Homebuying has always been more than just a transaction. However, at a time when affordability pressures continue to mount, house prices remain high, and environmental considerations are growing, it’s little wonder that buyers are becoming increasingly cautious about where and how they invest. And, quite rightly, are seeking greater confidence in the life-affirming decisions they make.
In what remains an often protracted, misunderstood and multifaceted process, confidence isn’t always easy to come by. Although, it’s encouraging to see that one of the most underappreciated tools in building that confidence - the home condition survey – is gaining recognition amongst a rising number of buyers and property professionals.
Research, in partnership with Pegasus Insight, by CSS revealed that a healthy 88% of homebuyers who commissioned a home condition survey said they would do so again. Perhaps even more compelling, 92% said the survey gave them valuable peace of mind during the purchase process. These are not just statistics; they’re signals of a changing mindset, one where information and assurance are beginning to outweigh short-term cost-cutting measures.
Critically, 60% of those surveys uncovered issues with the property that were previously unknown to the buyer. Far from derailing deals, this information helped avoid post-purchase shocks and ensured buyers entered into transactions with their eyes wide open.
It’s fair to say that some in the market still worry that a survey could jeopardise a sale, but this concern is largely unfounded. The research shows that only 9% of buyers received a valuation below the agreed purchase price, and just 2% decided not to proceed after reviewing the survey. The reality is that home condition surveys rarely halt a transaction; rather, they strengthen it by offering clarity and direction.
For brokers, this represents an opportunity to add real value by educating clients on the distinction between a mortgage valuation and a home condition survey as this can empower more informed choices and help safeguard investments.
Despite these clear advantages, national data shows that just 45% of homeowners have ever paid for a survey. A recent poll from Compare My Move found that a third of those who commissioned a survey beyond the lender’s valuation were able to negotiate an average of £6,400 off the asking price, thanks to issues uncovered such as roof or electrical defects - the two most common - followed by damp, insulation concerns, structural movement, subsidence, and even invasive risks like woodworm and Japanese knotweed.
This contrast between the proven value of surveys and their relatively low uptake reveals a critical imbalance in the market. Despite tangible financial benefits and peace of mind, concerns around cost and perceived value still deter many buyers from commissioning one. It’s a gap that highlights the need for greater education, but also something more.
This is where the next frontier lies.
To bridge the gap between value and adoption, the industry must continue to evolve and innovate. That means reassessing what today’s buyers really need, finding smarter ways to build trust, streamline the process, and deliver survey solutions that are not only informative but intuitive, efficient, and fit for purpose when it comes to meeting the demands of the today’s consumer.
In an industry where consumer trust is both hard-won and easily lost, delivering solutions that meet this criteria will be essential to move the homebuying journey into the modern era.
The next wave of home condition surveys must offer not just detail, but clarity. Not just information, but insight. Because in a market defined by complexity and high stakes, the value of peace of mind has never been greater. And the role of the surveyor has never been more important.
