Real stories from our clients across seven counties
Every property tells a story. Here are some real examples of how our RICS surveys and valuations have helped homebuyers, landlords, investors and professionals make informed property decisions and avoid costly surprises.
Homebuyers
Bedford
Hidden damp saves first time buyers £12,000
A young couple fell in love with a Victorian terrace. The RICS Level 2 survey revealed extensive rising damp hidden behind recently painted walls. The repair quote came to £12,000, which the vendors agreed to deduct from the sale price.
The survey cost £450. It saved the buyers £11,550.
Landlords
Luton
Portfolio landlord avoids £85,000 HMO conversion mistake
A portfolio landlord planned to convert a large semi detached property into a 6 bedroom HMO. The RICS Level 3 Building Survey identified structural issues with load bearing walls that meant the planned layout was not feasible without major steelwork, which would have ruined the investment case.
The survey prevented an £85,000 investment that would have run significantly over budget.
Homebuyers
Milton Keynes
Roof survey reveals urgent repairs on dream home
A growing family had an offer accepted on a detached house. During the Level 2 survey, our surveyor spotted signs of roof spread and water ingress in the loft. A follow up roof survey confirmed £18,000 of urgent work was needed.
The buyers renegotiated the price by £15,000 to cover the roof repairs.
Professionals
Cambridge
Solicitor secures probate valuation for complex estate
A solicitor handling a contested probate matter needed an independent RICS Red Book valuation for three residential properties. The valuation withstood scrutiny from HMRC and the opposing party, helping resolve the estate without further litigation.
The independent RICS valuation was accepted by all parties without challenge.
Homebuyers
Northampton
New build snagging identifies 47 defects
A buyer purchased a new build home and commissioned a snagging survey before completion. Our surveyor identified 47 defects including incorrectly installed cavity wall insulation, poor window sealing and incomplete roof flashing. The developer rectified all issues before the buyer moved in.
47 defects identified and resolved before the buyer took possession.
Investors
London
Overseas investor secures three properties sight unseen
An investor based in Dubai wanted to purchase three buy to let properties in Greater London. We completed detailed RICS Level 2 surveys on all three, provided video call walkthroughs of each property and advised on rental readiness. All three purchases completed successfully.
Three properties purchased remotely with full confidence in their condition.
Why National Home Surveyors?
RICS regulated
Every survey meets the professional standards of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, accepted by lenders, insurers and courts.
Seven county coverage
Local surveyors across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Greater London and Oxfordshire.
Clear, actionable reports
No jargon. No covering our backs with caveats. Just clear information about what is there, what is wrong and what needs doing.
Direct surveyor access
Speak directly to the surveyor who inspected your property. Ask questions, get clarity and make confident decisions.
Ready to write your own story?
Whether you are buying, investing, developing or advising, a professional survey puts you in control. Get in touch for a fixed price quote.