Regulated firms are those who are members of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and have committed to abide by the RICS Rules of Conduct for Firms. Such firms are regulated and monitored by the RICS, to ensure they meet the highest standards expected by the profession. For this reason, the RICS encourages members of the public to use the services of a regulated firm, to ensure consumers receive the best level of quality and service.

Yes. We are regulated by the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) who hold a Royal Charter. We are bound by mandatory Rules of Conduct which are based on ethical principles of honesty, integrity, competence, service, respect, and responsibility. All RICS Regulated firms must adhere to the RICS “Home Survey Standard”. The Home Survey Standard sets out the highest level of mandatory standards for the inspection and reporting of residential property.

Yes. A mortgage valuation is not a survey. Its sole purpose is to advise your lender whether the property provides reasonable security for your loan. A valuation doesn't tell you what defects the property has, the implication of living with these issues and what’s involved in rectifying the problems. This is where we can help you. The work we carry out on your behalf will provide the information you need to make a confident decision about your property purchase. Our surveys will advise on the actual condition of the property and explain the significance of defects found. We'll provide clarity on what steps should be taken to rectify the issues and how soon they should be addressed.

If you’re getting a mortgage, the time to arrange a survey is as soon as you’ve received your formal mortgage offer and you’ve instructed a conveyancing solicitor to commence the purchase process. The reason for this is in case the bank or lender will not lend the amount you require to borrow. Having a survey carried out too soon, could mean you pay for a survey on a property you’re no longer going to purchase. The bank/lender will carry out a property valuation (remember a mortgage valuation is not a survey and it can be carried out without a physical inspection of the property) and will typically issue a formal mortgage offer to you within one to two weeks of completing a mortgage application. Once you’ve received your offer, its time to arrange a survey.

If you’re a cash buyer, the time to arrange a survey is as soon as you’ve instructed a conveyancing solicitor to commence the purchase process. Ideally you want the results of the survey early on during the purchase process, in case the survey uncovers issues with the property, and you decide not to proceed with the purchase. Leaving the survey to later in the process means more fees for professional services such as solicitors will have accumulated. If you’re not going to proceed with the purchase based on the results of the survey, its better to reach that decision early on, before clocking up too many other expenses.

There is a lot more to choosing which surveyor to appoint than on cost grounds alone. The decision largely depends on what kind of service you’re seeking. Anyone can set up a company and call themselves a surveyor. They may lack suitable knowledge and experience and may not be appropriately insured. They may be a member of a self-promoting trade association, often using letters behind their name giving the impression they have professional surveying qualifications.

Chartered Surveyors are professional members of the RICS, who are a regulator that act for the interests of consumers, rather than for the advantage of surveyors. With a firm of Chartered Surveyors, you can expect high levels of service and quality.

Antill & Co are a firm of Chartered Surveyors, regulated by the RICS and as such, we hold professional qualifications that represent the gold standard for surveying. We have comprehensive knowledge and experience in residential property surveying and are appropriately insured for the work we do. With our expertise, we go the extra mile for our clients, providing you with the advice and reassurance you need to buy with confidence. Our commitment to delivering excellent service and trusted advice is at the heart of everything we do.

A number of steps occur, from the initial consultation and conversations about the proposed property through to the final report being issued. Please see the Step-by-Step details on our Surveys page.

We do. We’ll contact the estate agent to arrange access to the property. Where an agent has not been instructed, we’ll arrange access directly with the vendor or their representative. We’ll update you with confirmation of the survey date once access arrangements have been confirmed.

The report is private and confidential and will only be sent to you and any other person you instruct us to send it to. It is important that your solicitor receives the report, and we can send a copy to them with your approval.

Yes. There is a section within the report for your solicitor. It is important to send the report to them for their review and action. Your solicitor will typically not see the property, so the report will provide valuable supporting information to assist with your purchase. Your solicitor will raise enquires within the report to the vendor’s solicitor.

Your solicitor will handle matters within the Legal Issues section of the report. It may be appropriate to address defects and issues of concern with the vendor via the estate agent or your solicitor. You may ask for matters to be addressed as part of the purchase. Quotations and further investigations may need to be undertaken. Apart from sending the whole report to your solicitor, we recommend that only relevant extracts of the report and photographs are sent to other parties, where specific defects or issues need to be addressed. We find that sending the whole report distracts from the matters of concern you are raising.

Photos are very helpful to provide context and clarity. There is no mandatory requirement to include photos for a Home Survey, although we do for Level 2 Plus and Level 3 surveys. We provide full size photographs of the property, its defects, and issues, rather than reduced size to fit within the report template. Each photo has the relevant extract of the report displayed above it for ease of reference.

Yes. We provide details of professionals and tradespeople in the report for ease of reference.

We have found the following guide which is informative for first time buyers and those with more experience.