The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is one of the world’s largest and most influential professional bodies that regulates and promotes the property surveying profession. With a Royal Charter since 1881. Within our team, we have both RICS Registered Party Wall Surveyors, Valuers and RICS Accredited Mediators.
The Chartered Institute of Building is the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership. With a Royal Charter since 1834 to promote the science and practice of building and construction for the benefit of society.
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators is the world’s leading qualification and professional body for dispute avoidance and dispute management. With a Royal Charter since1979.
The independent quality assurance process of Valuer Registration, reinforces the highest professional standards. Valuer Registration is a risk monitoring and quality assurance programme which checks compliance with the RICS Red Book.
All Accredited Mediators included on the register will have successfully completed training with RICS or a training provider that meets the requirements of the Civil Mediation Council.
A Building Engineer is a competent, professionally qualified, experienced individual with a critical understanding of the interaction of buildings and people. Building Engineers collaborate to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
We conduct thorough research on the property and its background before visiting the site. This ensures that we arrive fully informed and armed with all the necessary facts to provide you with an accurate assessment during the inspection. By taking a comprehensive approach, we can identify any potential issues and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase.
We will conduct a full inspection of the property during the site visit. We leave no stone unturned, inspecting all elements of the property from the roof to the ground. This ensures that we can establish any issues that may be lurking within the property. You can be confident that our Surveyor will provide you with a thorough assessment, leaving you fully informed about the condition of the property.
We will provide a detailed report that outlines the condition of your property, any defects or issues identified, and recommendations for necessary repairs or maintenance work. Our expertise and knowledge are used to determine the severity and urgency of any issues found, empowering you to prioritize repairs and budget for necessary work. We leave no stone unturned during the inspection and provide a tailored report that ensures the safety and longevity of your investment.
We use laser measures to accurately measure the property. This ensures that we are able to determine the rebuild cost (insurance valuation of the property)and also ensures we are able to take the property size into account during our market valuation.
A damp meter (also known as a moisture meter) is used during this inspection to measure the moisture content in various parts of the building. This is important because excessive dampness can cause a wide range of problems, from cosmetic damage like staining and peeling wallpaper to structural issues like timber decay.
Binoculars may be used during a HomeBuyer Report to inspect areas of the property that are inaccessible or difficult to reach. For example, the roof, upper story windows, chimney stacks, and other high points of the building. Binoculars can allow a surveyor to spot potential issues.
A torch, or flashlight, can be an essential tool in a surveyor's kit during a HomeBuyer Report. Its use can vary depending on the situation, but generally, it is used to illuminate poorly lit areas, making it easier to assess the condition of those areas and to identify potential issues that might otherwise be missed.
A voltage pen, also known as a voltage tester or voltage detector, is used to detect the presence of electrical voltage in a device or in wiring.
A ladder is often used during a HomeBuyer Report for visual inspection of the higher parts of a property that can't be readily seen from ground level. This can include parts of the roof, gutters, soffits, fascia’s, upper-story windows, chimney stacks, and more.
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are increasingly being used in building surveys, including RICS HomeBuyer Reports. They provide a number of advantages:i.e. Access to hard-to-reach areas: Drones can safely and easily access parts of a property that may be difficult, dangerous, or impossible to reach by traditional methods. This includes high roofs, chimney stacks, guttering, and other upper parts of a building.
An RICS HomeBuyer Report is a non-invasive, visual inspection of a property, so typically a surveyor wouldn't use a screwdriver to dismantle any part of the property. The focus of the HomeBuyer Report is to assess the condition of the visible and accessible parts of the property and to identify any urgent defects or issues that might affect the property's value. However, a screwdriver might be used in a limited capacity to gently probe wooden elements (like skirting boards or door frames) to check for signs of rot or insect infestation. It's important to note that this should be done carefully and minimally to avoid causing any damage.
A tape measure is a basic but essential tool for a surveyor conducting an RICS HomeBuyer Report.
We believe in transparent and fixed costs for all of our HomeBuyer Reports. Our pricing includes the inspection, report, discussion, and recommendations, with no hidden extras. You can be confident that the cost you are quoted is the final cost, providing peace of mind and ensuring that you can make an informed decision about your property purchase without any surprises.
Discover answers to the top 10 questions asked by property sellers in Marbella and across the Costa del Sol.
Sellers should budget for various fees including legal fees, agency commissions, and potential capital gains taxes.
Sellers may need to pay capital gains tax and a plusvalia tax, which is based on the increase in land value.
In Marbella and the Costa del Sol, it is customary for the seller to pay the real estate agent's commission.
Key steps include securing a property valuation, ensuring all documentation is correct, and completing the transaction through a notary.
Property values can be determined by appraisals from licensed appraisers, comparing recent sales of similar properties, or consulting with real estate professionals.
While not legally mandatory, it is highly advisable to use a lawyer to help navigate the complexities of property transactions in Spain.
Required documents typically include the deed of the property, recent utility bills, proof of identity, and proof of tax payments.
The timeframe can vary widely, but properties in popular areas like Marbella may sell faster due to high demand.
Improving the property's appearance, making necessary repairs, and ensuring the property is well-presented can attract more buyers.
Sellers should be aware of local regulations, especially those related to urban planning and coastal laws, which can impact the sale of property near the sea.
These questions cover crucial aspects of selling property in Marbella and the Costa del Sol, ensuring that sellers are well-prepared for the process.: