Do I need a land survey when buying a house in the UK?

When you have found the home that you want to buy, there can be many steps that you need to take before you finally close the deal. For example, you may need to save for a deposit, apply for a mortgage and get structural surveys on the property. However, there may also be other steps that you need to take that you have not considered, such as getting a land survey. So, if you're wondering, "do I need a land survey when buying a house?", this guide will explore exactly what steps to take when you've found your dream home and you're ready to take the plunge and buy it.

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Property surveys vs land surveys

There are various types of property surveys that you can get before you move into your new home. The cheapest and most basic type of survey is a Condition Report, which only looks at the superficial problems that may be present in a property. On the other end of the scale is a full structural survey that can give you a more in-depth look into any issues with the property. However, property surveys only deal with the building itself.

A land survey, on the other hand, details the features of the land surrounding the property that is a part of the plot that you are going to purchase. If your new home is surrounded by larger grounds or there are potential ambiguities when it comes to the land boundaries, then a land survey may also be appropriate in addition to a building survey.

What is a land survey in the UK?

A land surveyor can perform a land or topographic survey to define the boundaries of the land surrounding the property that you are going to purchase as well as determining certain aspects or features about the land.

A land survey may be required for a variety of reasons, including:

• If you need to identify the exact boundaries of your land in relation to neighbouring properties.
• If you want to detail any points of interest within the scope of the land.
• When there is a need to determine the position of outbuildings or trees on the land surrounding your property.
• When you wish to determine any access routes that may be used by other people in order to identify your own legal rights to the property.
• If the previous owners made changes to the plot and the deeds have not been updated.
• If you plan to alter or extend the property after purchasing it.

A land survey can essentially establish your future right of ownership to the land that surrounds the house and potentially prevent the chance of any legal disputes taking place once you have purchased the property. It can give you the reassurance that you can build on the land around your property and provide you with clarity as to where your boundaries lie.

Do I need a land survey when buying a house?

A land survey can be necessary for anyone who is considering making changes to the land or building on the plot that they are going to purchase. Not only does it tell you where the land boundaries lie, but it can also bring to light any underground structures or watercourses that could present a problem if you are going to extend the home.

Additionally, if you want to be sure that there is no potential for any legal disputes when it comes to boundaries or access routes across the land, then you may also want to have a land survey conducted on the plot. For example, if there is a public footpath that runs across the land, a land survey can clarify your legal rights surrounding this.

Importantly, a land survey can also update the deeds to the property, especially if they have not been updated recently. This may be appropriate for older properties or any properties that have been altered or extended onto the surrounding land.

How much does a land survey cost?

The cost of a land survey can vary depending on factors such as the size of the land that they need to survey, the type of land survey they need to carry out and how long the survey will take. In essence, the longer a survey takes and the more complex it is, the higher the end cost will be. It is extremely important to determine the cost that the surveyor will charge before they begin the survey to prevent you from being left with excess charges. When you are looking for a surveyor, ensure that they are accredited by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Will I need other surveys?

Some experts will recommend a full structural survey when you are in the process of purchasing an older house as this can identify a variety of problems such as subsidence, roofing problems, damp issues, problems with the house's gas or electrical systems and any other complications that could be costly. For a newer house, this won't necessarily be required.

However, all mortgage lenders will require you to have a mortgage valuation survey as this can determine the true market worth of the property and ensure that a lender is loaning you the true value of the house. In some cases, a mortgage valuation may be offered for free by a lender but a lot of the time, as the buyer, you will be responsible for paying for these surveys.

Ultimately, getting surveys can give you clarity about your property and land and provide you with peace of mind. Even though surveys can seem like an added cost, if you want to be assured of the condition and legality of your land and property, they may be worth it in the longer term.

At Mortgage Mentor UK, we provide innovative new ways to secure your mortgage. Mortgage Mentor UK is a trading style of WIS Mortgages & Insurance. To get in touch for free advice, please contact us at Mortgage Mentor UK today.

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