When buying a house in the UK it is normal procedure to have a structural survey to ascertain the condition of the building before proceeding with the purchase.
Why should it be any different in Spain?
Buying in Spain you should be just as, if not more so, cautious.
It's easy to get carried away and rush into a home-in-the-sun purchase without knowing all the facts. The estate agent's description may say that the house you've fallen in love with is sound but do they really know? You may find that you've parted with a hefty, non-refundable deposit only to be faced with an uninhabitable house needing substantial and costly work. Common defects found in Spanish properties include failing roof beams, weakened first floors, damp, unsafe electrics, inadequate drainage, insect infested timbers, missing loadbearing lintels...You are then at the mercy of builders in a country where building methods, materials and regulations (not to mention the language) may be unfamiliar to you.
Don't take a chance with your dream home in Spain!
Before you hand over a deposit, insist on a structural survey. Any reputable real estate agent should agree to this. A survey will check for structural soundness and stability, damp, rot, termites etc. We will test the electrics, drainage and water supply and check ventilation and insulation. A survey is just as important for relatively new homes as it is for older properties. If remedial works are required we will specify what, where and how. We also undertake structural surveys to diagnose specific building defects for insurance claim purposes or to help resolve disputes with builders. On new build properties we can undertake snagging inspections. Please note that we do not undertake valuations or topographic (land) surveys.
Buying a home in Spain should be an enjoyable experience.
We help to make it so. We are completely independent with no links to any estate agents or builders. Surveys are undertaken by a fully qualified Chartered Civil Engineer with over 20 years' experience of surveying and construction in the UK and Spain - as featured in Living Spain magazine. Your comprehensive report will be written in plain English, illustrated with photographs and ready within 7 days of survey. If you are in Spain you are welcome to attend the survey inspection in order to receive a verbal report on the day. We cover the whole of Andalucia, specialising in inland properties, and survey fees start at just €400. A small price to pay for peace of mind and remember that a survey report can be a useful negotiating tool, potentially saving you thousands of euros on the asking price. To discuss your requirements please call or email.
Contact details:
Hilary Ellis BSc Hons CEng MICE
+0034 955 913 956 / 646 587 599 / 679 360 343
email: enquiry@structural-surveys-spain.com