The best Way to reach an informed decision on such an important investment as a home is to have a professional survey and valuation of the property which interests you. Before you decide to go ahead and commit yourself legally, you can minimise the risks by asking a qualified surveyor to answer these questions for you:

• Is the agreed price reasonable?
• Are there drawbacks I don't know about?
• If so, what do I need to do about them?

Even if you are seeking a mortgage - and may be paying for a Mortgage Valuation report - it is still advisable and prudent to arrange a survey by your own surveyor. The Consumers' Association Which? magazine and the Council of Mortgage Lenders both give this advice.

The reason is simple: the Mortgage Valuation report is prepared for the lender - not for you, the borrower. It answers only the lender's questions concerning the appropriate security for your loan. You cannot rely on it to answer the questions which concern your personal interests.

RICS members also offer two forms of survey which are specifically designed to help homebuyers:

A Building Survey (formerly called a structural survey)

A Building Survey is suitable for all residential properties and provides a full picture of their construction and condition. It is likely to be needed if the property is, for example, of unusual construction, is dilapidated or has been extensively altered or where a major conversion or renovation is planned.

It is usually tailored to the client's individual requirements. The report includes extensive technical information on construction and materials as well as details of the whole range of defects, major and minor.

The HOMEBUYER Survey & Valuation (usually called 'The HOMEBUYER Service')

By contrast, The HOMEBUYER Service is in a standard format and is designed specifically as an economy service. It therefore differs materially from a Building Survey in two major respects.

It is intended only for particular types of home: houses, flats and bungalows which are: conventional in type and construction, and are in apparently reasonable condition.

It focuses on essentials: defects and problems which are urgent or significant and thus have an effect on the value of the property - although it also includes much other valuable information.

The HOMEBUYER unlike a Building Survey, provides not only a survey but also a valuation as an integral part of the Service.