One in five homebuyers skip surveys despite £2,600 average saving

New research^[1] by Direct Line Home Insurance reveals one in five (21%) homebuyers surveyed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland did not commission a property survey when purchasing their most recent home, increasing the risk of hidden maintenance problems and unexpected repair costs after moving in.

Concerningly, one in five (20%) buyers surveyed were unaware that general wear and tear and routine maintenance fall outside the scope of standard home insurance. This misunderstanding can quickly become costly, particularly when hidden maintenance issues aren’t identified before purchase. On average, new homeowners polled spend £3,760 fixing problems after moving in, highlighting the financial impact of poor or overlooked property maintenance.

Skipping a survey to cut costs can be a false economy. Those polled who did commission a survey said it saved them £2,600 on average, primarily through negotiating a lower purchase price (45%) or having sellers fix issues before completion (35%). Almost a third (32%) said the survey helped them avoid buying a home with costly defects altogether.

Despite the potential risks, many buyers still forgo a survey. Over one in five of those polled (21%) said they didn’t have a survey done because they trusted their own assessment of a property, while 15% felt a survey wasn’t necessary for a new build. Cost was also a barrier, with 14% citing expense, and a further 13% relying on a family member in construction to fix any issues. Worryingly, 13% admitted they simply didn’t think about getting a survey or weren’t aware it was something they should do.

The research suggests that problems are far from rare. Nearly half (45%) of all surveys among respondents uncovered issues with the property, with one in twenty (5%) identifying major issues. Structural problems are the biggest deal‑breakers for buyers, with more than a third (35%) saying they would pull out if these were discovered. Other issues most likely to stop a purchase include Japanese Knotweed (32%), asbestos (31%), dry or wet rot (27%), and woodworm (25%).

Not all sellers are transparent about property issues. More than half of sellers polled (53%) admitted to withholding certain information, with boiler or heating system faults most commonly concealed (7%), followed by drainage or plumbing problems, damp or condensation, and electrical issues (each 6%).

While a survey isn’t fail-safe, it can help uncover hidden problems and maintenance issues before they escalate, particularly those that could become far more costly if discovered too late or left untreated.

Dan Simson, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance, commented: “Skipping a property survey can be a costly gamble. Property surveys play a critical role in uncovering hidden issues that aren’t always obvious during a viewing and can be expensive or disruptive to put right once you’ve moved in.

“It’s important for homebuyers to understand that general wear and tear, maintenance and routine decoration are not typically covered by insurance. Regular upkeep is essential to protecting both the value and condition of a property, as small issues can quickly escalate into much bigger and more costly problems if ignored. Spotting and addressing problems early can help homeowners avoid long‑term damage, stress and unexpected bills.”

Asking sellers direct questions about the property’s condition, past repairs and ongoing maintenance can help reveal problems that aren’t immediately visible.

Direct Line highlights the key checks buyers should make to help avoid costly surprises when purchasing a property:

• Damp and ventilation: Any past/present damp or leaks? Hidden patches, condensation, poor airflow?
• Plumbing and heating: Leaks, water pressure issues, uneven radiators, repeat faults?
• Boiler: Age, last service, efficiency, recurring problems?
• Electrics: Rewire date, upgraded fuse box, faulty sockets, safety inspection?
• Roof and gutters: Missing tiles, leaks, blocked gutters, flat roof pooling, recent repairs/warranties?
• Floors: Uneven, squeaky, loose flooring; signs of rot or damp below?
• Windows and doors: Age, glazed, working seals, draughts or condensation?
• Structure: Sagging, ceiling stains, signs of movement?
• Alterations and boundaries: Approved works, certificates, disputes or shared access?

ENDS

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About Direct Line:

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com

References:

^1. _{The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2002 Homeowners from England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The data was collected between 29.04.2026 - 05.05.2026. Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC), and a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge. We adhere to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles. [↑]}