Costa Blanca Surveys
Nicola Jefferies
BSc BA DipArch MRICS
Buying a new or second home in a different country, with unfamiliar laws and customs can be a daunting experience and buyers often prefer the security of an independant report on their potential purchase. This is exactly where I can help. I am a UK Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) with over 20 years experience in all types of property. I have lived in Alcalali, in the Jalon Valley, for four years, and my family have owned property in Spain for over 25 years. I offer a range of services from an RICS HomeBuyer Report on your new home to guiding you through the entire process of buying and owning a property in Spain, including:
• Finding your ideal home within a realistic budget.
• Providing a HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey.*
• Negotiating the purchase and financing.
• Guidance through the legal process, coordinating your advisors (legal, financial etc) to ensure a swift transaction, thoroughly executed.
• Advice on alterations and improvements you may wish to make to your new property.
• Ongoing maintenance and management of your house, from gardening and pool cleaning to full time holiday letting.
”Your house is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you ever make – you need to know as much as you can about the property before you buy it, so having a survey makes good sense – and could save you thousands of pounds in costly repair bills." The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Which? and The Council of Mortgage Lenders advise you to get a survey before you buy, and not just to rely on a valuation.
"Using the services of an RICS surveyor offers real peace of mind because:
• They give you clear, impartial expert advice
• They act in your interest.
• They are tightly regulated and have strict codes of conduct to protect you – including proper insurance.
• RICS members have to update their skills and knowledge throughout their careers, so you can rely on their expertise.
• You are further protected by their complaints service.”
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
*HomeBuyer Report or Building Survey
A survey will highlight existing and potential defects of a building, giving you, the potential purchaser, a firm basis on which to make what could be one of the most important decisions of your life. If you have specific worries about the building you are going to buy, I would be happy to discus your concerns in detail. A survey can also be used to negotiate a realistic price for your new house, given the nature of any defects or problems and the likely cost of rectification, or of any improvements or alterations you may intend to make. The table below provides an ‘Easy Reference Chart’ of the difference between a Housebuyers Survey and a Building Survey and is taken from “Choosing between surveys” produced by the RICS.
Click here to download a pdf of "Choosing between surveys" or here to download "Description of the RICS HomeBuyer Service" from the RICS
If you need Abobe Pdf reader click here.
| Lender's Valuation | HomeBuyers Report | Building Survey | |
| Type of Property | A valuation is needed by most mortgage lenders. | Traditional houses, flats, bungalows and so on, in apparently reasonable condition. | Any residential or other property, in any condition |
| Type of Service | Limited inspection just for the lender. | A shorter, less detailed report in a standard format | A detailed and comprehensive report that can be tailored to suit your needs. |
| Reason for Service | To work out the property’s value and to pinpoint major faults or factors that may affect your mortgage. | To help you: • make a reasoned and informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying the property; • make an informed decision on what is a reasonable price to pay for the property; • take account of any repairs or replacements the property needs; and • consider what other advice you need to take before exchanging contracts |
To give you: • a detailed assessment of the condition and construction of the property; and • technical advice on any problems and work needed to put them right |
Special Features |
None | Provides condition ratings for elements of the building, services and any garages and permanent outbuildings | Provides full details of the property’s construction, materials, uses, defects, and need for future maintenance |
| Valuation Included | Yes | Included as part of the RICS HomeBuyer Service | May be provided as an agreed extra |
| Report Format | Lenders will generally use their own standard forms. |
RICS HomeBuyer Report which is a compact, standard format | In the surveyor’s own format and usually longer, more detailed and technical than the RICS HomeBuyer Report |
Contact me:
Email: nicola@cloves.com
Tel: (0034) 966482449
Other contacts:
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - In the UK
Costa Blanca Directory - The Local Business Directory and Website Search.
Cloves.com - cost effective web design
La Torre, Alcalali - bar restaurant for sale
Centre Hipic Marina Alta - Horse riding and trekking in Calpe
Colina Club - Retirement Community in Calpe
Villa Jalon Valley - Holiday villa with pool in Alcalali
Pickwell Manor Farm - Holiday cottages in Devon