Does the Solicitor Arrange a Survey UK

When buying a property, there are many professionals involved in the process, from estate agents and mortgage lenders to solicitors and surveyors. One area that often causes confusion is the role of the solicitor in relation to property surveys. Buyers sometimes assume that their solicitor will arrange the survey as part of the conveyancing process. In reality, the solicitor’s role is different, and understanding this distinction is important for anyone purchasing a home.

What a Survey Is and Why It Matters

A property survey is an inspection carried out by a qualified surveyor to assess the condition of a house or flat. It can highlight structural problems, damp, subsidence, or issues that may require costly repairs. Surveys provide buyers with an independent assessment of the property’s condition and can influence whether they proceed with the purchase, renegotiate the price or ask the seller to make repairs. Because a property purchase is such a large investment, surveys are strongly recommended even though they are not legally required.

The Solicitor’s Role in Property Transactions

A solicitor’s primary responsibility is to handle the legal side of the purchase. This includes reviewing contracts, carrying out searches, liaising with the seller’s solicitor and ensuring that ownership of the property is transferred correctly. They do not typically organise surveys, as this falls outside the scope of legal conveyancing work. Instead, solicitors may advise buyers on the importance of having a survey and may recommend arranging one independently before committing to exchange of contracts.

Who Arranges the Survey

It is the responsibility of the buyer to arrange a survey with a chartered surveyor. In many cases, buyers contact surveyors directly or use recommendations from their mortgage lender or estate agent. Mortgage lenders will usually conduct a valuation to ensure the property is worth the loan amount, but this is not the same as a survey. A valuation only confirms market value for lending purposes, while a survey provides a detailed report on the property’s condition. Buyers who assume the valuation is sufficient may miss hidden problems, so arranging a separate survey is strongly advised.

How Solicitors and Surveyors Work Together

Although the solicitor does not arrange the survey, they may review the findings once the report is completed. If the survey reveals issues, such as potential boundary disputes or structural defects, the solicitor can raise further enquiries with the seller’s solicitor. This can lead to renegotiations or additional protections in the contract. In this way, the solicitor supports the buyer by addressing the legal implications of the survey results, even if they were not responsible for commissioning it.

Conclusion

A solicitor does not arrange a property survey as part of the conveyancing process. It is the buyer’s responsibility to appoint a surveyor, although the solicitor may advise on its importance and act on any issues raised in the report. Understanding this division of responsibility helps buyers take the right steps to protect themselves during a property purchase.