Buying property in Poitou-Charentes? Don't skip the survey! Guide2 talks to Chartered Surveyor Brian Lindley

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Buying property in Poitou-Charentes?  Don't skip the survey!  Guide2 talks to Chartered Surveyor Brian Lindley

A survey isn't required in France, right?  It's not the done thing here.  Sounds familiar?

This might have been the case once, when you could buy a property for £30,000, but with a property now likely to absorb a larger chunk of your hard-earned cash, isn't it worth getting an expert opinion on the state of your dream-home-to-be?

Brian Lindley, a Chartered Surveyor based in Charente-Maritime told us "when people buy into the dream, they do so with rose-tinted spectacles, and a surveyor can often provide a reality check."

Not only can a survey uncover potential budget-busting work that might be needed, it can strengthen the hand of the buyer, who can use the information to either negotiate down the price of the property, ask the vendor to carry out the essential work, or walk away from the deal.

British buyers especially tend to favour older, more traditional properties in the region, and in this type of property it is especially important to be sure that there are no major hidden faults that could turn out to be costly to put right.  Brian said "older properties have a tendency to suffer from structural movement; in fact some of the charm is that nothing is straight or level, however a purchaser needs to be aware of the cause of the movement, whether it has stopped or whether it can be successfully repaired."

With potential problems including subsidence, movement, cracks, damp or a leaking roof, a good quality survey from an experienced surveyor could be crucial.  Brian Lindley offers two types of survey, a full building survey dealing with all aspects of a property, and a Structural Integrity Report, which is a list of major problems. 

Brian lives in Charente-Maritime with his wife Lesley, and has three grown-up children.  Asked what he likes most about living in Poitou-Charentes, he said "We have a great love of lighthouses and have visited lots in Charente Maritime.  We love the vineyards and love walking along the coast, following the smugglers paths and the coastal walks around Royan and the cycle paths.  In summer we have taken the little train that operates from Saujon towards La Tremblade and Marennes and transported our bicycles.  As you can see there is so much to love in our region, together with the historic Saintes with its amphitheatre."

Brian Lindley is a Chartered Surveyor with 25 years experience, particularly in stone properties.  He is registered and monitored by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and must carry professional indemnity insurance.  If you'd like some advice from Brian, click here for contact details.

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