If your house survey has come back with problems, take a breath. This is normal.
Surveys are designed to highlight risk. Even good properties, especially older ones, will show issues. The goal isn’t to find a perfect house. It’s to understand what you’re buying, what it might cost, and whether you’re still comfortable proceeding.
Most survey results fall into one of three categories: minor issues, manageable repairs, or serious concerns. Your role as a buyer is to respond calmly and methodically to the results. This blog post lists all the things to do next.
1. First: understand what the survey is actually saying
Survey reports can feel dramatic. Words like defect, movement, or deterioration sound worse than they often are.
Before reacting:
- Check what level of survey you had (Level 2 vs Level 3)
- Look at the condition ratings
- Separate “needs monitoring” from “urgent”
- Ask the surveyor to explain anything unclear
A good surveyor won’t just send an 80-page report and disappear. The value often comes from the follow-up conversation, where they explain what matters and what doesn’t.
If you’re unsure how to interpret the report, see: How to read a house survey report
2. Decide whether the issue is normal, fixable, or structural
Here’s a practical way to think about it:
Normal wear and tear
- Older boiler
- Worn roof tiles
- Minor damp readings
- Outdated electrics
- Hairline cracks
Most properties over 20 years old will have several of these. They don’t usually justify renegotiation.
Fixable but budget-impacting
- Timber decay
- Persistent damp requiring treatment
- Roof repairs (not full replacement)
- Old consumer unit
- Poor insulation
These may influence your negotiation, especially if costs are measurable.
Potentially serious
- Structural movement
- Significant subsidence risk
- Major roof failure
- Widespread damp linked to structural issues
- Unsafe wiring throughout
These require further investigation before making any decisions.
If the survey recommends specialist reports (structural engineer, damp specialist, Gas Safe engineer), that’s not a red flag in itself. It means the surveyor can’t fully assess that element visually which is normal.
3. Get clarity before talking price
One common mistake is emailing the estate agent immediately with “We want £10k off.”
Instead:
- Get cost estimates first
- Confirm whether issues are urgent or preventative
- Understand whether the defect affects mortgage lending
Sometimes survey findings sound serious but cost £500 to resolve. Other times they look minor but hide a larger repair bill.
If needed, ask your surveyor whether the issue changes the property’s overall value or just affects maintenance.
4. Decide your position
You usually have four options:
Do nothing
Proceed at the agreed price if the issues are minor or expected.
Renegotiate
Request a price reduction based on clear, evidence-backed repair costs.
Ask the seller to fix specific issues
Less common in England and Wales, but possible.
Walk away
If risks are too high, costs uncertain, or your confidence drops.
Remember: you’re not obligated to continue until exchange of contracts.
5. Keep perspective on older properties
Many first-time buyers expect a survey to say “All good”. That’s rarely how it works.
If you’re buying:
- A Victorian terrace
- A 1930s semi
- An ex-council flat
- A 1990s leasehold apartment
- Other older property
There will be comments. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad purchase.
Often the survey is simply adjusting expectations from “dream home” to “real building.”
6. Avoid these common mistakes
Panic-googling worst-case scenarios. The internet amplifies extremes.
Assuming the seller didn’t know. Many issues are long-standing and normal for the property type.
Letting the estate agent rush you. Deadlines before exchange are pressure tactics. You’re allowed time to understand the report.
Confusing a survey with a guarantee. A survey reduces risk. It doesn’t eliminate it.
7. When to bring in another professional
You may need:
- A structural engineer (movement concerns)
- A roofing contractor (major roof defects)
- A damp specialist (unclear moisture issues)
- A Gas Safe engineer (boiler safety concerns)
- An electrician (EICR check)
This is about narrowing uncertainty before committing hundreds of thousands of pounds.
If you're unsure whether further inspection is worthwhile, speak directly with your surveyor. A good one will tell you honestly whether it’s necessary.
8. How survey findings affect negotiations
Survey-based renegotiations work best when:
- Costs are clearly evidenced
- Issues weren’t obvious at viewing
- The defect materially affects value
They’re weaker when:
- The issue is age-related and expected
- The property was priced accordingly
- The local market is competitive
Negotiation is rarely about “winning.” It’s about restoring balance if new information changes the deal.
The bigger picture
The purpose of a survey isn’t to kill a deal.
It’s to:
- Make hidden risks visible
- Help you budget realistically
- Give you confidence before exchange
A calm, informed buyer almost always makes better decisions than a panicked one.
So the real question becomes:
Are these problems deal-breakers or just the normal cost of owning a real home?