If you need a mortgage to fund the purchase of your property, it is important that you know how much you are able to borrow. It is always helpful to see a mortgage adviser before you start looking for properties so that you know your budget. Once you know how much you can borrow, you will need to inform your solicitor so they can review the mortgage offer. In order to have a formal mortgage offer made to you, and not just a mortgage in principle, a survey will have to be carried out, the results of which will need to satisfy you and your lender.

A survey is done in a standardised format set by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). it is a detailed report that includes all major sections of the property that are clearly visible and to identify which areas are in need of further investigation. Wiring, drainage and gas are not included in the survey.

The main details of the survey will include:

• looking at the general condition of the property and assessing its makos and minor faults.

• assessing whether any of the major faults will need repairing, and the cost implications of these.

• assessing and reporting damp in the walls and woodwork, and any woodworm.

• assessing the condition of damp-proofing and drainage.

• recommendations for any further surveys and invest