If you are buying a property with a mortgage, your lender will arrange for a valuation to be carried out. A mortgage valuation is not a survey and it will provide an indication of what the property is worth, but it will not necessarily describe its condition.

Home survey reports will provide you with an idea of the general condition of the property and will highlight any serious defects in the building. It will also provide you with an indication of future expenditure required to maintain the property and advise you on whether a property is worth the money that is being paid.