What is a Property Condition Report?

If you’re buying or selling a property, you’ll need to understand what condition it’s in. A property condition report provides a detailed overview of a home’s state and highlights any issues that could affect its value or safety.

Whether you’re a buyer wanting to avoid costly surprises or a seller aiming for a smooth sale, this report plays an important role. In this blog, we’ll explain what a property condition report is, what it includes, and why it matters, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

What’s included in a property condition report?

A property condition report offers a detailed overview of the state of a property at a specific point in time, covering various areas to give a comprehensive picture of the building’s condition.

Exterior condition

This part of the report looks at the outside of the property, including key features such as the roof, walls, gutters, windows, and doors. This section helps give a clear overview of how well-maintained the interior is and whether any refurbishment or remedial work is likely to be needed. It checks for signs of damage, weathering, or wear, such as cracked brickwork, broken roof tiles, blocked or leaking gutters, rotting window frames, or peeling paint, which are all issues that can affect the property’s appearance, energy efficiency, and long-term integrity.

The report might also highlight more serious concerns, like damp patches on exterior walls, subsidence cracks, or moss and algae build-up, which could indicate drainage or structural problems. Other external elements such as boundary walls, fences, paths, driveways, and outbuildings might also be assessed to provide a fuller picture of the overall condition of the property’s exterior.

Interior features

Inside the property, the report provides a thorough assessment of walls, ceilings, floors, and fixed features such as skirting boards, light fittings, and built-in storage. This section helps give a clear overview of how well-maintained the interior is and whether any refurbishment or remedial work is likely to be needed. It notes any visible signs of damage, including cracks, stains, damp patches, scuffed paintwork, or signs of previous repairs. Wear and tear will also be recorded to distinguish between everyday use and more serious issues that might need attention.

The report also covers important areas such as the kitchen and bathrooms, where the condition of sinks, taps, worktops, cupboards, and tiles is noted. It might highlight issues like leaking taps, loose fixtures, water damage, or mould. Appliances, if they’re included in the sale, might also be visually checked to determine whether they appear to be in working order, although they’re not usually tested.

Structural elements

The report also examines the property for visible signs of structural issues that could indicate deeper problems with the building’s integrity. This includes checking for cracks in walls or ceilings, particularly those that are wide, diagonal, or located near doors and windows, as these can sometimes point to movement in the foundations or subsidence. It also looks for uneven or sloping floors, gaps between walls and skirting boards, or doors and windows that no longer fit properly in their frames.

A property condition report won’t be as in-depth as a full structural survey, but it can flag up warning signs that might warrant further investigation by a specialist. Identifying these issues early can be important for buyers and sellers alike, as unresolved structural problems can affect the value of the property and potentially delay or derail a sale.

Utilities and services

The report might also include a visual inspection of the property’s essential services, such as heating systems, plumbing, and electrical fittings. Whilst it won’t involve testing or certifying these systems, it will usually highlight any parts that appear obviously damaged, outdated, or poorly maintained. For example, it might note rust on radiators, exposed wiring, leaking pipework, or an old fuse box instead of a modern consumer unit.

It might also record the general age and condition of visible elements such as boilers, water tanks, light switches, and plug sockets, especially if there are signs that they no longer meet current safety standards. Although this section won’t replace a specialist inspection, it can help identify areas where further checks might be advisable before completing a sale or moving into a property.

Why is a property condition report needed?

A property condition report plays an important role for a range of people involved in the property market. For buyers, it can help to uncover any issues that might not be immediately visible during a viewing, such as structural concerns, damp, or outdated wiring. This allows them to make informed decisions about the property, as well as budget for repairs, or even negotiate the asking price.

For sellers, having a property condition report can build trust with potential buyers by showing transparency. It can also help avoid unexpected surprises during the conveyancing process, which could reduce the chances of a sale falling through.

Landlords and tenants can also benefit from condition reports. This is because they provide a clear record of the property’s state at the beginning and end of a tenancy, which can help resolve disputes over damage or wear and tear.

Who conducts a property condition report?

A property condition report can be carried out by different professionals depending on why the report is needed. For residential sales or purchases, a chartered surveyor will usually be responsible for producing the report. These professionals are trained to assess the overall condition of a property and can identify potential structural issues, signs of wear, or areas that may require maintenance or repair.

In rental situations, letting agents or landlords often conduct property condition reports at the start and end of a tenancy. These reports help document the property’s state, supporting both parties in the event of disputes about damage or deposit deductions. These versions are typically less technical than those provided by surveyors, but they can still offer a useful visual and written record of the property’s condition.

How could a property condition report affect a house sale?

A poor property condition report can seriously put off potential buyers and affect the chances of a successful sale. If the report reveals significant issues, such as structural damage, damp, or outdated facilities, buyers might be hesitant to buy and could even decide to withdraw their interest altogether. If there are concerns over costly repairs or ongoing maintenance, people may make lower offers or make requests for the seller to carry out repairs before the sale proceeds. For sellers, this can mean delays, added expense, and the risk of the sale falling through at a late stage.

While a detailed condition report can help both parties make informed decisions, when the findings are unfavourable, it can often lead to complications that slow down or even prevent the sale from completing. This is why addressing issues early or selling to a cash house buyer who accepts properties ‘as is’ can be a more straightforward option for those facing a difficult report.

Can you sell a house in poor condition?

It is possible to sell a house in poor condition, but the route you choose can make a big difference. In the traditional property market, it can often be a struggle to attract buyers if homes require significant repairs or updates. Potential buyers might be deterred by the prospect of costly renovations or having to fix problems that have been revealed in condition reports and surveys. This can lead to longer time on the market, lower offers, or sales falling through altogether.

Alternatively, selling to a cash house buyer like Sell House Fast offers a much quicker and more straightforward solution. We buy properties in any condition, including those that would be difficult to sell through conventional methods. This means you don’t have to spend time or money on repairs, and you can avoid the uncertainty and delays that sometimes come with traditional sales. Plus, with us you can sell your house for free, as we have no estate agent fees and we cover your legal costs.

Our process is designed to be quick and hassle-free, providing sellers with a simple way to move on without the usual stresses of the property market. By offering a fair cash price and handling all the paperwork, we make it easier for you to sell a property that might otherwise be challenging to shift. You can get a free cash offer online to start the process.