Ask your lawyer and surveyor to identify the same property and report their findings separately before you commit.
Give the lawyer a clear brief
- Confirm the seller’s title, identity and authority to sell, including co-owners or representation where relevant.
- Match the legal description of the property, buildings and land to the cadastral identifiers.
- Explain any mortgages, encumbrances or rights of use and what must happen before or at completion.
- Check access, declared use and whether any disputed or undocumented elements need further enquiries.
Use the map for orientation
The public cadastral map can help you locate a parcel and identify neighbouring land. Take the identifiers and a sketch to the viewing, then compare the actual entrance and buildings. The map and the Property Register provide different information, so ask the lawyer to interpret the official records together.
If the yard includes a lane, outbuilding or a strip beyond an apparent boundary, highlight it on the plan. Ask how it is described, who has rights over it and whether it can be used the way you intend.
Commission the right condition checks
Tell the surveyor how you intend to use the home and which costs would change your decision. For a rural house, start with roof structure, drainage, damp, unsafe electrics and whether water or waste services work. For a flat, include shared parts that could trigger a large bill.
Ask for dated photos, a short list of urgent work and separate items that need specialist quotes. Bring any difference between the survey and seller’s description back to your lawyer before setting a final price or signing.