At Tejada Solicitors, we have a team of professionals with extensive experience in not only property condition surveys, but in supporting clients throughout the entire conveyancing process. This also includes offering a comprehensive breakdown of the various costs of buying a property in Spain.
Table of Contents
What is a property condition survey?
Property condition surveys are reports that evaluate the urbanistic situation of the property, its state of conservation, and its structural system. This gives the client access to as much information as possible before deciding to buy or sell. For these reports to be carried out, you must present a simple note issued by the Land Registry. This way, we will be able to visit the property and gather all the information required. The duration of the visit will be from 1 to 2 hours. The price of these reports will vary depending on the workload and condition the property is in. As a result, there will be three different types of reports offering all of the information regarding each conveyancing aspect. You can then choose to pay for one, two, or all three reports to help decide whether you should buy or sell your property.
Why is a property survey important?
The Spanish legislation on town planning is extensive and complex, with numerous casuistry. Because of this, those aiming to buy or sell their property may fail to identify or understand key aspects of the conveyancing process, which may lead to further costs and fees further down the line. Therefore, it is recommended that buyers should seek advice from professionals who are specialists in the field, such as our team at Tejada Solicitors. We have accredited and extensive experience to avoid risks and unforeseen events. The architect Franciso Criado Rodriguez, on behalf of Tejada Solicitors, recommends a series of reports shared below, which should be analysed before the purchase and sale of a property, a service that is in great demand amongst our clients.
Types of property survey
Report 1: Analysis of the Urban Development Situation
The analysis of the town planning situation of the property is the first and most important step for the client to be aware of the urbanistic circumstances of the property they intend to buy or sell.
In this report, the following information is provided:
- Type of land the property is situated on. This can be urban, rustic, etc.
- Affections coming from sectoral legislation, livestock trails, coasts, roads, etc.
- Possible existing economic burdens or those that could occur in the future on the property, as a consequence of the urban development of the land established by the town-planning regulations.
- Legal consequences that may affect the value of the property, such as demolition orders, the impossibility of carrying out the intended renovation works, the need for the processing of DAFO certificate, the impossibility of obtaining the first occupation, urban charges derived from the urban development.
- All dimensions of the property.
- Analysis of whether the dimensions of the different spaces in the locations comply with current regulations.
- The legal issues need to be addressed before completing the transfer of ownership.
Report 2: Analysis of the state of the area’s conservation
This report provides information on the state of conservation of the property which is going to be bought or sold regarding the common construction materials and in a reasonable conservation state.
The following information is provided:
- Measurement of the dimensions of the property and its different spaces.
- Visual inspection and analysis of the state of conservation of the construction systems.
- Visual inspection and analysis of the state of conservation of the installation systems.
- List of existing problems in the construction and installation systems.
- Advice on necessary repairs and maintenance actions that should be carried out.
- The tests or trials that should be done to avoid serious damage or dangerous situations.
- An estimate of what the cost would be for the repairs previously mentioned above if agreed in advance with the client.
- Support for your legal advisors.
- Possible refurbishing work and improvements that could be carried out on the property and that would increase its sale value in the short-term if agreed in advance with the client.
Report 3: Structural analysis
Also called the Building Survey. This report is mostly used when contemplating purchasing or selling a very big property, an old building, or a building in generally bad condition. It can also be used for an outstanding building, or if big refurbishing work is going to be done.
This report includes the following information:
- Measurements and dimensions of the property or building.
- Visual inspection and analysis of the state of conservation of the structural systems.
- Visual inspection and analysis of the state of preservation of the building systems.
- Visual inspection and analysis of the state of conservation of the installation systems.
- Proposal of different tests or trials that should be carried out during the structural system analysis.
- List of existing problems in the construction and installation systems.
- Cost estimate of the possible repairs mentioned above, if agreed in advance with the client.
- Support for your legal advisors and further details of serious risks and hazardous conditions.
Property condition survey: Frequently Asked Questions
How to find a surveyor?
The best way to find a surveyor is by comparing websites that you trust or getting references from other clients. At Tejada Solicitors, our team of experts will provide you with this service to guide you from the beginning to the end of your process of buying or selling a property.
How much does a property survey report cost?
The price of these reports will vary depending on various factors. These include the amount of workload, the condition of the property, and which survey reports you to choose to proceed with. Our team at Tejada Solicitors will be able to provide an accurate estimate at the beginning of your property journey.
When do I need a property survey report?
These reports can be done at any time but you will most likely hire a surveyor when you’re buying or selling a property. Also, these surveys are required by most mortgage companies to make sure the property is worth the amount of money they’re providing in the loan.
How long does a house survey take?
After you present a simple note issued by the Land Registry, a surveyor will visit the property and gather all the information required for the report. The duration of the visit can range from 1 to 2 hours.
