Buying a period home: the survey questions that matter

Period homes have qualities new buildings struggle to match: proportion, craftsmanship, materials with a century of patina. They also have quirks, and a survey is how you learn which are charming and which are expensive.

Choose the right survey

For an older home, a detailed building survey is usually more useful than a basic report. Look for a surveyor who knows traditional construction, ideally one familiar with the area’s housing.

What to ask about

Damp, and how it’s being managed. The condition of the roof and chimneys. Any past structural movement. Whether earlier repairs used materials that suit the building, since cement on old brick can cause more problems than it solves.

Listed buildings

If a home is listed, changes need consent. Ask what has been altered and whether permission was granted, and budget for specialist trades.

This article is general information, not professional advice.