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Urgent Matters on A RICs Survey.

Urgent Matters on A RICs Survey.

Introduction

A RICS survey may reveal urgent issues with a property. While this can feel overwhelming, it's important not to panic.

With the right approach, urgent matters can often be assessed, understood and resolved, helping you protect both your investment and your purchase.

This guide explains how to handle urgent matters identified during a survey and outlines the steps buyers should take to make informed decisions moving forward.

Understand the Urgent Matters

The first step is to fully understand the issues identified within the survey report.

Carefully review the survey findings and, if necessary, speak directly with your surveyor for clarification.

It is important to understand:

  • The nature of the issue

  • The potential risks involved

  • The likely repair costs

  • The impact on the property's value

  • The consequences of taking no action

In some cases, urgent matters may not be a major concern, particularly if you are intentionally purchasing a refurbishment project.

For most buyers, however, urgent matters require careful consideration to avoid future complications.

Understanding What "Urgent Matters" Means

When a RICS survey highlights urgent matters, it generally refers to issues that may affect the property's:

  • Structural integrity

  • Safety

  • Immediate usability

  • Long-term condition

Examples may include:

Structural Problems

Such as:

  • Subsidence

  • Significant cracking

  • Structural movement

  • Severe damp issues

Hazardous Materials

For example:

  • Asbestos-containing materials

Roofing and Plumbing Problems

Including:

  • Active roof leaks

  • Water ingress

  • Plumbing failures

Unsafe Installations

Such as:

  • Electrical safety concerns

  • Faulty wiring

  • Unsafe gas installations

Immediate Repair Requirements

Issues requiring urgent attention to prevent further deterioration or damage.

Surveyors will often classify these items as requiring immediate action or further investigation.

Contact the Surveyor for Clarification

If urgent issues are identified, contact your surveyor as soon as possible.

Important questions to ask include:

What Is the Exact Problem?

Ensure you fully understand the issue and what has caused it.

How Serious Is It?

Ask what could happen if the issue is not resolved promptly.

What Repairs Are Required?

Clarify what work may be needed to rectify the problem.

Are Repair Costs Available?

Some surveyors may provide guidance on likely repair costs or recommend obtaining specialist quotations.

The better you understand the issue, the easier it becomes to make informed decisions.

Seek Specialist Advice

For more complex issues, it is often sensible to seek advice from a qualified specialist.

However, before doing so, the guide recommends contacting Bayzos first.

Depending on the issue identified, you may need advice from:

Structural Engineers

For:

  • Subsidence

  • Structural movement

  • Significant cracking

Electricians

For:

  • Electrical installation concerns

  • Faulty wiring

  • Consumer unit issues

Gas Safety Engineers

For:

  • Boiler concerns

  • Gas safety issues

  • Gas appliance inspections

Roofing Specialists

For:

  • Roof leaks

  • Roofing defects

  • Chimney concerns

Specialists can provide more detailed assessments and more accurate repair cost estimates.

Update the Estate Agent

Keep your estate agent informed as early as possible and always communicate in writing.

The guide recommends providing:

  • A screenshot of the urgent issues

  • Your proposed next steps

  • Any specialist quotations obtained

Where quotations are required, try to obtain at least three quotes.

Bayzos states that they will typically encourage the homeowner to do the same.

Keeping the estate agent informed can create more opportunities to find a practical solution.

Consider the Costs

Before making any decisions, assess whether the property still represents good value once repair costs have been considered.

Remember to:

Include Contractor Quotes

Use specialist quotations when calculating the likely overall cost.

Consider Repair Timescales

Think about how repair work may affect:

  • Moving plans

  • Occupation dates

  • Future budgets

Urgent repairs may influence whether the property remains suitable for your circumstances.

Determine Your Next Steps

Once the issue has been assessed and discussed with Bayzos, you will need to decide how to proceed.

Proceed with the Purchase

If the issue is manageable, you may decide to continue and arrange repairs after completion.

If taking this route:

  • Budget appropriately

  • Use qualified contractors

  • Plan repair works carefully

Delay the Purchase

Where repairs are a condition of the sale, you may prefer to wait until the seller resolves the issues before proceeding.

This can provide additional reassurance before exchange and completion.

Reconsider the Purchase

If the issues are extensive, costly or involve significant risk, walking away from the transaction may be the most appropriate option.

Although difficult, this can sometimes be the best financial decision.

Negotiate with the Seller

Survey findings often lead to discussions with the seller.

Property transactions can be emotional, so it is important for all parties to work together constructively.

You may wish to:

Share the Survey Findings

Provide:

  • Survey reports

  • Specialist assessments

  • Contractor quotations

Request a Price Reduction

Where significant repair costs exist, buyers may seek a reduction in the agreed purchase price.

Agree Corrective Actions

In some circumstances, the seller may agree to:

  • Complete repairs before completion

  • Contribute towards repair costs

  • Make other concessions

The objective should always be to find a fair solution for both parties.

Document Everything and Act Quickly

Keep Detailed Records

Maintain records of:

  • Survey reports

  • Emails

  • Quotes

  • Agreements

  • Decisions

Good documentation can help protect you if disagreements arise later.

Act Promptly

Delays can increase costs, create uncertainty and slow down the conveyancing process.

Addressing urgent matters quickly often results in:

  • Faster resolutions

  • Lower costs

  • Fewer complications

Taking decisive action helps keep your purchase moving forward.

Useful Tips

Check Certificates

Surveyors frequently flag:

  • Gas Safety Certificates

  • Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

Gas Safety Certificates are often relatively straightforward to update.

EICR issues can sometimes require more detailed investigation and discussion.

Always Compare Quotes

If repairs are required:

  • Obtain at least three quotations.

  • Compare scope of work carefully.

  • Avoid making decisions based on a single estimate.

Share the Survey

Bayzos recommends sharing the urgent matters section of the survey report, or the entire report where possible.

If you are concerned about the survey being shared with another buyer should the sale fall through, mention this in writing when sending the report.

Keep Communication Open

Bayzos emphasises maintaining open communication between all parties to help achieve a fair outcome.

Working collaboratively often leads to the best results.

Actions to Complete

Buyer

  • Make Bayzos aware of urgent matters.

  • Inform Bayzos of your proposed next steps.

  • Resolve the issue.

Update Milestones

Once the urgent matter has been resolved:

  • Mark the milestone as complete within your portal.

  • Notify everyone involved in the transaction.

  • Tick the milestone off your checklist.

Keeping milestones updated helps ensure all parties remain informed throughout the conveyancing process.

Final Message From Gary

A RICS survey is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of a property's condition before you commit to purchasing it.

If urgent matters are identified, don't panic. By understanding the issue, obtaining specialist advice where necessary and communicating openly with all parties involved, most concerns can be managed effectively.

The key is to remain informed, act promptly and base decisions on reliable evidence rather than emotion.

If you remain uncertain about how to proceed, consider seeking guidance from a RICS-accredited surveyor or property solicitor who can provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Have ideas on how we can improve this guide?

Please share them with us at gary@bayzos.co.uk.

Gary & The Bayzos Team

Disclaimer:

The information in this guide is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, mortgage, tax, or professional advice.

While we aim to keep the information accurate and up to date, Bayzos Estate Agents Limited makes no guarantees or warranties regarding its accuracy or completeness.

You should always seek advice from a qualified solicitor, financial adviser, mortgage broker, accountant, or other relevant professional before making any decisions based on this information.

Bayzos Estate Agents Limited accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this guide.