‘unclear’ predecessors.
These will include images – so that any defective parts of a property are easily identifiable and can be quickly fixed – plus less technical explanations and clearer explanations about what a home buyer can expect from each kind of home surveys report.
RICS says Covid complications and the stamp duty sales stampede mean it’s even more critical to get all the upfront information needed when moving home.
“We took the existing survey reports back to the drawing board, consulted with our consumers and our professionals and found a way to bring more clarity in the market, which ensures the highest standards are being delivered and maintain trust in our member’s services,” says Ana Bajri, Senior Specialist for Property Standards at RICS (pictured).
The restyled reports come into force alongside its delayed New Home Survey Standard which has already started to be adopted by RICS chartered surveyors and introduces new minimum requirements for property condition advice to be provided in a clear and jargon-free way as expected by clients and the public.
“Consumer feedback showed 40% of those who didn’t get a survey did not believe they needed one,” says Bajri
“And 28% of those dissatisfied believed the information didn’t meet their expectations, 23% reported the language of the information was unclear and 11% believed their survey didn’t accurately report the condition of the property – so RICS set out to address these issues with the new a new home survey standard for surveyors and revamped reports.”
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