A common question is "why do I need a survey when the mortgage company is already doing one"? The fundamental difference is that they are doing a valuation to ensure that the funds they lend you are secure. It is not a comprehensive survey on the condition of the property and it is not primarily for your benefit. It is always advisable for you to have your own survey when buying a home so that you know precisely what you are buying. The Consumers' Association Which? magazine and the Council of Mortgage Lenders both give this advice.

Incredibly only about 20% of purchasers have a survey! Yet we rarely survey a building that has no defects. It is very often the case that the report highlights defects which are sufficient to negotiate a discount.