Does the Solicitor Arrange a Survey UK

At Lillian Purge, we specialise in SEO for Solicitors. This resource explains whether the solicitor arranges surveys during property transactions.

When purchasing a property, it’s easy to assume that your solicitor oversees every stage of the process, including arranging the survey. However, the solicitor’s role focuses on handling the legal and administrative aspects of the transaction, while the survey is organised separately by the buyer through a surveyor or the mortgage lender.

This article explains what a property survey is, who arranges it, how it fits into the conveyancing process, and how solicitors work alongside surveyors to ensure everything runs smoothly.

What Is a Property Survey

A property survey is an inspection carried out by a qualified surveyor to assess the condition and value of the home you’re buying. It helps identify structural issues, maintenance concerns, or potential problems that could affect the property’s safety or value.

Surveys vary in depth depending on the type and age of the property. The main types are:

• Mortgage valuation: A basic assessment required by your lender to confirm the property’s value matches the mortgage offer.

• Homebuyer Report: A mid-level inspection covering visible defects such as damp, roof problems, or subsidence risks.

• Building Survey: A detailed report recommended for older or unconventional properties, providing a full structural overview.

The information from the survey helps buyers make informed decisions, negotiate repairs, or reconsider the purchase if serious issues arise.

The Solicitor’s Role in the Buying Process

A solicitor or conveyancer handles the legal transfer of property ownership. Their responsibilities include:

• Checking the property’s title deeds and ownership

• Conducting local authority and environmental searches

• Reviewing the contract of sale

• Managing the exchange of contracts and transfer of funds

• Registering the new ownership with the Land Registry

While solicitors coordinate many key steps in the transaction, they do not carry out or arrange property surveys. That task falls to the buyer, although the solicitor may offer advice or recommendations if needed.

Who Arranges the Survey

It’s the buyer’s responsibility to arrange the property survey, not the solicitor’s. Buyers can either:

• Arrange the survey directly with an independent chartered surveyor, or

• Have the mortgage lender arrange one as part of the mortgage valuation process

In most cases, mortgage lenders require a basic valuation survey before approving a loan, but this report is limited to confirming the property’s value for lending purposes. Buyers are strongly advised to commission a more detailed survey to assess the property’s condition.

Solicitors often recommend clients commission their own independent survey, as it can reveal issues that affect the property’s long-term costs or suitability.

How Solicitors and Surveyors Work Together

Although the solicitor doesn’t arrange the survey, they play a supportive role once the results are received. For example:

• If the survey reveals defects or disputes, the solicitor can liaise with the seller’s legal team to request repairs or price reductions.

• If the report raises legal concerns, such as boundary problems or unauthorised building work, the solicitor will investigate further.

• Solicitors also review survey findings alongside property searches to ensure there are no overlapping risks.

This collaboration helps ensure buyers make informed decisions and protects them from potential legal or financial problems.

When the Solicitor Might Help with the Process

Some solicitors offer to recommend reputable surveyors, especially for first-time buyers unfamiliar with the process. While they don’t usually arrange the survey directly, they can provide guidance on the right type of survey for your property and budget.

For example, if you’re buying a newly built home, your solicitor might suggest a snagging survey to identify construction issues before completion. If you’re purchasing an older house, they may recommend a full building survey due to the higher likelihood of structural concerns.

Why the Buyer Should Arrange Their Own Survey

Arranging your own survey gives you control over the process and ensures the surveyor works solely in your interests. Independent surveyors provide impartial assessments and detailed reports that go beyond what a mortgage valuation covers.

This can be particularly valuable when negotiating the purchase price. If significant repairs are needed, you can use the survey findings to renegotiate with the seller or request remedial work before completion.

What Happens If You Skip the Survey

Skipping a survey might save money upfront, but it can lead to costly surprises later. Hidden problems such as damp, faulty wiring, or structural damage might not be visible during viewings. Without a survey, you have no recourse if these issues arise after completion, as the property is typically sold “as seen.”

Solicitors strongly recommend surveys because they help identify potential risks early. Knowing the true condition of the property allows you to make informed financial and legal decisions.

The Timeline for Surveys During Conveyancing

Surveys usually take place after your offer is accepted but before contracts are exchanged. This timing ensures that any major issues can be addressed without delaying completion.

Once the survey is complete, results are typically available within a few days. If significant concerns are raised, your solicitor can advise you on the next steps, such as renegotiating terms or requesting further investigations.

Final Thoughts

A solicitor does not arrange a property survey, but their role complements the work of the surveyor. The buyer is responsible for commissioning the survey, while the solicitor handles the legal side of the transaction and acts on any findings that may affect the purchase.

Having both professionals involved ensures that your home purchase is both legally sound and financially secure. The solicitor protects your legal interests, and the surveyor protects you from unforeseen property issues.

At Lillian Purge, we help solicitors improve their online visibility, connecting them with homebuyers looking for expert conveyancing services. Through targeted SEO strategies, we ensure that your firm stands out when clients search for guidance on buying property safely and efficiently.

You may also want to read how long do solicitor searches take and do you need a solicitor to remortgage. Get more advice on our Solicitors Hub.