Should I Book My Survey Before My Mortgage Is Approved?

When buying a property, timing is everything. One common question that arises during this process is whether to book a property survey before receiving mortgage approval. At Rellim Surveyors, we understand this dilemma and are here to provide clarity on the optimal approach.

Understanding the Timeline of Property Purchases

The property buying process involves several important steps, with mortgage applications and property surveys being two critical components. Getting these steps in the right order can save you time, money, and potential heartache.

The Ideal Time to Book Your Survey

The optimal time to book your survey is after your mortgage has been approved in principle but before the final mortgage offer.

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Here's why this timing works best:

1. Confidence in Proceeding

Having a mortgage agreed in principle means you know your budget and that a lender is likely to support your purchase. This gives you the confidence to invest in a detailed survey knowing that financing is likely to be available.

2. Informed Negotiations

A comprehensive survey might reveal issues that could affect the property's value. With results in hand before the final mortgage offer, you can:

• Renegotiate the purchase price if necessary

• Request that the seller addresses certain issues

• Make a more informed decision about whether to proceed

3. Avoiding Wasted Expenses

If you book a survey too early (before any mortgage approval), you risk paying for a survey on a property you ultimately can't afford if your mortgage application is rejected.

4. Preventing Delays

Waiting until after the final mortgage offer to book your survey can unnecessarily extend the purchase timeline, potentially frustrating sellers and other parties in the chain, good surveyors will always have a lead time, then access has to be arranged and the report can take some days after the site inspection to be written up, quality checked and disptached to you, allowing 7 - 14 days from the day you order to the day you receive your report is a good guide.

How Rellim Surveyors Can Help

At Rellim Surveyors, we understand the delicate timing involved in property purchases. Our team of experienced professionals offer:

• Quick appointment availability: We work efficiently to accommodate your timeline

• Comprehensive survey options: From basic condition reports to full structural surveys

• Detailed, easy-to-understand reports: Helping you make informed decisions

• Professional expertise: Our surveyors have extensive local knowledge and qualifications

• Quality you can count on : Our surveys meet and exceed the requirements of RICS.
  

Taking Action

The property market moves quickly, and having your survey completed at the right time can give you a significant advantage. Once you have your mortgage agreed in principle, contact Rellim Surveyors to schedule your survey promptly.

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Our team will guide you through selecting the appropriate level of survey for your property and circumstances, ensuring you have all the information you need when finalising your mortgage and purchase.

Choosing the Right Level of Survey

RICS guidance explains that different properties require different levels of inspection.

In broad terms:

• A HomeBuyer Survey may be suitable where risks are low but require reassurance

• A Level 3 Building Survey is often appropriate for older homes, extended properties, or where uncertainty exists

What matters most isn’t the survey label, but the professional judgement behind it.

Two surveys with the same name can produce very different results. The real value lies in the surveyor’s experience, interpretation, and ability to explain what actually matters — not just list defects. That’s why choosing the right surveyor is just as important as choosing the right level of survey.

As a RICS-regulated practice, we are independently listed on the RICS Find a Surveyor register for added reassurance.

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Conclusion

Timing your property survey correctly is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of the home buying process. By booking your survey after mortgage approval in principle but before the final offer, you position yourself for a smoother, more informed property purchase.

Don't leave your property survey to chance. Contact Rellim Surveyors today to discuss your needs and secure a timely, professional survey that will help protect your investment for years to come.

EMAIL US: surveys@rellimsurveyors.co.uk

CALL US: 0208 064 9980

WhatsAPP or TEXT US : 0771 899 1294