News & Blog
This is our area for news and blogs offering industry-leading advice and analysis for homeowners, those seeking to buy their first home and property investors.
Mistaking a mortgage valuation for a survey could prove a costly mistake
There have been many reasons for potential buyers to delay or totally abandon their shorter term property-related aspirations over the past 12 to 18 months. This has been largely due to a number of well-publicised influencing factors such as the lingering ramifications of the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, higher mortgage rates, heightened affordability […]
Value and the role of the survey
There are always a huge number of questions and decisions demanded of homebuyers throughout what will always be a highly emotive process. This is especially apparent in the midst of some lingering market and economic uncertainty, meaning it’s even more important than ever for buyers to protect their interests and help to clarify what represents […]
Winner: Your Mortgage Award!
The Your Mortgage Awards 2023/2024 celebrate those lenders and mortgage-related providers that have truly excelled in the last 12 months. It’s been another undeniably challenging year, with rising interest rates affecting affordability for many borrowers. Consumers have needed clear support and guidance from the mortgage industry. This year’s award winners include major banks to smaller […]
Why a valuation isn’t a survey
Within our industry, this is a simple, tired old question. Yet, despite the best intentions of everyone involved, there is still a lack of understanding amongst homebuyers around this issue. In fact, our most common queries tend to revolve around the differences between valuations and surveys. With vast numbers of people still assuming they are […]
How to overcome an unfavourable survey
You’ve found the perfect home – but the survey has uncovered a flaw. Kharla Mullen our Chief Operating Officer explains how a nightmare scenario needn’t shatter your property dream. It’s clear that we’ve been operating in a housing market which has experienced its fair share of uncertainty over the past year. This lingering uncertainty has […]
What does a surveyor do on a property visit? Your questions answered!
The five most common questions about what a surveyor does on a property visit To recap, we have already (hopefully) established the types of available surveys, the importance attached to a survey and how it can provide peace of mind for the future and help avoid any unexpected costs further down the line. Let’s now […]
Surveys: Money down the drain or a necessary investment?
If you are torn over whether to get a survey, Kharla Mullen has some helpful advice. Here she explains the various types of survey and whether you will get any bang for your buck In a previous article, we looked at why getting a survey is so important for potential buyers. Within this, we highlighted […]
Why is getting a survey so important for potential buyers?
Purchasing a house is a significant milestone in anyone’s life. Whether this is a stepping stone or a ‘forever’ home, this is a decision that involves careful consideration, financial commitment, and a vision for the future. However, from first-time buyers through to the more experienced homeowner, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the necessity of […]
The importance of reviews – Kharla Mullen, Chief Operating Officer, Countrywide Home Surveys
As highlighted recently in research conducted by Smart Money People, the majority of consumers will always research a market, company or product before making a decision to purchase goods and services, and the financial services sector is no different.
When is a survey not a survey?
It’s been just over a year ago since a webinar poll conducted by Countrywide highlighted that four out of five consumers still confuse a mortgage valuation with a survey. When asked the question – is the mortgage valuation still thought of as a survey? One year on, is there greater consumer understanding of the difference between a survey and a mortgage valuation?