Do I Instruct the Surveyor Myself?

The seller is responsible for having the Home Report available before marketing, but the surveyor may be arranged directly by the seller, through an estate agent or through a solicitor estate agent.

Who is responsible?

In practice, the seller needs the Home Report in place before the property is publicly marketed unless an exemption applies. You can contact surveyors directly, or your solicitor or estate agent may arrange it as part of the selling process.

Using an agent’s recommended surveyor can be convenient, but it does not stop you comparing quotes. The key is choosing a suitable surveyor at a fair price with a realistic timescale.

Direct instruction vs agent arrangement

Direct instruction gives you control over price comparison and questions. Agent arrangement can be simpler if the agent already has established relationships and knows who can attend quickly. Neither route is automatically better.

Before agreeing, ask what the quote includes, who the surveyor is, when the inspection can happen and whether the firm has local experience.

Why local and lender suitability matter

A local surveyor may understand recent comparable sales, buyer expectations and common repair issues in your area. That can support the valuation and avoid generic comments that do not reflect the local market.

Where buyers are likely to need a mortgage, ask whether the surveyor or firm is commonly accepted by major lenders. Some lenders have panel or acceptance requirements, and a valuation that is not accepted can cause delays.

What happens after instruction

Once instructed, the surveyor or firm will arrange access, inspect the property and prepare the report. The seller also completes the Property Questionnaire. Your agent then uses the report to support marketing and provide it to interested buyers.