We have been working with private and commercial clients in Southend on Sea and Essex for over 25 years, providing a portfolio of property services for residential and commercial properties. Our team conduct building surveys and provide detailed, comprehensive reports to clients, using our expertise to cater to the stunning variety of properties in Southend on Sea, from modern homes and new builds, to historical estates and pre-war architecture.
With our Chelmsford office just 30 minutes away from the heart of Southend, we regularly provide home surveys across the city centre, Leigh-on-Sea, Thorpe Bay, Great Wakering, Rayleigh, Rochford and more. Our team work with our private and commercial clients, house hunters and business people alike, to find the property of their dreams by providing snagging lists, valuations, condition reports and more.
We are only a short drive away from Southend and have spent many years surveying the area. Should you wish to write to us please find our address below.
Buying in Southend
Southend’s housing market has been very promising over the last year, with values increasing by almost 3% in the last six months. This coastal city is a prime location for those seeking the ideal blend of modern and historical architecture right on their doorstep, with a bustling town centre and access to a lively seafront full of classic seaside charm. Southend-On-Sea is home to a wide range of properties, from social housing and retirement villages to sprawling seafront homes and luxurious high-rise flats.
With its recent city status, Southend-on-Sea offers a wide range of unique lifestyle and business opportunities for residents and investors alike. From the longest pleasure pier in the world to the Kursaal, Adventure Island, and Sea Life Adventure as well as a well-situated high street and plenty of shopping opportunities and festivities for residents, this is a city perfect for families, businesspeople and retirees alike.
House prices in Southend averaged at £356,601 over the last year, with the majority of sales being flats, which averaged at £222,709. Semi-detached properties also averaged at £430,729.
Our Services
Whether you are making an investment or seeking a new family home in Southend on Sea, property values are not the only important thing to look for. An alarming number of potential purchasers still fail to arrange any independent surveys on a property, instead relying on seller information and the mortgage valuation as a green light to proceed. This is a very risky practice and leaves buyers vulnerable to hidden defects and unpleasant surprises once they take ownership.
We provide trusted, independent surveys, operating as a RICS Chartered Surveyor. Our service include:
- Three levels of RICS Home Surveys and RICS Registered Valuations
- Detailed building investigations such as Damp Reports, Drone Surveys, Movement Monitoring Services and Specific Defect Surveys
- Schedules of Condition for landlords/tenants to safeguard their interests in dilapidation claims, or as part of a Party Wall Award
- Stock Condition Surveys, Contract Administration and full cost management services for our commercial clients
FAQs
- Why do I need a survey?
-
Without any kind of survey (or even the wrong kind of survey), you cannot be sure of the underlying condition of the home you are about to buy. At best, you are going into negotiations blind, and at worse you can find yourself repairing thousands of pounds worth of problems, like faulty roofing, boundary conflicts or subsidence, which were not apparent prior to the sale.
Commissioning a survey gives you an impartial, professional opinion on any defects or concerns with the structure of your property. You can also receive an independent valuation on the house, and benefit from a stronger negotiating position when you have the full results.
- What about the mortgage valuation report?
-
It is a common misconception that a mortgage valuation will raise any defects with the property. A mortgage valuation is designed to simply inform the bank or lender whether a property value meets the agreed loan amount, and won’t provide any additional information to the buyer about the legal or structural issues with the sale.
- Which survey do I need?
-
Each of the RICS reports offer a different level of detail and information, and the most cost-effective survey will depend both on the current condition of the property, and whether you are planning any renovations or extensions once you move in.
The most important thing is to understand the property enough to make informed negotiations with the seller, and to prevent any unpleasant surprises once you move in. In some cases, buyers choose to walk away from a sale after a survey reveals the extent of work required.
To understand the differences between each RICS survey, take a look at our survey comparison table, or contact us to discuss your situation.
VALUATION REPORT STARTS AT £350 +VAT
HOMEBUYER REPORT (RICS HOME SURVEY LEVEL 2) STARTS AT £450 +VAT
HOMEBUYER REPORT (RICS HOME SURVEY LEVEL 2) WITH VALUATION STARTS AT £500 +VAT
BUILDING SURVEY (RICS HOME SURVEY LEVEL 3) STARTS AT £550 +VAT
A visual inspection of the property to access condition
✕
✓
✓
✓
Detailed visual inspection for hidden defects
✕
✕
✕
✓
A “traffic light” grading system is used to indicate defects severity.
✕
✓
✓
✓
Identifies legal issues disputes pertaining to the property
✕
✓
✓
✓
Informed recommendations for repair options
✕
✕
✕
✓
Technical details of building construction and materials provided
✕
✕
✕
✓
Identifies future maintenance requirements
✕
✓
✓
✓
Mortgage valuation / reinstatement cost
(Where not included this can be provided separately)
✓
✕
✓
✕
Additional Drone Survey
(for a more detailed view of a properties roof)
✕
+£300
+£300
+£300
