Do You Still Need a Home Survey? Why Property Surveys Remain Essential Despite Government Reforms

If you’ve caught the headlines this week, you may have heard about the Government’s proposed shake-up of the homebuying process- described as the biggest reform in decades. News outlets and radio stations have been quick to report on how the changes could “save buyers money” or “mean you might not need a survey.”

As local, family-run chartered surveyors working across Surrey and Greater London, we understand why that kind of messaging might sound appealing, but it’s also a little misleading. The reality is that while the reforms aim to make buying a home faster and more transparent, they don’t replace the need for an independent home survey.

Let’s unpack what’s changing and why a professional property survey is still one of the smartest investments any buyer can make.

What Are the Government’s Proposed Changes?

The new consultation, launched this week, aims to speed up home purchases by requiring sellers and estate agents to provide more information up front. That includes details like the EPC rating, tenure, leasehold terms, council tax band, flood risk data and even the basic physical condition of the home.

The goal is to make the process fairer, faster, and less stressful by giving buyers better information earlier, reducing the number of sales that fall through.

It’s a positive step toward transparency, and we welcome anything that helps buyers make more informed decisions, but it’s important to remember that these new requirements are not a substitute for a full professional survey. They’re designed to help you start the process better informed, not to replace independent due diligence.

You can read the Governments press release on the reform here.

What the Government Reforms Don’t Change

Even with sellers providing more “material information,” there are still limits to what they (or their estate agents) can know or disclose. A seller’s pack might include general property condition assessments, but those are broad summaries, not a detailed inspection by a qualified surveyor.

They won’t uncover:

• Structural issues hidden behind walls or floors

• Roof defects, damp, or timber decay

• Signs of subsidence or movement

• Poor workmanship from past renovations

• Electrical, plumbing, or insulation issues

• Discrepancies between what’s been declared and what’s actually on site

  
  

A RICS-registered HomeBuyer or Building Survey remains the only reliable way to identify these issues before you commit to a purchase.

Why a Home Survey Still Matters

Your home is likely the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make. A survey gives you independent, expert insight into the real condition of the property, not what’s listed on a form or brochure.

If you’re buying a property in Surrey, Greater London, or the surrounding areas, your survey could save you thousands of pounds by identifying problems before you exchange contracts. It also gives you leverage to renegotiate with the seller if significant defects are found.

As James, Co-Owner at Bramptons & Son, explains:

“We’re all for improving the homebuying process- anything that makes it quicker and clearer is a good thing. But saying you ‘don’t need a survey’ is risky advice. Sellers and agents won’t always know if there’s a structural or safety issue. A survey is your only true safeguard before committing to what’s often a lifelong investment.”

Protecting Buyers, Families and First-Time Homeowners

At Bramptons & Son, we work with families, first-time buyers, and estate agents across Surrey and Greater London to provide independent, honest advice. We believe that informed buyers make confident homeowners, and that confidence comes from understanding a property’s true condition, not just what’s on paper.

Whether you need a HomeBuyer Survey, a Building Survey, or an EPC, our qualified team ensures you have the information you need to make a sound decision.

What Does This Mean?

The government’s reforms are a positive step toward simplifying the property market, but they don’t change the fundamental truth: a property survey protects you. It’s the difference between buying with confidence and buying blind.

So, while the headlines might promise you can “save money” by skipping a survey, the reality is that a small upfront cost can save you thousands, and a lot of stress, in the long run.

If you’re buying a home and want peace of mind before you commit, get in touch with our Bramptons & Son Surveyors team today. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.