Able Surveyors has been delivering expert property services to private and commercial clients in Romford for over 25 years. Working with properties all across London, Essex and the Home Counties, the team has experience with a huge variety of homes, from period cottages to contemporary, new-build apartments. Whether you would like a property survey for a home you are about to purchase, or need assistance with contract administration or a stock condition survey for your portfolio, Able Surveyors can help.
Our Chelmsford office is just 30 minutes from the centre of Romford and we routinely attend homes in Brentwood, Gallows Corner and Ilford.
FAQs
- Why is it important to have a property survey prior to purchase?
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The UK property market operates under “caveat emptor”, meaning that the onus is on the purchaser to find faults or defects within the building they’re buying.
Many buyers choose not to commission a professional survey (often in an attempt to reduce costs) and proceed with a sale having only given the property a superficial inspection with an untrained eye. Too frequently, these buyers end up paying thousands of pounds once they move in, to rectify major issues like damp or faulty roofing. These defects could have been identified by a professional surveyor and the estimated cost of remedial work negotiated off of the buying price – ultimately saving the new homeowners a considerable amount of money.
- What if you’ve had a mortgage valuation report?
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Mortgage valuations are for the benefit of your lender, to ensure that the property actually exists and is worth at least the amount they are lending you. The valuer is not obliged to feedback any information about structural or legal issues that they may find.
- What is the best type of property survey?
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The most appropriate type of survey depends on the age, condition and construction of the building in question. The Building Survey is the most thorough investigation and report, but for new-build homes or even just well-cared for modern properties, the level of detail this provides may be overkill. Similarly, the HomeBuyer Report is suitable for the majority of homes in the UK, but if you are buying a period property or a building that required significant renovation, it simply won’t give you enough information.
Our team at Able Surveyors will be happy to discuss the property you’re looking to purchase and help you make the best decision. Alternatively, you can use our comparison table to give you a clearer idea of what each type of survey entails.
Property in Romford
Average house prices in Romford are currently around £354,000, with apartments available from around £240,000 and detached family homes selling for upwards of £500,000.
After a promising, borough-wide price surge in recent years, these figures reflect a slowdown in Romford values (-2.46% compared to six months ago). However, Romford’s proximity to the A12 and M25 makes it popular with commuter families, and Havering remains one of the most affordable areas in London, so an investment now is likely to pay off in a few years.
Property Services
At Able Surveyors, we offer a range of surveys and management services to ensure the purchase and maintenance of your property is as straightforward as possible.
All buyers can benefit from one of our surveys, and we are happy to help explain the differences and benefits of Condition Reports, HomeBuyer Reports, and Building Surveys. Where a particular area of concern has already been identified, our team also carry out Specific Defect Surveys, snagging lists and Damp Reports to provide professional documentation of the issue.
Those who are looking to develop their portfolio and maximise their profits can request our assistance with contract administration and cost management services, or commission a stock condition survey to prepare an ongoing maintenance schedule.
VALUATION REPORT STARTS AT £350 +VAT
HOMEBUYER REPORT STARTS AT £450 +VAT
HOMEBUYER REPORT WITH VALUATION STARTS AT £500 +VAT
BUILDING SURVEY STARTS AT £550 +VAT
A visual inspection of the property to access condition
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✓
✓
✓
Detailed visual inspection for hidden defects
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✕
✕
✓
A “traffic light” grading system is used to indicate defects severity.
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✓
✓
✓
Identifies legal issues disputes pertaining to the property
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✓
✓
✓
Informed recommendations for repair options
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✕
✕
✓
Technical details of building construction and materials provided
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✕
✕
✓
Identifies future maintenance requirements
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✓
✓
✓
Mortgage valuation / reinstatement cost
(Where not included this can be provided separately)
✓
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✓
✕
Additional Drone Survey
(for a more detailed view of a properties roof)
✕
+£300
+£300
+£300
Contact us
For more information about any of our services or to arrange a property survey for a house or apartment in Romford, please get in touch. You can send an email to ablesurveyors@gmail.com or call our office on 0207 164 6628 to speak to the team directly.
