Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Chartered Surveyor?

Worldwide, when property surveys are mentioned, the professional described as a Chartered Surveyor often features. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is based in London and has about 120,000 members worldwide, the vast majority, of course, living and working in the UK. Campbell Ferguson is a committee member of RICS España. As we quote in our Survey Spain brochure, the RICS dedicated to promoting excellence and safeguarding public interest in all property related matters. All Chartered Surveyors have to follow strict rules of ethical conduct, which are enforced by the RICS. Again it's this latter point that the client is reassured by. We must have professional indemnity insurance so that if we make a mistake and it costs the client money, there is a fund there to recompense him or her.

Chartered Surveyors have to be respectful of their client's interest and if they are not, or get up to any shady dealings, can be fined by or even thrown out of the Institution. And, unfortunately, it does happen with disciplinary proceedings being reported in the professions journal. Chartered Surveyors cover a wide range - QS, land, mining and even specialists in undersea surveys. Most people come across either Quantity Surveyors (a QS) - who can be very roughly described as being involved in the construction process, such as cost control, project management and the like; OR General Practice Surveyors who tend to be more involved with existing buildings and their defects or the finance, the market value, created by the building, its land and location. We are general practice surveyors and have worked on a huge range of property types and values (and with some interesting clients!) over the years.

Why have a survey?

The discovery of defects lets the buyer negotiate with the seller to have them repaired prior to sale or to reduce the price to cover the costs, uncertainty and inevitable hassle involved in building work. In extreme circumstances the client has to take the decision  - What I can do for this property or what can this property do for me! It may be that there is too much to be done and it's better to look for another property that will enable you to ‘live the dream' of the Costa life.

What are the limitations of the survey?

• Roof - Not on roof or in roof spaces unless open and easily accessible.
• Under Floor - Not under floor unless open and easily accessible.
• Electrical system - We try most lighting and socket circuits and record significant shortages or defects found. However, we do not carry out a detailed test of the circuits or supply. We shall be pleased to make arrangements for this to be done when we find items of concern or if particularly required by our client.
• Plumbing - We try most taps and note heat and pressure and drainage from the receptacle. We check most w.c., baths, showers, basins and sinks to ensure that they appear to empty without trouble. However, we do not carry out any purity or pressure testing. We shall be pleased to make arrangements for this to be done when we find items of concern or if particularly required by our client.
• Planning and Licences - We comment on all papers provided and on information of which we might be aware that is relevant. We do not carry out planning or licence investigations to the appropriate authorities. We shall be pleased to make arrangements for this to be done if we find items of concern or if particularly required by our client.

How much will it cost?

Our standard fee for a property survey is 1,000th of the asking price, with a minimum of 600€ euros. For values above 1M€ euros we charge at a lesser % of the asking price. Where a property is of relatively low value and/or a considerable distance from our office, we charge on time at a basic rate of 120€ euros per hour. We estimate the charge and agree a fee ‘ceiling', above which we have to obtain further authority from the client. Travel is charged at 0.30€ euros per km after the first 50 kms. IVA at 16% will apply to all invoices, but may be able to be recovered on invoices submitted to IVA/VAT registered businesses.