Why More Property Sellers Are Turning to Pre-Purchase Surveys (Home Sellers Guide)

In an Irish property market where speed, transparency, and certainty are increasingly valued, a growing number of sellers are commissioning pre-purchase surveys before their homes ever reach contract stage. The approach, long common in commercial property, is now gaining traction in residential sales — and for good

reason.

At the forefront of this shift is Approved Property Services, a firm that acts as a seller’s agent, providing independent property surveys, compliance opinions, cost estimates, and negotiation support designed to reduce failed sales and last-minute price renegotiations.

“Too many transactions still collapse because issues are discovered too late. A pre-purchase survey puts everyone on the same page from the outset. It’s about transparency, not concealment — and the market responds positively to that.”

Dermot Mooney - Managing Director of Approved Property Services

Meet our Manging Director - Dermot Mooney

Addressing Problems Before They Become Deal-Breakers (Home Seller Guide)

Traditionally, surveys are commissioned by buyers after a sale is agreed. While standard practice, this often leads to unforeseen issues emerging late in the process — structural concerns, compliance questions, or maintenance costs that trigger renegotiation or withdrawal.

Approved Property Services reverses that timeline by carrying out a full pre-purchase property survey on behalf of the home seller (Also known as the Vendor)

“Our role is not to dress up a property,” the Managing Director explains.“It’s to give a clear, professional assessment of its condition so that decisions are based on facts rather than fear or speculation.”

Each survey examines the building’s structure, fabric, and visible condition, including roofs, walls, floors, damp issues, and material deterioration. The resulting report can be shared with prospective buyers, solicitors, and agents.

Compliance Clarity in a Complex Regulatory Landscape

Beyond physical condition, regulatory compliance has become a growing concern for buyers, particularly in older homes and rental properties. Approved Property Services provides an opinion of compliance, assessing how a property aligns with building regulations, fire safety requirements, and general health and safety standards.

“Compliance is one of the most misunderstood aspects of property transactions,” says the Managing Director.“Buyers often assume the worst when documentation isn’t clear. An informed opinion early on removes uncertainty and prevents unnecessary alarm.”

Importantly, the opinion of compliance does not replace statutory certification but provides professional guidance that allows issues to be addressed, priced, or disclosed transparently.

Realistic Costings, Not Guesswork

A common source of tension during negotiations is the perceived cost of remedial works. Buyers may assume worst-case scenarios, while sellers struggle to defend value without professional input.

Approved Property Services bridges that gap by providing clear, itemised estimates of required works, covering essential repairs, compliance upgrades, and foreseeable maintenance.

“When costs are unknown, buyers tend to overestimate,” the Managing Director notes.“Providing realistic figures brings the conversation back to reality and allows negotiations to remain fair and proportionate.”

Supporting Fair and Informed Price Negotiations

Armed with survey findings and cost estimates, Approved Property Services also supports sellers during price negotiations, ensuring that adjustments — if needed — are evidence-based rather than emotionally driven.

“This isn’t about inflating prices,” the Managing Director says.“It’s about defending value where it exists and making sensible allowances where it doesn’t. That balance is what keeps transactions moving.”

By grounding negotiations in professional documentation, sellers are better positioned to resist unjustified reductions while still maintaining credibility with buyers.

A Long-Term View on Property Maintenance

Beyond immediate defects, reports also identify ongoing and future maintenance requirements, giving buyers a clearer picture of ownership responsibilities and reducing the risk of post-sale disputes.

“Properties don’t fail overnight,” the Managing Director adds.“Most problems develop slowly. Highlighting maintenance needs upfront helps buyers plan realistically and reassures them that nothing is being hidden.”

A Shift Towards Transparency

While some sellers may initially hesitate to commission surveys, Approved Property Services argues that openness increasingly strengthens — rather than weakens — a sale.

“In today’s market, informed buyers are confident buyers,” says the Managing Director.“

When sellers lead with transparency, trust follows — and trust shortens the sales process.”

As competition increases and buyers become more cautious, seller-commissioned surveys may soon become the norm rather than the exception.

About Approved Property Services

Approved Property Services provides independent pre-purchase surveys, opinions of compliance, maintenance assessments, and negotiation support for residential and investment properties across Ireland. Acting as a seller’s agent, the firm helps property owners reduce risk, improve transparency, and achieve smoother, more reliable sales outcomes.

Why a Professional Assessment Matters

A visual inspection or estate agent listing is not enough.

A professional assessment:

✅ Identifies hidden defects

✅ Confirms compliance and habitability

✅ Protects buyers from unexpected costs

✅ Provides clarity for solicitors and lenders

Trusted by Homebuyers Across Ireland ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Approved Property Services Ltd is proud to have excellent Google Reviews from clients who value clear advice, thorough inspections, and honest reporting.

Our reviews reflect:

• Professional, detailed assessments

• Clear communication

• Reliable turnaround times

• Trusted advice for buyers and homeowners

To book a survey - visit https://www.approvedpropertyservices.ie/pre-purchase-surveys

Approved Property Services Ltd provides professional attic conversion assessments and pre-purchase inspections across Leinster, including Dublin, the Greater Dublin Area, Drogheda, Co. Louth and surrounding towns such as Swords, Malahide, Balbriggan, Skerries, Ashbourne, Dunshaughlin, Navan, Laytown, Bettystown, Mornington, Co, Meathm Ratoath, Clonee, Lucan, Clondalkin, Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Finglas, Santry, Stillorgan, Dundrum, Blackrock, Dún Laoghaire, Bray, Greystones, Naas, Newbridge, Celbridge, Maynooth, Leixlip, and all nearby areas. If you’re buying a property anywhere in the wider Leinster region, our experienced surveyors can assist.

Thinking of Buying a Property with an Attic Conversion?

Don’t take unnecessary risks.

📞 Contact Approved Property Services Ltd today for expert attic conversion assessments and pre-purchase inspections. Call 0870641838 for a no obligation discussion today.

🔗 Visit our Contact Us page to book an inspection or speak with one of our experienced surveyors.

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