AM Surveys Unveils Free 28-Tip Buyer Guide to Outsmart the Housing Maze
Buying a home can feel like roulette with a six-figure stake. To tip the odds, AMSurveys—headed by RPSA Chairman Andrew McColl—has released a free, fully-illustrated PDF: "Top Tips for Savvy Home Buyers: Navigate Your Purchase Like a Pro." Download it now from the Tips & Advice hub, and discover 28 field-tested checkpoints distilled from three decades of surveyor know-how.
WHY RELEASE THIS GUIDE NOW?
“Two-thirds of lenders ‘valuations’ are quick desktop tick-boxes,” Andrew McColl says. “Miss a red flag and you pay for the privilege of somebody else’s damp.”
With elevated rates and lean stock, buyers need every edge. This guide hands them to you on a plate—brew optional. It champions informed choices, helping you avoid common pitfalls and secure a property that genuinely fits your needs, not just a quick box-tick for a mortgage file.
FIVE BUYER TIPS THAT PAY FOR THEMSELVES
The "Top Tips for Savvy Home Buyers" is packed with actionable insights. Here are a few examples that can genuinely save you time, money, and stress:
| Quick Win | Why It Matters |
| Mortgage Valuation ≠ Survey | Commission your own Level 2 or Level 3 survey; it’s the only report that protects you, not the bank. |
| Brutally Honest Budget | Ring-fence all fees and a repair war-chest—stay cash-happy, not house-poor. |
| Visit Twice, Different Times | The tranquil Tuesday cul-de-sac can morph into Friday gridlock—spot issues like traffic or parking availability before you commit. |
| Email Every Question | Get everything in writing! A written trail kills the dreaded “vendor said…” dispute at exchange, providing clear evidence and protecting you down the line. |
| Desktop Detective Work | Flood maps, crime statistics, and broadband speed checkers—so much information is available for free online. These resources are a goldmine for leveraging and understanding your potential new neighbourhood. |
(The complete set of 28 tips—from leasehold sanity checks to compass-app sun-tests—live in the complete guide, available on the AMSurveys Tips & Advice page.)
THREE ROOKIE ERRORS TO DODGE
Andrew’s guide also highlights common mistakes that buyers often make, and how to avoid them:
- The 10-Minute Love-In: It’s astonishing, but one in five buyers make an offer after a single whistlestop viewing. Slow down, book a second slot, and give such a significant investment the time and consideration it deserves.
- DIY Surveying: Tapping walls is not diligence; a professional surveyor’s moisture meter is. While a basic understanding of red flags (like wide, stepped cracks or sloping floors) is useful, an experienced surveyor’s keen eye and moisture meter are essential for identifying serious issues like damp or subsidence.
- Ignoring Market Temperature: In a blistering seller’s market, you need to be lightning-fast. Line up your Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP), conveyancer, and surveyor before you even start viewing. Being prepared gives you a considerable advantage and reduces pressure.
NEED NUMBERS? HERE ARE FOUR
For those who love the data, here are a few insights that underscore the importance of being well-prepared:
- Around 65% of lender valuations are now done remotely via automated or desktop models, or with very brief visits, often without anyone actually walking through the door for a detailed inspection.
- Subsidence payouts hit a staggering £219 million in 2022—insurers frequently refuse cover if a problem pre-dated your policy, asking you to “prove it wasn’t there before”.
- A professional survey creates a dated, independent benchmark of the property's condition at the time of purchase, which can be invaluable in keeping your insurers honest if issues arise later.
- A party-wall injunction can freeze work for weeks and cost £5,000+ in legal fees.
NEXT STEPS
To empower your property purchase journey, Andrew advises:
- Download the free guide from the Tips & Advice hub at amsurveys.co.uk/tips.
- Book a 10-minute “Ask a Surveyor” call—there's no cost, no hard sell, promise.
- Start a digital folder today: surveys, EPCs, utility bills, agent replies, guarantees—future-you (and your solicitor) will thank you.
ABOUT AMSURVEYS
Independent Level 2 & Level 3 surveyors based near Billericay—average age 54, no referral fees, nationwide. AMSurveys provides bespoke reports, new-build snagging inspections, and client coaching across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The firm proudly refuses to pay referral fees to agents or brokers, guaranteeing advice that’s impartial and solely in your best interests.
