Q We’ve recently had an offer accepted on a property. The survey report we had done includes a long list of problems that we weren’t expecting including structural problems with the bay window and spray insulation in the loft. We’ve shared the risks section of the report with the seller and need to book further assessments with a structural engineer and roofer before the surveyor can provide a valuation. The seller wants to see a full copy of the report. Should we share it? We spent a large sum of money on a reputable surveyor who has advised they are being cheeky demanding a copy but in the interest of opening renegotiations on the price (pending the results of further investigations, of course) we are not sure if we should share it or not. Your advice would be appreciated.
LE
A Your surveyor is right. The seller is being cheeky in demanding a copy of the full report. In the words of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics): “A seller doesn’t have any right to see a copy of the report unless the buyer chooses to disclose them. The surveyor must not discuss the report’s actual or likely contents with the seller without the buyer’s knowledge and consent.”
