How a Pre-Sale Survey Can Help Sellers Prepare for Property Market Changes

How a Pre-Sale Survey Can Reduce Delays

The home-buying process in England has long been criticised for being slow, uncertain, and prone to delays. A recent article from Rightmove highlights a series of proposed government reforms aimed at improving the way properties are bought and sold, with a focus on speed, transparency, and reducing fall-through rates.

While these changes are still proposals, they give a clear indication of the direction the property market is moving in, particularly for sellers.

A Shift Toward Upfront Information

One of the key proposals is the introduction of mandatory ‘sales packs’, provided at the point of listing a property. These would include key details about the property, such as its condition, any leasehold information, and the wider transaction chain.

The objective is to ensure buyers have access to important information before making an offer, rather than weeks or months into the process.

For sellers, this represents a significant change in approach, moving from a reactive process to a more proactive and transparent one.

Estate agent enthusiastically presents a bright and spacious property to a smiling couple during a house viewing.

Why Delays Happen in Property Transactions

As many home-movers will have experienced, delays often arise when unexpected issues are discovered later in the transaction.

According to Rightmove, the average purchase currently takes around 170 days, with a significant number of transactions falling through altogether.

In many cases, this is due to:

• Issues identified during surveys

• Missing or incomplete information

• Uncertainty around the condition of the property

This can result in:

• Renegotiation of price

• Delays while issues are investigated

• Transactions collapsing entirely

What This Means for Sellers

With a greater emphasis on upfront information, sellers are likely to be expected to provide more detailed insight into their property earlier in the process.

Rather than waiting for a buyer’s survey, there is a growing case for taking a more proactive approach by understanding the condition of your property before going to market.

This can help to:

• Reduce uncertainty for potential buyers

• Minimise the risk of renegotiation

• Improve the likelihood of a smooth transaction

The Role of Pre-Sale Surveys

A pre-sale survey allows sellers to identify any issues in advance, giving them the opportunity to address or prepare for them before a buyer becomes involved.

This approach is particularly beneficial for:

• Older or period properties

• Homes that have been extended or altered

• Properties with known or suspected defects

Providing this level of clarity upfront can help build buyer confidence and reduce the likelihood of issues arising later in the process.

How a RICS Home Survey Level 2 PLUS Can Help

At Atom Surveyors, our RICS Home Survey Level 2 PLUS is well suited to supporting this approach.

While typically used by buyers, it can be adapted for sellers looking to gain a clear understanding of their property prior to marketing, and can form part of a structured pre-sale information pack.

What this includes:

• A comprehensive on-site inspection

• Identification of structural and maintenance issues

• Advanced inspection techniques, including aerial drone and thermal imaging where appropriate

• A clear, easy-to-follow report with photographic evidence

• Practical commentary explaining defects and likely causes

• Bespoke video explainers to highlight key findings

Preparing for the Future

Although the proposed reforms are still subject to implementation, the direction of travel is clear, the property market is moving toward greater transparency and earlier sharing of information.

Sellers who prepare in advance are likely to benefit from:

• More informed buyers

• Fewer unexpected issues

• Smoother transactions

In time, surveys could become a standard component of pre-sale information packs, helping to streamline the process for everyone involved.

A More Informed Way to Sell

Ultimately, these proposed changes are aimed at creating a more efficient and reliable home-buying process.

By understanding your property in advance and presenting clear, structured information, you can approach the sale with greater confidence and reduce the risk of disruption later on.

Disclaimer: This article references information from Rightmove and reflects proposed changes to the home-buying process at the time of writing. As these proposals are still subject to change, the details outlined should be considered indicative rather than final.