Surveys

Purchasing a listed building—whether as a home, workspace, retail setting or leisure venue—is both a thrilling opportunity and a serious responsibility. The key question to begin with is simple: can this building truly become what you need it to be?

A Historic Building Pre-Purchase Survey is designed to answer that question. By considering the building on its own terms, the survey highlights both the possibilities and the limitations, helping you understand the challenges you may face and the opportunities that can be unlocked. The outcome is clear, informed guidance on whether the building can meet your aspirations—and how those aspirations might be realised.

The survey itself has two parts: first, a feasibility review; and second, a detailed written Historic Building Pre-Purchase Survey Report.

Stage One - Feasibility Review

This stage is about understanding your needs for the property - whether it’s intended as a private home, holiday let, business, or another type of venture. Once we have a clear picture of your goals, we will then complete a desk based evaluation of the property against those goals and provide you with a feasibility assessment. If you choose to proceed based on our findings, we will then move on to stage two: the full survey.

Stage 2 - Full Survey

This is where we undertake a site visit with your or alone in order to undertake a full condition survey. The full survey will be undertaken by a fully qualified RICS Surveyor. Here we look at any physical signs in the building that may be cause for concern such as damp, rot, infestation as well as general condition of roofs, windows and floors etc.

The report will then look at additional elements such as any relevant planning history to identify any developments that may not have received the necessary permissions. As the prospective owner, you would assume legal responsibility for such works - an issue best addressed early to avoid potential complications. Here we would also advise whether any of your aspirations for the property are likely to pass listed building consent and planning.