FP Surveying

RICS surveys and valuations through a nationwide surveyor network

FP Surveying, operated by Finance Planning Surveying Services Ltd, arranges RICS-branded survey and valuation work for homebuyers and property owners. The practice presents itself as a Help to Buy valuation specialist and coordinates a network of RICS surveyors across the country, combining what it describes as local expertise with nationwide coverage. It also states that it values property for banks and building societies.

The site draws a clear distinction between a mortgage valuation and a survey, noting that a valuation is not a survey and that buyers benefit from an assessment of a property's condition whether they intend to live in it, rent it out or sell it.

Level 2 HomeBuyers Reports

The headline service is the RICS HomeBuyers Report, aimed at buyers of a conventional house, flat or bungalow built from common building materials and in reasonable condition who want more extensive information on construction, condition and repairs. FP Surveying notes that this report costs more than lighter options such as an RICS Condition Report but provides greater detail on the state of the property, which it frames as useful when judging whether a home is the right purchase.

According to the site, an RICS Home Survey involves an in-depth visual inspection by an RICS professional, with findings presented in clear, easy-to-understand traffic-light ratings that highlight any problems. The company also cautions that access to the property may depend on the current owner and viewing arrangements.

Valuation services beyond the homebuyer survey

• Help to Buy valuation, for sellers of Help to Buy properties or those staircasing to repay part of the government loan.
• Shared Ownership valuation.
• Independent valuation report.
• Matrimonial valuation report.
• Probate valuation.
• Help to Buy extension.

Matrimonial, probate and independent valuation reports are priced on a sliding scale by property value band, with published bands running up to £700,000, from £700,001 to £1,000,000, and from £1,000,000 to £2,000,000, in each case including VAT. The HomeBuyer Report quote tool works in narrower increments, from a purchase price of £100,001–£200,000 up to £1,750,001–£2,000,000.

Published pricing for Help to Buy and Shared Ownership

The site states that Target Approved Help to Buy valuations and qualifying Shared Ownership valuations are each offered at £199 including VAT, a figure the company describes as a market-leading price. These are presented as current offers on the site and may change.

Booking, guarantees and availability

Quotes can be locked in by email through the online tool, and the site advertises a cancellation money-back guarantee. Booking dates shown on the page were subject to surveyor availability. The company also maintains a vacancies section and invites surveyors to join its panel.

Who the service is aimed at

Alongside individual homeowners and buyers, FP Surveying lists accountants, estate agents, Help to Buy agencies, mortgage brokers, solicitors and mortgage networks among its partnership audiences. The site includes a client account of a buyer who sought a second opinion after learning that a mortgage survey did not cover the condition of the property.