Tuesday, July 30, 2013

14 house moves in one day – a new record

Jonathan Waters, Managing Director and owner of Jonathan Waters Estate Agents, was delighted to see the recent smashing of another long standing record.

Those of you who have been reading the blogs over a period of time will know that several sales records have been broken by us here at Jonathan Waters Estate Agents this year.

However, this one is probably the one that gives Jonathan the most satisfaction – it is the most number of people who have moved house through Jonathan Waters Estate Agents in Ipswich in one single day ever.

Fourteen sets of buyers visited our offices at Foxhall Road, 35 Buttermarket in Ipswich town centre and Martlesham Heath during the course of Friday, 12th July to pick up keys to their new properties.
Earlier in the day, fourteen sets of sellers had dropped the keys off to their properties in readiness for the completion to take place.

“Amongst Ipswich estate agents, this surely must be a record” commented Jonathan Waters.

“When someone moves into a property through us we give them either a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates and we had to go out to buy more especially for today because we didn’t have enough!”.

“A very exciting but albeit hectic day for the three sales progression ladies at Jonathan Waters Estate Agents who work from the Foxhall Road, Ipswich office to ensure everything has gone through smoothly and successfully.”

“A sign of an improving market if ever there was one.”

Karen and Valerie, working behind the scenes in the sales progression department were happy to report there were no problems with any of the fourteen completions and the last one had taken place by early afternoon.

Needless to say, Jonathan Waters himself was in an exceptionally good mood that day!

If you would like to put your property on the market with a well known firm of estate agents in Ipswich  or are thinking of selling and would like a free valuation then please contact us.

625 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8ND
01473 721133

35 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BH
01473 281188

Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Martlesham IP5 3RY
01473 620222

Wine and Chocolates for the vendors and purchasers
on completion day




Magnificent family house for sale in the Northgate School catchment area

“This is the best house I have ever seen” – Alan Mann, Senior Valuer

AlanMann is one of our senior valuation team here at Jonathan Waters Estate Agents and is responsible for valuing and taking onto the market a wide range of properties in the Ipswich, Kesgrave and Martlesham areas and surrounding villages.

Every now and again, Alan will return from taking a property onto the market in a very enthusiastic state.  Knowing Alan’s normal calm demeanour whenever I see this I know this is a truly exceptional property that he has been to see.

Such an occurrence happened this week when Alan returned from taking onto the market a magnificent four bedroom detached house in Dorset Close in prime Northgate School catchment area, just off Tuddenham Road.

The property is presented in immaculate decorative order with just about extra and upgrade that conceivably possible.  Originally constructed approximately six years ago, Alan even used the word “amazing” to describe the decorative order of this property, an adjective I have never before witnessed him use at Jonathan Waters Estate Agents.

The property benefits from an open plan kitchen area with bi-folding doors to a landscaped, south facing rear garden incorporating a water fall.  There is a detached double garage to the left hand side of the property plus additional driveway parking for 4 – 6 cars.

Internally there is zoned gas heating via radiators, wet under floor heating and an en suite to master bedroom.

The kitchen has to be seen to be believed and incorporates an island with electric induction hob, glass extractor hood, integrated fridge/freezer plus American style fridge, microwave and dishwasher.  Alan also was quick to point out there is a coffee making machine and wine cooler also incorporated into the kitchen.

The rear garden of this north Ipswich property has been sectioned and landscaped with covered seating area with glass wall divides, a raised mature flower and shrub border bed with box hedging and purple slate borders with an ornamental pond and waterfall which is actually timed.

If you’d like to have a look, full details and extensive internal photographs are on our website but be quick,  needless to say this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and at £375,000 represents excellent value for money.  We already had seven people wanting to view the property within 24 hours.

Estate agency in Ipswich doesn’t get much better than that!.
To find out more about this superb house for salein the Northgate School catchment area, , contact Jonathan Waters estate agents.

625 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8ND
01473 721133

35 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BH
01473 281188

Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Martlesham IP5 3RY
01473 620222






Houses for Sale Christchurch Park Ipswich: A 1920s tudor style delight

One of the benefits of being the owner and Managing Director of Jonathan Waters Estate Agents is that I am able to be selective as to which properties I actually personally go and see myself.

As our exclusive homes division gets closer to its launch I shall be lucky enough to be seeing more and more properties at the higher end of the market and my favourite style of property are older style with plenty of character.

I was therefore honoured to be visiting a gorgeous looking, tudor style, dutch gable semi detached character property in one of Ipswich’s sought after locations early last week.

This four bedroom semi detached property was originally constructed in 1928 and has been owned by the same family for the last 45 years.




Not only is the property offering loads of character it is just north of Christchurch Park and as such, properties like this come up once in a blue moon.

Highly unusually for older style properties in the Christchurch Park district is the fact that this has a huge driveway area with space for at least six average length vehicles plus a detached garage and is set well back from the road with a 67’ front garden.

I have never seen a semi detached property quite like this in the Ipswich area and there are two pairs of semi detached houses here, the one we are selling is apparently the last one of the four to be constructed.

I have seen a detached version similar to this in Bucklesham Road in Ipswich.  The owners believe these may be one of the only ones of its style in the country.

We are intrigued to know if there is a story behind why these properties were built in this style so if anybody can shed any light on the history of Ipswich about this time and how these properties came to be built like they are I would be most grateful.

Estate agency in Ipswich certainly has its perks and seeing a property like this is definitely one of them.

The property is full of character including panelled internal doors, cornice coving, high lip skirting boards to some rooms and a beautiful leaded light and stained glass feature window between the landing and the bathroom.

The property is currently being offered for sale with the benefit of no chain involved and has also undergone a number of improvements and upgrades over recent years.  However, the vendors have been careful to ensure these were done with great sympathy to the character and age of this period property.

There are extensive fitted appliances in the kitchen, the whole property benefits from gas central heating with a recently replaced boiler and also uPVC style replacement double glazing including, to the front, the leaded light top lights to match the original windows.

Another unusual aspect for a Christchurch Park district property is the large rear garden, 112’ in length with a rear patio area to benefit from the sun at the end of the day and a further patio area by the rear of the house to benefit from its south east facing aspect at the early part of the day.



The property can be found proceeding out of town along Westerfield Road going passed Christchurch Park on your left.  Proceed passed the junction of Park Road and the property is situated 250 yards further on opposite woodland adjacent to Victoria Nurseries.

At £395,000 this family home will represent an opportunity for someone seeking a character property in this part of Ipswich.

If you would like to view further details and photographs of this property contact us.  But be quick, we are receiving early interest in this property due to its rarity.

To find out more about this property or other houses for sale in ChristchurchPark, Ipswich,  please contact Jonathan Waters Estate agents.

625 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8ND
01473 721133

35 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BH
01473 281188

Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Martlesham IP5 3RY
01473 620222



Estate agents “encouraging” monthly increases in house sales



I was delighted to read in the East Anglian Daily Times last Tuesday an article headed “Estate Agents hale “encouraging” monthly increases in house sales”.

The article by Katie Dodd and Matt Gaw, reporters at the East Anglian Daily Times, said that the housing market in Suffolk has witnessed a “significant upturn” last month according to us estate agents.

Latest figures released from the National Association of Estate Agents reveal another monthly increase in the average number of house sales.

As owner and Managing Director of Jonathan Waters Estate Agents, I was delighted with the article for three, quite unconnected reasons.

The first reason was that there was a very clear, close up photograph of one of our “Sold, subject to contract” boards of which there are many on display in the Ipswich and Martlesham areas.

Secondly is the general news concerning the “significant upturn” in the housing market in Ipswich and in Suffolk.

The third item was the one that delighted me the  most, however.

It said the Association said “nationally average sales increased from 9 per branch to 10 in May.  This follows a continued rise from the beginning of the year when, in January, the number of sales reported by estate agent members was only 7 per branch.”

This means that Jonathan Waters Estate Agents are selling five times the number of houses than the national average for estate agents.

It is always nice to have a reminder that the extra work that we do, above and beyond most of our competitors, plus the experience of the team that we have operating within our three branches at Ipswich town centre, east Ipswich at Foxhall Road and Martlesham Heath, really does take us into a different league than our competitors.

If you would like to take advantage of the upturn in the housing market in Suffolk and want to put your property on the market or would like a free valuation then please contact us at Jonanthan Waters Estate Agents.

625 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8ND
01473 721133

35 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BH
01473 281188

Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Martlesham IP5 3RY
01473 620222



Going Going Gone – a very sad day indeed

As you may know, I have been closely monitoring the development started by Taylor Wimpey in the corner of Bucklesham Road and Purdis Farm Lane in Ipswich near to the entrance of Ipswich Golf Club.

As an estate agent living in Ipswich and also as a resident of Purdis Farm Lane it is naturally of both a personal interest and an estate agency interest.

The first phase of the development is for the construction of seven detached houses which has meant the demolition of one of my favourite houses in Ipswich which is Purdis House.

Standing at 45 degrees to Bucklesham Road this imposing detached house has its own grounds, complete with tennis court, and full of character, leaded light windows etc. really was about as good as you can get.

It was a very sad day indeed when the final part of the property was demolished in front of my own eyes.

Demolition had been taking place over the period of about ten days and I stopped and asked one of the workmen why this had taken so long.

He explained that these days, and certainly in this particular instance, a good deal of the building materials are going for recycling and all the materials used in the construction of the house were sorted into bins as the demolition continued.

I also noted with interest that a powerful hose was pointed at the property as it was being demolished, presumably for the elimination of dust and debris.

From both an estate agent and personal perspective I can’t help feeling that Ipswich has lost one of its most iconic houses and landmarks.

My drive to work this morning was just a very sad pile of rubble as the final pieces of building material were loaded into the bins.

Work continues on the new houses, one of which is now up to roof level.

The area will never be the same again.

If you would like to put your property on the market or are thinking of selling and would like a valuation from an experienced Ipswich estate agent then please contact us on the telephone numbers below or visit www.jonathanwaters.co.uk

625 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8ND
01473 721133

35 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BH
01473 281188

Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Martlesham IP5 3RY
01473 620222


 
This shows the house about mid way through its demolition 
showing the sorting bins and rubble


 Just the chimney and a few feet of the north  part
of the property left.

Out with the old in with the new - various 1930s/1950s
architecture disappears as 21
st century house next door comes to life.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Where actually is Purdis Farm?

Ever since I have been an estate agent in east Ipswich there has always been a certain amount of confusion as to the difference between Purdis Farm and Warren Heath.

The 1980s development surrounding Sainsbury’s at Warren Heath is known by some people as Warren Heath and some people as Purdis Farm.

On the map, the entire area is marked as the County Parish of Purdis Farm but not that many people know exactly where Purdis Farm actually is.

The Warren Heath Development

Some of you that have lived in the Ipswich area long enough may remember what existed before Sainsbury’s and the Warren Heath development were actually built.

It was really an extension of fairly flat heathland/shrubland to the north of the Felixstowe to Ipswich railway line and included a golf driving range at Bucklesham Road which was just opposite the entrance to Purdis Avenue.

I was a regular visitor to this driving range in its day and it was in the 1980’s that work started in this area.
Tarmac Homes built the first half of Warren Heath and McLeans built the remainder, the interruption coming with the downturn in the housing market of the late 80’s.

Purdis Farm Lane runs up from the entrance to Ipswich Golf Club (also known as Purdis Heath Golf Club) which is about half way between St Augustine’s Church at the Bixley Road end and the Trinity Park, which used to be known as the Suffolk Show Ground.

There is a little known dirt track leading from the entrance of the Ipswich Golf Club called Purdis Farm Lane.  I know because I live there.

Dog Walking in Purdis Farm

Purdis Farm Lane – if you walk far enough in the direction of Foxhall – actually comes to Purdis Farm itself and a very impressive building it is too.

Big changes are afoot at the Bucklesham Road entrance to Purdis Farm Lane where four properties are in the process of being demolished to be replaced by 27 houses being constructed by Taylor Wimpey.

Living in Purdis Farm Lane is a delight as it offers complete seclusion and escape from the frantic pace of life as the manager of an Ipswich estate agent. yet it is only four minutes drive from the Jonathan Waters Estate Agents’ Foxhall Road office. .

Why not take a walk down Purdis Farm Lane towards Foxhall? You will  go along the Sandlings Walk, a delightful area of woods and heathland which is maintained by volunteers and offers many footpaths; one of which comes out at Foxhall Road near to Nuffield Hospital and is a personal favourite of mine for a dog walk, cycle ride or even the occasional jog.

Purdis Farm Lane is easy to miss though, the sign has recently broken and now actually only reads the word Purdis.

At the time of writing, seven of the new properties are already under construction and the first of the four properties, Purdis House, stands waiting to be demolished.

There are two schools of thought as to the development which is going to completely transform this area of south east Ipswich.

As an estate agent and resident of the area I naturally wear two hats with the argument.

It is an absolute shame on the one hand that such a delightful area will now be fully developed, but on the other, some people look at it that this is progress – what do you think?

The Warren Heath development is a very popular estate and Jonathan Waters Estate Agents have had many successes in achieving quick sales on the properties for sale here.

Several have recently sold but again, at the time of writing, we have a delightful five bedroom town house with a kitchen/diner to the ground floor, cloakrooms to the ground and first floor, an en suite to the master bedroom, utility room, double glazing and gas heating via radiators to name but a few of the benefits of this very well presented property.

If you are thinking of selling either now or in the near future on the Warren Heath development, or indeed buying, contact the Warren Heath and Purdis Farm specialists at Jonathan Waters Estate Agents,Ipswich 

.
625 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8ND
01473 721133

35 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BH
01473 281188

Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Martlesham IP5 3RY
01473 620222


Cricket night to raise money for EACH

Martlesham Heath estate agent Jonathan Waters  fielded a team of staff at a Kwik cricket event in the village on Monday evening, 8th July.

The event was organised by Barker Gotelee solicitors whose offices are at Martlesham Heath and it was the third and most successful running of this event.

With the first time that Jonathan Waters had entered a team which comprised of himself, sales progressors Karen Ward, who used to work for Barker Gotelee, and Valerie Garrett and sales negotiator Scott Gower.

It was a beautiful sunny evening and the cricket was only part of the proceedings on the night which also went to raise money for EACH.



The cricket was played in front of the pavilion on Martlesham Heath village green and when not batting or bowling, Jonathan noticed the lovely properties surrounding the green.  Some of the original properties face onto the green and more recently constructed houses have balconies overlooking the green. 


It just reminded Jonathan of what a lovely place Martlesham Heath is to live in. If you are looking to sell or buy a property in this part of Suffolk, contact Martlesham Heath estate agents Jonathan Waters

625 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8ND
01473 721133

35 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BH
01473 281188

Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Martlesham IP5 3RY
01473 620222

Monday, July 15, 2013

Customer Service award at Jonathan Waters Estate Agents


http://www.jonathanwaters.co.uk/ipswich/pages/about/testimonials.html

Jonathan Waters were delighted to be able to present Sales Negotiator, Scott Gower with an Outstanding Customer Service Award.

Scott Gower who received the Jonathan Waters Estate Agents
Customer Service Award


Jonathan takes up the story:

“This award goes to the negotiator who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and is driven by our client’s feedback.”

“Scott did a considerable amount of work for one client in particular which lead to two further instructions being put on the market for sale.  Furthermore Scott is often doing appointments outside of working hours and clients cannot speak highly enough of the service he gives them.”

At Jonathan Waters Estate Agents all our staff consistently go the extra mile when marketing the properties we have for sale in Ipswich and the surrounding areas.  Scott is particularly knowledgeable about properties in the Martlesham and Woodbridge areas as he previously worked for a corporate estate agent in the villages north east of Ipswich.

With all our staff going the extra mile on a regular basis for one individual to be given this award is testament to the quality of the service he has provided our clients.

Scott joined Jonathan Waters Estate Agents in August 2011 and very quickly brought his experience and professionalism to the team.  Scott’s sense of humour also makes the day go quicker.

At Jonathan Waters Estate Agents we continue to have a spectacularly successful year and the hard work and dedication of all our staff and our continued results lay testament to this.

If you are looking to buy or sell your property in Ipswich or the surrounding areas choose Jonathan Waters Estate Agents where our team is on hand to help you every step of the way.

625 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8ND
01473 721133

35 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BH
01473 281188

Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Martlesham IP5 3RY
01473 620222


EstateAgents Ipswich–  click here to find out more about how leading estate agents Jonathan Waters can help sell your home.


Ipswich Estate Agents - Choosing a solicitor

http://www.jonathanwaters.co.uk/ipswich/index.cfm

If you are either the purchaser or the seller, the point at which a sale is agreed is often the point at which people first think about which solicitor to choose.

In my opinion, this is sometimes too late.

The role of the solicitor or conveyancer is to validate the property transaction and manage the whole project through to completion.

The word conveyancing means that the property will be “conveyed”, or in other words transferred, from one person to another.

In England and Wales you can use a licensed conveyancer instead of a solicitor.  They offer the same service but are solely limited to property transactions.

From a buyers perspective your solicitor or conveyancer should ensure that the seller hasn’t accidentally missed out any important information and that all of your queries are resolved.

Equally important, they are there to confirm that the vendor selling the property actually owns the property and has the right to sell it.

They should be basically making sure nobody pulls the wool over your eyes.

At Ipswich estate agents Jonathan Waters, whether you are buying or selling, we can recommend good solicitors and conveyancers.

On a daily basis, my sales progression team are dealing with up to 120 running sales.

With a solicitor for each purchaser, and a solicitor for each vendor, that is 240 contacts with solicitors.  There is, therefore, no one better qualified than us, who deal with these solicitors and conveyancers every minute of the day, to be in a position to tell you which ones are better than others.

The things you are looking for in a solicitor or conveyancer is, naturally, thoroughness, but also efficiency, overseeing your transaction with the least possible hassle; but there are two more qualities that are essential.
The best solicitors and conveyancers that we would recommend and deal with are those that are fully approachable, obtainable, and that talk in everyday language that everyone can actually understand.

Remember that this is a specialist area of law.

All solicitors in private practice must hold a practising certificate issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This certificate confirms that the solicitor is qualified to practice and has insurance to protect you if anything goes wrong.

The purchase or sale of a property with a good solicitor is a pleasure.

The purchase or sale of a property with a bad solicitor could end in disaster.

One recommendation I would definitely make is that you use a local solicitor or conveyancer for your purchase or sale.

I cannot stress too highly, having been involved in the sales progression of 1,000s of sales in my 25 years plus with Ipswich estate agents, how important this aspect is.

Each town and each specific area has its own idiosyncrasies with regards to the properties that are built.  Things come up with the sale of properties in Ipswich that may not come up in other towns and vice versa.
At Jonathan Waters Estate Agents, as we are selling property in Ipswich and the surrounding villages, we would only ever recommend a solicitor or conveyancer in this  area.

If you would like us to give you a choice of the best solicitors and conveyancers who can quote you their fees for the conveyancing work they will carry out, along with what’s included and not included in that quote, please contact us and we would be more than happy to help.

You get what you pay for.

Be very wary of a solicitor offering a suspiciously low quotation.  It usually means they are likely to spend less time on your case and/or hand over the detail to an unqualified assistant.

At Ipswich estate agents Jonathan Waters, the difference with our service is we have our own sales progression team.


They work closely with all the Ipswich area solicitors on a daily basis and, as such, have a very good relationship with them.  By using Jonathan Waters Estate Agents to sell your home, or to purchase a property through us, means that we can do most of the work for you. And, at times when a problem crops up, we can solve it better and often quicker than an individual going to a solicitor themselves.

As a purchaser, this service is completely free to you and as a seller, this service is included within our commission fee for selling the property at no extra charge.  So, why not make full use of this as you don’t get this service with many other estate agents in the Ipswich area?

625 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8ND
01473 721133

35 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BH
01473 281188

Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Martlesham IP5 3RY
01473 620222


Ipswich EstateAgents –  click here to find out how our expert team of staff at Jonathan Waters can help sell your home.




Estate Agents Ipswich - Surveying the surveys

http://www.jonathanwaters.co.uk/ipswich/index.cfm

If you are at the point of requiring a survey, then congratulations are in order ; you’ve just had an offer accepted on your purchase of a property – a very exciting time.

So what exactly is a survey, and what is the difference between the various kinds of surveys available?
The first point is that if you are purchasing this property with the help of a mortgage then the building society will be carrying out a valuation which is for their purpose, their requirements and their benefit,  but is normally paid for by you, the purchaser.

A basic building society valuation will simply tell the lender whether or not the house is worth the money that you have been asked to pay for it.

Given the huge range of problems that can affect the property, research showed that 80% of all homeowners still rely just on the valuation report rather than paying for a more detailed survey.

There are three main types of survey:

The mortgage valuation report – this is the one that the building society or bank lending you the money will insist upon before approving your loan.  The report will take into account such factors as the condition and age of the house, the area, and what comparable properties are selling for locally; but that is all.
If you are buying a property which is less than ten years old, the chances are it will still be covered by a reputable builders’ warranty such as an NHBC guarantee.  Should this be the case, then the basic mortgage valuation report may be sufficient.

The going price for the cost of this valuation report normally is about £450, although it can get more expensive for higher priced properties and does vary from one lender to the next.

Sometimes, the lender will refund this cost when the mortgage is finalised or even offer a free mortgage valuation as part of the package to attract your custom.

If you would like advice on the different mortgage schemes available then Jonathan Waters Estate Agents canput you in contact with the Ipswich Mortgage Centre who will go through all the options available.

The RICS Homebuyer Report – Previously, this was known simply as just The Homebuyers Report (it’s full official title was The Homebuyers Survey and Valuation Report).  Now, known simply as the Homebuyer Report (HBR), it follows  a standard format and gives you an overview of the condition of the property, rating the structural condition of the building, and pointing out any major or minor defects and conditions.  It will also tell you whether the purchase price is reasonable and the surveyor’s opinion of reinstatement costs which you will need for insurance purposes.

It is important, however, to be aware of the fact that even with an HBR the property is only inspected on a fairly superficial level.  For example, items such as wiring, drainage and gas are not covered.

If you are buying a typical house or flat, or traditional standard and conventional construction which is in reasonable condition and has been well looked after by the vendors, an HBR may well suffice.  It is designed to help you make a reasoned and informed decision on whether or not to go ahead with buying the property and could cost £750 or more depending on property size and price.

Building Survey – this used to be known as a Full Structural Survey and is now commonly known as a Building Survey.

This is mainly required for older houses; the older the house, the more need for this to be the survey that you have.  Certainly, any houses beyond 100 years’ old this would, in most people’s opinion, be the recommended survey to have.




In addition to my wealth of experience as owner and managing director of Jonathan Waters Estate Agents, Ipswich, I have had full Structural Surveys/Building Surveys carried out on properties that I have purchased in the past.  The surveyor provides a comprehensive and sizeable document and will report on the construction, the state of the walls, foundations, roof, plumbing, wiring, heating and woodwork.

You may under a Building Survey also specify other factors for inspection.  On one property I was buying  I was concerned with drainage and ended up having a full drainage video carried out.  (I still have that old VHS tape and it lasts over 30 minutes, but it’s not very exciting!)

The cost of this survey will depend very much on the age, size and condition of the property but be prepared to pay from £1,000 upwards.

As the whole building needs to be inspected, a Building Survey is usually best carried out on houses rather than flats.

One solution I would personally recommend, and which I will do next time I buy a house, is to have the basic Mortgage Valuation carried out by your lender and then an independent Homebuyers or Building Survey conducted by a registered surveyor who is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Sometimes the lender will let you use the same surveyor for both, which can result in some fee savings, but you will need to discuss this with your lender as they all have different policies on this.

At Jonathan Waters Estate AgentsIpswich we can recommend a local surveyor for both the RICS Homebuyers Report and a Building Survey.

He has over 45 years’ experience of surveying houses in the Ipswich area and is both incredibly knowledgeable and extremely approachable.  Please contact Jonathan Waters Estate Agents if you would like us to put you in contact with him or you need any more advice on surveys and surveyors.

Remember, if you are purchasing your property with cash funds and do not require any form of mortgage, there isn’t actually any rule that says you have to have a survey.

The last property I sold the buyer was cash and chose not to have one.  However, it is the old adage in this situation of buyer beware!

625 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 8ND
01473 721133

35 Buttermarket, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 1BH
01473 281188

Bristol Court, Betts Avenue, Martlesham Heath Business Park, Martlesham IP5 3RY
01473 620222


EstateAgents Ipswich–  click here to find out about how leading estate agents Jonathan Waters can help  market your property for a quick sale.