John Setchell

Many thanks H - that's REALLY helpful and prudent advice. I suspect that UK domestic purchases attract surveys only because the mortgage lenders insist on them. Also, a solicitor friend of mine says he makes a fleeting recommendation to his conveyance clients that they have a survey done - but admits that's mainly to cover his backside! Head-in-sand or what?... Thanks again JS

Contemplating purchase of a property in Northwest France, I am struck by the barage of available financial and legal advice, but perplexed by the virtual silence regarding a report on structural condition of any property I might be interested in. Having experience of UK drought subsidence, I am more than willing to shell-out a small proportion of the property value for a survey to avoid this type of expense and disruption again - and in another country! Anyone know of any good English speaking Surveyors or Structural Engineers providing a service in that area? - And perhaps more importantly why the apparent silence about a Structural Survey, or am I missing something?... Thanks in advance JS