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Buying a Property? Get a Pre-Purchase Survey First

Construction, Architecture, Building Defects, Building Regulations, engineering, News
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HD McKay Architectural & Engineering Services in Letterkenny. Photo by Joe Dunne 21/03/26

Why do I need to consider a Pre-Purchase Survey? Because buying a property is a major life milestone and a decision that has the potential to  impact your financial security. Making such an important purchase should be treated with the responsibility it deserves.

A pre-purchase survey, undertaken by a qualified professional, helps you understand exactly what you are buying. Without a professional inspection, important issues can be overlooked, leaving new owners facing devastating costs after purchase.

What is a Pre-Purchase survey?

In simple terms, a pre-purchase survey provides a detailed assessment of a property’s overall condition. It also focuses on compliance with building and planning regulations.

Why HD McKay?

Our roots are in County Donegal, and our staff are highly experienced with regional building characteristics including traditional building methods. We also have extensive experience of the defective blocks issue in the region.

What is included in a Pre-Purchase survey with HD McKay?

  • A visual building condition assessment highlighting structural concerns, evidence of rot, mould, corrosion, infestation, dampness, and maintenance issues.
  • A review of compliance with Building and Planning Regulations.
  • A technical review of the results of any concrete block testing.
  • A visual survey of the wastewater treatment installations to identify any evident defects, leaks, and odours.
  • A high-level review of the property boundaries and comparison with the folio maps. This ensures a purchaser is clear on the plot of land they are purchasing.

Is it Value for money?

Costs vary depending on the size and complexity of the property. A typical survey will cost around 0.5% of the overall purchase price. This pales in comparison to the construction, technical, and legal costs of rectifying issues flagged up by our inspections.

 

What do I need to provide?

If instructed, HD McKay will request the following documentation to be provided by your legal representative

  • The legal pack for the property including Folio Maps and certificates of compliance with planning and building regulations.
  • The final grant of planning permission and associated drawings submitted to the council.
  • BER rating certificate and accompanying advisory report
  • Previous results of any concrete block testing
  • Registration documentation for wastewater treatment systems

To find out more about our pre-purchase survey options, please call us on +353 74 9129243 or email enquiries@hdmckay.com.

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