Buying a home in Ireland is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. With rising property prices and pressure to close quickly, some buyers are tempted to skip a pre-purchase survey and rely only on a bank valuation. On the surface, it may feel like a way to save money and time. In reality, it can be a costly mistake.

 

At iSurv, we’ve seen too many cases where skipping a survey led to hidden problems surfacing months after purchase; problems that cost far more than the survey itself.

Bank Valuation vs Pre-Purchase Survey

A bank valuation is designed to protect the lender, not the buyer. It confirms whether the property is worth the loan amount but does not provide details on the condition of the house.

 

In contrast, a pre-purchase survey is a detailed inspection of the property by a qualified surveyor. It identifies structural issues, defects, and potential risks that could affect your investment.

Problems Commonly Missed Without a Survey

Homebuyers who skip surveys often inherit costly problems, such as:

• Structural issues – cracks, subsidence, or weakened foundations.
• Damp and mould – hidden behind plaster or beneath flooring.
• Roof problems – leaks, missing tiles, or rotten timbers in the attic.
• Woodworm or dry rot – damaging timber structures over time.
• Drainage defects – cracked pipes, blockages, or poor connections.

 

Individually, each of these can cost thousands to repair. Combined, they can easily exceed €20,000 — far more than the cost of a survey.

Real-World Costs of Skipping a Survey

We recently surveyed a home where the new owner had skipped a pre-purchase inspection. 

Within months, they discovered:

• Active woodworm in the attic timbers (€5,000+ to treat and strengthen).
• Cracked drainage pipes causing damp (€3,000+ repair).
• Debonded plaster and vertical cracks indicating structural movement (€10,000+).

 

A pre-purchase survey costing a fraction of this would have flagged these problems before contracts were signed.

Why Buyers Skip Surveys

Some buyers assume:

• “The house looks fine.”
• “The bank valuation is enough.”
• “It’s a new build, what could be wrong?”

 

But every property, even brand-new ones, can have issues. Snag lists for new builds often reveal poor finishes, missing insulation, or plumbing faults that are expensive to put right later.

The Value of a Pre-Purchase Survey

A pre-purchase survey gives you:

• Peace of mind – knowing the true condition of the home.
• Negotiating power – the ability to renegotiate price or request repairs.
• Future planning – understanding maintenance or upgrade costs.

 

In many cases, the findings of a survey allow buyers to save far more than the cost of the inspection itself.

How iSurv Can Help

At iSurv, our team of experienced property surveyors in Ireland carry out detailed pre-purchase surveys that highlight defects, risks, and hidden costs. We provide clear reports, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

 

The cost of a pre-purchase survey in Ireland is small compared to the potential cost of hidden repairs. Skipping this step may save a few euros upfront, but it can lead to serious financial strain later.

 

Before you commit to a home, protect your investment — and your peace of mind — with a professional survey.