Acquisition & Vendor Building Surveys
Comprehensive technical due diligence for commercial property transactions. Our surveys identify defects, assess compliance risks, and quantify future capital expenditure to inform confident acquisition and disposal decisions.
Survey Types
Please click through below to read more about each of the types of survey we offer
- Existing defect and maintenance issue identification
- Review of lease obligations
- Schedule of Condition recommendations provided
- M&E condition and lifecycle assessment
- Compliance, H&S and statutory review
- Expenditure and lease negotiation advice
- Condition assessment of structure and fabric
- M&E systems review and life expectancy
- Identification of construction defects
- Environmental and compliance risks
- CapEx forecasting for 0-10 years
- Priority recommendations for immediate action
- Independent condition report for marketing
- Pre-emptive identification of buyer concerns
- Evidence of proactive asset management
- Reduced risk of post-survey renegotiation
- Supports premium pricing for well-maintained assets
- Accelerates transaction timescales
What we advise on
We advise on a multitude of specifics relating to your building, all to conform with the highest standard of building assessments available.
Structure & Fabric
- Sub and superstructure
- Walls, roofs, and cladding
- Windows and doors
- Internal finishes
M&E Services
- Heating and cooling systems
- Electrical installations
- Plumbing and drainage
- Fire detection and suppression
Compliance & Risk
- Asbestos and hazardous materials
- Accessibility (DDA compliance)
- EPC and energy performance
- Estate management issues
about
What You Will Receive
Our survey reports are designed for commercial decision-makers, not just technical specialised staff. We focus on risk, cost implications, and actionable recommendations.
- Executive summary report
- Traffic light risk rated CapEx forecast for Year 1, Years 2–5 and 6–10
- Lease and recoverability assessment for occupied premises
- Recommendation for solicitor enquiries
- Further investigations
- Photographic schedule
Commercial Impact
180Average hidden defect value identified per £5m acquisition
12Typical price renegotiation achieved through survey findings
100Of our surveys have informed successful acquisition or disposal decisions
When To Instruct A Survey
Pre-Lease (Tenant)
Before entering into a lease agreement, to identify defects, understand dilapidations liabilities, assess future maintenance and CapEx obligations, and support lease negotiations.
Pre-Acquisition (Buyer)
Before exchange of contracts, ideally subject to survey. Allows for price renegotiation or withdrawal if critical defects are identified.
Pre-Marketing (Vendor)
Before formal marketing to demonstrate condition, address concerns proactively, and support asking price.
Portfolio Review
Regular condition surveys across portfolios to inform CapEx planning, asset management strategies, and disposal priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acquisition surveys are instructed by buyers to identify defects and inform purchase decisions. Vendor surveys are commissioned by sellers to demonstrate building condition and support marketing.
Inspection time varies by building size and complexity, typically 2-6 hours. Draft reports are usually delivered within 5-7 working days, with final reports within 10 days.
Yes. Survey findings often inform price renegotiation or require sellers to remedy defects before completion. Our reports provide clear cost estimates to support commercial negotiations.
Yes, we regularly survey occupied commercial properties, coordinating access with tenants and landlords to minimise disruption.