When to commission a survey - immediately on sale agreed, or after receive contracts?

Mr Hindley

I was assuming that once I went sale agreed, one of the first things that I would do would be to organise a survey, which is what I've done in the past. My solicitor (who I haven't used before, but came strongly recommended by a friend) is saying that I should wait until the draft contract comes through, so that the surveyor has that to hand, and can compare what they see on the ground against any certs etc. provided.

I'm curious about other peoples' experiences here..?

Giblet

I would listen to your solicitor. Sale Agreed can last for a while, so better off waiting until you are moving forward. If you are getting a valuation from the bank, it's best to wait until contracts also as they expire after a few months.

LunaLoo

When draft contracts come through but before you sign anything.

Ray Palmer

Very strange advice. It is always at sale agreed as there may be issues with the property that require renegotiation on price if a major fault. The surveyor can also ask for certs to be provided for what he sees rather than waiting for what they provide and then raising the issue.

Generally the solicitor will recieve a pack with the draft contracts, this will include details of planning and drawings, the engineer will need to verify the info in these. The solicitor will probably have to go back to the sellers solicitor a number of times before they are ready for signing. If issues are discovered you can negotiate further before signing the final contract.

Giblet

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119637117#Comment_119637117

You get all of that from the solicitor along with a draft contract, so that's what was suggested. Sale Agreed means f-all, you might not even have a solicitor!