Pre-purchase Surveys

A Pre-purchase Survey (also called a Structural Survey) Survey will provide you with a clear understanding of the true condition of the house or apartment before you buy.

Get Peace of Mind

HomeCheck pre-purchase surveys are the gold standard when it comes to carrying out due diligence when purchasing a second-hand house or apartment in Ireland. Our standardised set of checks ensure that you get a thorough assesment of the building and wider property before you buy.

We also recognise that every building is different, and our team, from the customer service team to the Engineers and Surveyors, will ensure that you get a personalised service to provide you with the answers you and your solicitor need to complete the sale.

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1800 938 860

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1800 938 860

What is covered in a Pre-Purchase Survey?

Structural Survey

A non-destructive visual inspection of the building structure to identify any signs of existing structural defects.

Boundary Check

Vital check of the boundaries against the map, and whether services are within boundaries.

Mortgage Ready

HomeCheck Pre-purchase Survey Reports are accepted by all lending institutions.

Need a check on your own home?

Find out about our Home Condition Survey

Pre-purchase Survey prices

Simple prices, flexible
options, & nothing hidden

Pre-purchase Survey with a verbal report

from €300 ex VAT

€369 Incl VAT

Thorough building survey
Verbal Report delivered on-site or by phone
Same day report
Suitable for auctions
Complete in approx 5 days

Pre-purchase Survey with a HomeCheck Report

Apartments from €370 ex VAT

€455.10 Incl VAT

Houses from €420 ex VAT

€516.60 Incl VAT

Thorough building survey
Gold Standard HomeCheck Report
Mortgage Application Approved
Complete in approx 10 days

Additional General Planning Search

from €200 ex VAT

€246 Incl VAT

Relevant Planning Applications
CPO’s & Enforcements
Conservation & Protected Structures
Roads and other infrastructure

Pre-Purchase Survey FAQ’s

What is a General Planning Search

A General Planning Search search typically includes information on proposed developments, land use changes, zoning regulations and infrastructure such as roads. It also covers restrictions on the property itself, such as preservation orders, enforcements (unauthorised developments) and compulsory purchase orders (CPO’s)’s. It’s a valuable tool for individuals and businesses looking to understand the if there are any proposed changes in the neighbourhood may impact on the amenity of the property, and in some instances a solicitor will recommend that a Planning Search is carried out in addition to a Pre-purchase Survey.

Is a Pre-purchase Survey the same as a Structural Survey?

Strictly speaking, a Structural Survey is limited to the building itself, and doesn’t include checks on other items such as the Boundary Check, which is a vital part of the Engineer or Surveyor tasks a part of conveyancing (transfer of ownership of property from one person to another). Your HomeCheck Pre-purchase Survey will include the structural assessment and the other requirements, such as a Boundary Check.

There are many different names for the survey you need when buying a house or apartment. It may also be referred to as a House Survey. In other countries it can be called a Home Buyers Survey, Building Survey or Home Inspection Survey. Our HomeCheck Pre-purchase Survey is similar to the RICS Level 2 Home Survey which is the UK standard inspection.

What is the difference between a Pre-purchase Survey and a Valuation Survey?

Valuation surveys are produced by Valuers (members of the IPAV) in order to determine the estimated total value of the property, usually for mortgage purposes. They do not address the condition of the building. Pre-purchase Surveys, on the other hand address the condition of the property, but not the value.

My Solicitor has asked for a number of planning questions to be reviewed by the Engineer or Surveyor. What is this, and is this included?

In most cases, this is covered by what is called a Planning Search. A General Planning Search is a review of planning applications and other potential developments in the neighbourhood. This will uncover any potential new infrastucture developments such as roads or quarrying, and also ensure that there are no compulsory purchase orders, conservation or enforcement notices. While this isn’t included as standard in Pre-purchase Surveys it is available as an add on.

Do you check the Plumbing, Gas and Heating Systems?

A Pre-purchase survey does include a visual inspection of the plubling an heating systems. However, this does not usually involve operationally testing these systems to make sure each radiator is working or all plug sockets are working. Your Engineer or Surveyor will be able to advise on whether you will need to upgrade these systems in the short or medium term, but we would also suggest that after taking ownership of a property, you should get a qualified plumber, electrician and a gas installer to service these systems, just like servicing a car.

Does this cover everything I need as a buyer?

In the vast majority of property transfers, the HomeCheck Pre-purchase Survey is the only service that the buyer will require from an Engineer or Surveyor. It will provide the lending institution (bank etc..) with confirmation that the building has been checked by a qualified professional. It will provide the solicitor with confirmation that the provision of services and boundaries are in order. And just as importantly, it will provide you, the buyer, with a clear idea of what condition the property is in, allowing you to consider the need for future investment, beyond the initial cost.

On occasion, a solicitor will have additional specific items they would like to be to be checked, most usually related to planning. Where this occurs HomeCheck Engineers and Surveyors can facilitate this and address these queries. In some of these instances there may be an additional fee, it depends on how much time is required to address the query. Some solicitors request what is called a General Planning Search, which is an additional service.

Is your property here?

Where HomeCheck Engineers and Surveyors cover

For Buyers

Pre-purchase Survey

Structural Survey

Snag Lists

For Sellers

Seller’s Pack

Planning Compliance

Home Owners

Home Condition Survey

Healthy Home Assessment

Pre-purchase Surveys

Get Peace of Mind

Call Us Now

Press to Call Us Now

What is covered in a Pre-Purchase Survey?

Structural Survey

Boundary Check

Mortgage Ready

Pre-purchase Survey prices

Simple prices, flexible
options, & nothing hidden

Pre-purchase Survey with a verbal report

from €300 ex VAT

Pre-purchase Survey with a HomeCheck Report

Apartments from €370 ex VAT

Houses from €420 ex VAT

Additional General Planning Search

from €200 ex VAT

Pre-Purchase Survey FAQ’s

Is your property here?

Email HomeCheck

For Buyers

Pre-purchase Survey

Structural Survey

Snag Lists

For Sellers

Seller’s Pack

Planning Compliance

Home Owners

Home Condition Survey

Healthy Home Assessment

Pre-purchase Surveys

Get Peace of Mind

Call Us Now

Press to Call Us Now

What is covered in a Pre-Purchase Survey?

Structural Survey

Boundary Check

Mortgage Ready

Pre-purchase Survey prices

Simple prices, flexible options, & nothing hidden

Pre-purchase Survey with a verbal report

from €300 ex VAT

Pre-purchase Survey with a HomeCheck Report

Apartments from €370 ex VAT

Houses from €420 ex VAT

Additional General Planning Search

from €200 ex VAT

Pre-Purchase Survey FAQ’s

Is your property here?

Email HomeCheck

Simple prices, flexible
options, & nothing hidden