Home Insight Survey
A Home Insight Survey is a property survey commissioned by the homeowner or seller before a home goes on the market. The inspection is equivalent to a Level 3 Survey, and the report covers condition, legal matters, safety, environmental and climate risks, giving buyers, estate agents and conveyancers the facts from day one. We carry out Home Insight Surveys for sellers across Essex.
About the Survey
Most home surveys are commissioned by the buyer, after an offer has been accepted. If the survey uncovers problems, the price may be renegotiated or the sale may fall through, often weeks into the process and sometimes at the expense of a whole chain.
A Home Insight Survey turns that around. It's a newer type of survey, commissioned by a homeowner or seller before marketing a home. The inspection is equivalent to a RICS Level 3 Home Survey, carried out visually and without opening up the building, and the report is designed to be shared with estate agents, buyers and conveyancers.
Because the property's condition and key risks are known upfront, everyone involved can make decisions earlier and with more confidence.
For Sellers
Selling a home is stressful enough. Knowing where you stand from the start puts you in a stronger position when it comes to negotiating.
Who It Helps
Buyers get detailed information about the property's condition before they make an offer, helping them decide whether it's right for them and what work they might need to budget for.
Agents can market the property with confidence, answer buyer questions accurately and reduce the risk of a sale falling through on survey.
Conveyancers get early sight of matters that may need legal investigation, such as alterations, building regulations, boundaries and access, so enquiries can start sooner.
What's Included
The report goes further than a standard condition survey. It includes:
Alongside the visual inspection, we use a moisture meter and, where needed, thermal imaging. Where weather conditions allow, we also use a drone or extendable pole camera to inspect roofs and chimneys.
How It Works
Contact us before your home goes on the market. If you've already chosen an estate agent, let us know and we can work around their timetable.
We carry out a full inspection at a time that suits you. As it's your home, there's no need to arrange access through an agent.
Your report is emailed within 5 working days. We'll talk you through the findings so you can decide whether to carry out any work before marketing.
Share the report with your estate agent, interested buyers and your conveyancer, so everyone starts with the same information.
Good to Know
A Home Insight Survey gives buyers detailed information much earlier in the process than usual. Whether a buyer also commissions their own survey is their choice, and some lenders or buyers may still want one. If you're a buyer looking at a property with a Home Insight report, speak to your conveyancer about how to use it.
If you're buying rather than selling, take a look at our RICS Level 2 Home Survey or RICS Level 3 Home Survey.
For Estate Agents
If you're an estate agent in Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea or elsewhere in Essex, a Home Insight Survey can help your sellers prepare their homes for the market and reduce the risk of sales falling through on survey. We're happy to talk to agents about how the survey works and how to introduce it to vendors. Get in touch to find out more.
Across Essex
We carry out Home Insight Surveys for sellers throughout Essex, from period homes in Leigh-on-Sea and Westcliff-on-Sea to family homes in Rayleigh, Billericay and Chelmsford. Older properties, and homes that have been extended or altered, benefit most from having the facts in place before marketing.
See all the areas we cover, or get in touch with the property address for a quote.
Other Surveys
if you're buying an older or altered home
to investigate one known issue before you sell
if you're letting rather than selling
Get in touch
Planning to sell? Tell us about your home and when you hope to go on the market, and we'll come back to you with a quote.
Prefer to talk?
WhatsApp us:
Send us a message, the property listing link and any photos or questions. Handy if you're busy during the day.
If you're unsure which survey you need, tell us about the property and your circumstance and we'll guide you through it.
The seller. It's commissioned by the homeowner before the property is marketed, so the report is ready to share as soon as the home goes on sale.
The inspection is equivalent to a Level 3 survey, but the report is designed for sellers and includes extra information for buyers, agents and conveyancers, such as legal matters, environmental issues and climate change risks. A Level 3 Survey is commissioned by the buyer.
You'll know about them before buyers do. You can choose to repair them before marketing, get quotes so buyers know the likely cost, or reflect them in the asking price. We'll talk you through the options on the follow-up call.
Some may, and that's their choice. A Home Insight Survey gives them detailed information earlier in the process, which can help them make decisions with confidence.
Ideally before your home goes on the market, so the report is ready to share from the start. It can also be useful if your property is already listed.
No. It reports on condition and risks, not value. Your estate agent will advise on the asking price.
The fee depends on the size, age and type of property. Send us the details and we'll give you a quote.
Our Surveys
From RICS Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys to new build snagging, buy to let and schedules of condition, we'll help you choose the right report for your property.
Get a Quote
Tell us the property address and the survey you need, and we'll come back to you with a quote.
Prefer to talk? Call or WhatsApp 07375 390466.
Lima Surveys is an independent firm of Chartered Building Surveyors based in Leigh-on-Sea, regulated by both RICS and the RPSA. Every survey is carried out and written by a Chartered Surveyor, with a clear photographic report issued within 5 working days and a follow-up call to talk through the findings. We cover the whole of Essex.
Lima Surveys Ltd
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 3PL
Registered in England & Wales, Company No. 13556609
Registered office: C/O Kingsley House, 22-24 Elm Road, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex, England, SS9 1SN.
VAT Reg No. 458 5578 39
T: 07375 390466
E: info@limasurveys.co.uk
