Countrywide’s surveying division says it’s found a “knowledge gap” in existing surveys after a study involving over 15,000 buyers.
The agency group says this has led them to produce a new property report called HomeFact which “combines all the expertise of our surveyors with other online information sources that we’ve gathered about the property and its surrounding area.”
It says it is the first company to launch an initiative of this kind “which is packed with information specific to the property being offered for sale.”
This includes any defects including problems that may require work whether minor or serious, all using a simple system of coloured symbols accompanied with written advice and detailed photographs; there will also be information from the Property Care Association about any structural problems.
The report also contains a link to information about the availability and speed of broadband, as well as crime data and information on transport links, cultural and sporting facilities, shops, medical and sporting facilities, restaurants and schools.
There has been a small number of similar products coming to the market in recent months, including one from Phil Spencer's online service Move IQ.
“I believe our HomeFact service offers comfort and peace of mind to home buyers about the condition of their property before they buy, presented in a format that’s easy to understand and which offers more value for money than a mortgage valuation report, and costs less than a traditional survey” EAT has been told be Paul Wareham, managing director of Business to Business at Countrywide.
“It will be a game changer in a market where information has been lacking, and bring home buying up to speed with the rest of the consumer world” he adds.
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This survey may well be many things, but what it won’t be is a “ game changer “.
Sounds like a simplified/modern HIP to me. Nice idea - if it can be used as a reliable document for conveyancers to refer to, it may just be worthwhile.
Will it give enough reassurance to homebuyers in order to not instruct the traditional surveys? I’m not sure.
Not a game changer, but could be worthwhile if it becomes a recognised report in the longer-term
"Here you are Mr and Mrs Prospective Buyer; no need to instruct your own surveyor, I've done it all for you. Trust me. "
Yeah right.
Countrywide scrabbling around to distract from something again? Quelle surprise.
I have all the qualifications required foe Estate Agency and no is willing to offer me a job it is disgraceful.
I have all the qualifications required foe Estate Agency and no is willing to offer me a job it is disgraceful. I am also a qualified convenceyor.
I always wanted to be a convenceyor, but I couldn't find anywhere to do the training.
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