Structural survey

The key points in short

Want to have a structural survey carried out? This type of inspection gives you a good picture of the technical condition of a property. Buying a home is a big step, and it's easy to overlook small technical issues. Having a professional inspect the property gives you an extra layer of certainty. On this page you can read everything about the structural survey.

1. What is a structural survey?

A structural survey, also known as a building inspection, gives you a thorough picture of the technical condition of the property. It is carried out by an independent, certified expert. The expert will check things in the home that you might easily miss, unless you're very technically minded yourself.

After the inspection you receive a report. The report describes the condition of the home and includes photos. Any defects such as leaks or woodworm are listed in the report. The structural expert may also calculate the maintenance costs needed to repair the defects. In addition, the structural survey provides indications for energy-saving measures. For example, if there's no double glazing in the living room, the report will note that the glass may need replacing to prevent high energy bills.

2. Structural survey as the selling party

In most cases the structural survey is commissioned by the buying party, but it's also possible for the seller to have one carried out. You can check whether there are any technical defects so you can disclose them to potential buyers. As a seller you are required to report any known defects, which is why it's important to be aware of the technical condition of the property. You are not required to commission a structural survey though; you can also check the defects yourself. This way you avoid the risk of hidden defects coming to light later, for which the buying party could hold you responsible.

3. Structural survey as the buying party

It's standard practice for the buying party to commission a structural survey. This gives you a clear picture of the technical condition of the property, so you can decide whether to make an offer based on the expected maintenance. It's like getting an MOT done on the property, to get a sense of what you might be buying. When making your offer, also keep your financing in mind: calculate how much mortgage you can get, so you know what room you have for the purchase and the expected maintenance.

You can have a structural survey carried out by a structural specialist, for example through the Vereniging Eigen Huis (homeowners association). If you're buying an apartment, you only need to have the survey done for your own unit; a structural inspection of the communal areas will likely have taken place at the time of handover.

4. New-build property

You can also have a structural survey carried out on a new-build property; this is called an opleveringskeuring (handover inspection). An independent structural expert will critically assess the new-build home. The handover inspection gives you insight into any structural defects, putting you in a strong position relative to the builder.

5. Understanding what maintenance to expect

You can use the structural survey to get a picture of the technical condition of the property. The survey tells you whether the property is technically sound, and can also shed light on what maintenance is coming up. Always have a structural survey carried out if you're buying an older property. This way an expert can verify that everything is as technically sound as it looks at first glance, and you'll know what maintenance to expect.

6. Is the structural survey compulsory?

Do you have a mortgage with NHG (the national mortgage guarantee)? Then you are required to have a structural survey carried out alongside the valuation. Also, if the valuation report shows that maintenance costs exceed 10% of the property value, a structural survey may be compulsory. The appraiser may also recommend one themselves.

The cost of a structural survey depends on the size of the property. It usually falls between €250 and €500. This amount is tax-deductible.

Frequently asked questions

What is a structural survey?

A structural survey is an expert inspection to assess the condition of a property.

Does the buyer or the seller commission the structural survey?

Both the buyer and the seller can commission a structural survey.

Why should I have a structural survey carried out?

As a buyer, a structural survey tells you what maintenance to expect. As a seller, it tells you which defects you need to disclose to the buyer.

Is a structural survey compulsory?

The structural survey is compulsory with an NHG mortgage or if maintenance costs amount to 10% of the property value.

How much does a structural survey cost?

The cost of the survey depends on the size of the property but is usually between €250 and €500.