Urgent Matters on A RICs Survey.
Introduction
A RICS survey may reveal urgent issues with a property. While this can feel overwhelming, it's important not to panic.
With the right approach, urgent matters can often be assessed, understood and resolved, helping you protect both your investment and your purchase.
This guide explains how to handle urgent matters identified during a survey and outlines the steps buyers should take to make informed decisions moving forward.
Understand the Urgent Matters
The first step is to fully understand the issues identified within the survey report.
Carefully review the survey findings and, if necessary, speak directly with your surveyor for clarification.
It is important to understand:
The nature of the issue
The potential risks involved
The likely repair costs
The impact on the property's value
The consequences of taking no action
In some cases, urgent matters may not be a major concern, particularly if you are intentionally purchasing a refurbishment project.
For most buyers, however, urgent matters require careful consideration to avoid future complications.
Understanding What "Urgent Matters" Means
When a RICS survey highlights urgent matters, it generally refers to issues that may affect the property's:
Structural integrity
Safety
Immediate usability
Long-term condition
Examples may include:
Structural Problems
Such as:
Subsidence
Significant cracking
Structural movement
Severe damp issues
Hazardous Materials
For example:
Asbestos-containing materials
Roofing and Plumbing Problems
Including:
Active roof leaks
Water ingress
Plumbing failures
Unsafe Installations
Such as:
Electrical safety concerns
Faulty wiring
Unsafe gas installations
Immediate Repair Requirements
Issues requiring urgent attention to prevent further deterioration or damage.
Surveyors will often classify these items as requiring immediate action or further investigation.
Contact the Surveyor for Clarification
If urgent issues are identified, contact your surveyor as soon as possible.
Important questions to ask include:
What Is the Exact Problem?
Ensure you fully understand the issue and what has caused it.
How Serious Is It?
Ask what could happen if the issue is not resolved promptly.
What Repairs Are Required?
Clarify what work may be needed to rectify the problem.
Are Repair Costs Available?
Some surveyors may provide guidance on likely repair costs or recommend obtaining specialist quotations.
The better you understand the issue, the easier it becomes to make informed decisions.
Seek Specialist Advice
For more complex issues, it is often sensible to seek advice from a qualified specialist.
However, before doing so, the guide recommends contacting Bayzos first.
Depending on the issue identified, you may need advice from:
Structural Engineers
For:
Subsidence
Structural movement
Significant cracking
Electricians
For:
Electrical installation concerns
Faulty wiring
Consumer unit issues
Gas Safety Engineers
For:
Boiler concerns
Gas safety issues
Gas appliance inspections
Roofing Specialists
For:
Roof leaks
Roofing defects
Chimney concerns
Specialists can provide more detailed assessments and more accurate repair cost estimates.
Update the Estate Agent
Keep your estate agent informed as early as possible and always communicate in writing.
The guide recommends providing:
A screenshot of the urgent issues
Your proposed next steps
Any specialist quotations obtained
Where quotations are required, try to obtain at least three quotes.
We will typically encourage the homeowner to do the same.
Keeping the estate agent informed can create more opportunities to find a practical solution.
Consider the Costs
Before making any decisions, assess whether the property still represents good value once repair costs have been considered.
Remember to:
Include Contractor Quotes
Use specialist quotations when calculating the likely overall cost.
Consider Repair Timescales
Think about how repair work may affect:
Moving plans
Occupation dates
Future budgets
Urgent repairs may influence whether the property remains suitable for your circumstances.
Determine Your Next Steps
Once the issue has been assessed and discussed with Sheldon Bosley Knight, you will need to decide how to proceed.
Proceed with the Purchase
If the issue is manageable, you may decide to continue and arrange repairs after completion.
If taking this route:
Budget appropriately
Use qualified contractors
Plan repair works carefully
Delay the Purchase
Where repairs are a condition of the sale, you may prefer to wait until the seller resolves the issues before proceeding.
This can provide additional reassurance before exchange and completion.
Reconsider the Purchase
If the issues are extensive, costly or involve significant risk, walking away from the transaction may be the most appropriate option.
Although difficult, this can sometimes be the best financial decision.
Negotiate with the Seller
Survey findings often lead to discussions with the seller.
Property transactions can be emotional, so it is important for all parties to work together constructively.
You may wish to:
Share the Survey Findings
Provide:
Survey reports
Specialist assessments
Contractor quotations
Request a Price Reduction
Where significant repair costs exist, buyers may seek a reduction in the agreed purchase price.
Agree Corrective Actions
In some circumstances, the seller may agree to:
Complete repairs before completion
Contribute towards repair costs
Make other concessions
The objective should always be to find a fair solution for both parties.
Document Everything and Act Quickly
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain records of:
Survey reports
Emails
Quotes
Agreements
Decisions
Good documentation can help protect you if disagreements arise later.
Act Promptly
Delays can increase costs, create uncertainty and slow down the conveyancing process.
Addressing urgent matters quickly often results in:
Faster resolutions
Lower costs
Fewer complications
Taking decisive action helps keep your purchase moving forward.
Useful Tips
Check Certificates
Surveyors frequently flag:
Gas Safety Certificates
Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)
Gas Safety Certificates are often relatively straightforward to update.
EICR issues can sometimes require more detailed investigation and discussion.
Always Compare Quotes
If repairs are required:
Obtain at least three quotations.
Compare scope of work carefully.
Avoid making decisions based on a single estimate.
Share the Survey
Sheldon Bosley Knight recommends sharing the urgent matters section of the survey report, or the entire report where possible.
If you are concerned about the survey being shared with another buyer should the sale fall through, mention this in writing when sending the report.
Keep Communication Open
Sheldon Bosley Knight emphasises maintaining open communication between all parties to help achieve a fair outcome.
Working collaboratively often leads to the best results.
Actions to Complete
Buyer
Make us aware of urgent matters
Inform us of your proposed next steps
Resolve the issue
Update Milestones
Once the urgent matter has been resolved:
Mark the milestone as complete within your portal
Notify everyone involved in the transaction
Tick the milestone off your checklist
Keeping milestones updated helps ensure all parties remain informed throughout the conveyancing process.
Final Message From The Team
A RICS survey is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of a property's condition before you commit to purchasing it.
If urgent matters are identified, don't panic. By understanding the issue, obtaining specialist advice where necessary and communicating openly with all parties involved, most concerns can be managed effectively.
The key is to remain informed, act promptly and base decisions on reliable evidence rather than emotion.
If you remain uncertain about how to proceed, consider seeking guidance from a RICS-accredited surveyor or property solicitor who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
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Disclaimer:
The information in this guide is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, mortgage, tax, or professional advice.
While we aim to keep the information accurate and up to date, Sheldon Bosley Knight makes no guarantees or warranties regarding its accuracy or completeness.
You should always seek advice from a qualified solicitor, financial adviser, mortgage broker, accountant, or other relevant professional before making any decisions based on this information.
Sheldon Bosley Knight accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this guide.