Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. My estate agent says most people don't have a building survey....

They are right.  We feel this is because the benefits of having a survey are not explained, as the estate agents primary interest is to sell the house.

The only time the estate agent is really interested in you having a building survey is when they own a surveying company themselves.  You would be surprised how many estate agents own or have very strong financial links with a surveying company - the estate agent gets a commission for recommending their own surveyors - we think this is not ethical.

A few examples of estate agent owned surveyors:-

• CountryWide surveyors owned by Taylors, Bairstow Eves, Mann & Co.
• Colleys' owned by Halifax Royal Bank of Scotland
• E Surv owned by Your Move (General Accident)

Remember in English Law its 'buyer beware'.  Both Which magazine the consumer watchdog and the Consumers Association recommend you have an independent survey.