At last - The Sellers Survey!
Sell Smarter, Move Faster: Why the New Seller’s Survey is a Game Changer
Selling your home is exciting — but let’s be honest, it can also be stressful. The number one worry for most sellers is this: what will the buyer’s surveyor find? Will it knock thousands off the price? Will it even cause the sale to fall through?
That anxiety has been part of the process for years, until now.
A New Approach
Skyline has just launched the Home Insight Survey — a professional condition survey commissioned by the seller before the property goes on the market. Think of it as an MOT for your home. It identifies issues upfront, allowing you to make informed decisions and giving buyers confidence from day one.
I’ve worked closely with Skyline on this project since its inception, alongside Alan and Jerry, who have been driving the idea forward. As Senior Partner at AMSurveys — and as Chairman of the Residential Property Surveyors Association — I’ve seen first-hand how valuable this model can be. Quite frankly, I’m proud to have contributed to its development. It’s a genuine game changer.
Why Sellers Love It
- Less stress: no more lying awake at night wondering what a buyer’s survey might uncover.
- Fewer surprises: issues can be identified and addressed early, rather than derailing a sale at the eleventh hour.
- Confidence in pricing: you can market your home knowing exactly where you stand.
- Stronger negotiating position: transparency builds trust — buyers are less likely to chip away at your agreed price.
Why Buyers Appreciate It
- Clarity upfront: they can see the condition of the home before making an offer.
- Confidence to commit: fewer reasons to pull out later, reducing wasted time and money.
- Transparency: When a seller provides a professional survey, it sends a strong message of honesty.
Why Agents Benefit Too
Estate agents will tell you that one of their biggest frustrations is sales falling through. In fact, across the UK almost a third of transactions collapse before completion. A seller’s survey significantly reduces that risk. Faster, smoother sales mean happier clients — and quicker commissions.
Agents can also stand out by offering a premium service to their vendors. Being proactive about disclosure builds trust and wins instructions.
Tried and Tested Elsewhere
This isn’t an untested idea. Scotland has used seller-commissioned surveys for years, and their sales typically complete in 6–8 weeks — compared to 22 weeks in England and Wales. Fall-through rates are much lower, and the whole process is less stressful for everyone.
The Home Insight Survey brings that proven approach south of the border for the first time.
Why We’re Behind It
At AMSurveys, we’ve carried out seller-side surveys ourselves — particularly at the higher end of the market — and the benefits have been obvious. Minor issues that might have caused unnecessary disputes were resolved upfront. Buyers moved more quickly and confidently. Sellers felt in control of the process.
That’s why we’re delighted to be working closely with Skyline on the roll-out of the Home Insight Survey. It’s built to recognised standards, it’s independent, and it’s designed to give both buyers and sellers peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home doesn’t need to be a rollercoaster of anxiety and delay. With a Seller’s Survey, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that the condition of your property has been assessed by a professional and shared openly with potential buyers.
As Chairman of the RPSA and Senior Partner at AMSurveys, I believe this is one of the most positive innovations the industry has seen in years. It’s good for sellers, good for buyers, good for agents — and ultimately, good for the housing market.
If you’re thinking of selling, talk to us about commissioning a Home Insight Survey. It could be the smartest step you take on your moving journey.
