Tip:
Getting a Building Survey post offer could enable you to negotiate a price reduction once the legal work is underway. Either way, the survey should be carried out before exchange of contracts, i.e. once you have legally committed yourself to the purchase.
Unfortunately, the seller might pull out at any stage before exchange of contracts so you do run the risk of paying for a survey which you may not need, but you have little choice but to carry out a survey prior to exchange.
Getting a Building Survey post offer could enable you to negotiate a price reduction once the legal work is underway. Either way, the survey should be carried out before exchange of contracts, i.e. once you have legally committed yourself to the purchase.
Unfortunately, the seller might pull out at any stage before exchange of contracts so you do run the risk of paying for a survey which you may not need, but you have little choice but to carry out a survey prior to exchange.