Commercial

Pre-Acquisition Survey.

Get a comprehensive survey of the condition of your property, any structural problems and an estimation of how much the cost of repairs may be with a pre-acquisition survey from Fourth Wall.

What Is a Pre-Acquisition Survey?

If you are investing in or purchasing a property and need an inspection of the property prior to completing, you need a pre-acquisition survey. A pre-acquisition survey gives a comprehensive report on the condition of your property, any structural problems, as well as an estimation of any repairs or liabilities.


Our professional chartered surveyors will carry out an in-depth visual analysis of the property and advise you on any repairs to make and issues to be aware of, both in the short and long term. We will offer you tailored advice based on our findings and guide you through the next steps.

The pre-acquisition report will give you the knowledge to make an informed decision about purchasing the property, and ensure you feel confident on your next steps and any negotiations.

What is Included in a Pre-Acquisition Survey?

A comprehensive inspection of the physical elements of the property, including areas such as walls, pipes, roof, windows and more.

A jargon-free, detailed report of any damage or changes to the original condition of the property such as cracks, dampness and mould.

An expert chartered surveyor who will provide advice and expertise on whether to purchase the property and also ensure a fair and reasonable settlement is reached.

An estimation of the costs required to complete the works and repairs and advice on the timescales to complete this. 

Honest advice if and when required, from a team of professionals who have your best interests at heart.

Why Choose Fourth Wall?

At Fourth Wall, we pride ourselves on creating an accessible and comprehensive surveying process to allow our customers to understand their properties and have the knowledge to plan accordingly for the best outcome. We steer clear of using industry jargon to avoid misunderstandings and instead give you clear, quality advice.

Our team has worked with a range of different types of properties, so understand the value and uniqueness of each one. We tailor our advice and services to suit you and your property’s needs whatever they may be. To hear more about the services we offer, book a free no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly chartered surveyors.

Pre-Acquisition Survey FAQs

Browse some of the common questions that our team are asked when it comes to choosing the survey that’s right for you.

How Much Does a Pre-Acquisition Survey Cost?

There is no set price for the report as it all depends on the property in question. The surveyor will have to take into account the size of the property, the extent of the damages and other factors which might affect the price. To find out more about a pre-acquisition survey for your property contact one of our expert teams for a no-obligation consultation and quote.

What Does a Pre-Acquisition Survey Cover?

The pre-acquisition survey is an important due diligence task, it will analyse the current condition of the property and any liabilities that are involved with purchasing it. The survey specifically looks for structural defects, significant changes to the original structure of the property, defects requiring repairs, and advice on remedial works and budget costs.

What Are The Benefits of A Pre-Acquisition Survey?

There are multiple benefits of a pre-acquisition survey they include but are not limited to;

  • Having a general overview of the current state of your property 
  • An understanding of any repairs or liabilities associated with the property 
  • Gain the knowledge and time to plan and prepare for the next step of investing or purchasing the property 
  • Have the data to negotiate a fair and reasonable contract for the property
What is the Difference Between a Pre-Acquisition and a Pre-Lease Survey?

A pre-acquisition survey is conducted before you purchase a property. It gives you a comprehensive look at the condition of the property, any defects found, and a rough guide on remedial costs. 

A pre-lease survey looks at the same areas as a pre-acquisition survey, but it is done prior to taking out a lease on a property. A pre-lease survey will also review your dilapidation responsibilities as a tenant, which don’t apply when purchasing a property.

What Red Flags Should You Look Out For On a Pre-Acquisition Survey?

Pre-acquisition surveys are crucial for avoiding significant issues or hidden costs. But what red flags should you look out for? Here are a few to consider:

  • Structural issues: cracking walls or ceilings, sagging rooflines, or problems with the building’s foundation. 
  • Water damage: damp-related issues, mould, leaking roofs, or water pooling.
  • Site considerations: nearby flood zones, property restrictions, poor access and infrastructure. 
  • Compliance issues: building code violations present, or potential safety hazards.

Your appointed surveyor will add each issue present to an easy-to-read report, and offer advice on mitigation, and the cost to do so.

How Long Does a Pre-Acquisition Survey Take?

On average, a pre-acquisition survey will take 2-3 hours to complete. However, the survey may take slightly longer if it is a particularly large or complex building, or if there are any major building defects that need looking into further.

As an example, if you’re purchasing a shopping centre or a school, a pre-acquisition survey is likely to take a few days to complete, rather than a few hours!

What Our Clients Say.

We could tell you how great our team and services are, but that would be too easy. Why not take a look at what some of our previous clients have said?

Art WorksArt Works
05:38 28 May 24
Had a fantastic experience that extended beyond Fourth Wall completing our survey to helping us move forward with other reports to complete our purchase.
Grace ThomasGrace Thomas
17:48 15 Nov 23
Excellent thorough Level 2 Survey for the purchase of our property.Excellent customer Service & timely booking of the Survey and report
Becky MirnateghiBecky Mirnateghi
22:03 09 Nov 23
We received an extremely detailed survey from Joshua Weston, which contained really useful information. The level of detail that Joshua provided helped us with planning, and allowed us to go ahead in purchasing our new home. The communication with Fourth Wall was excellent throughout, and we received polite and friendly updates in a timely fashion from Zoe.
Josh RainsfordJosh Rainsford
09:01 07 Sep 23
Polite staff, reasonable rates, in depth and clear report delivered on time. Would definitely recommend. Thank you for your work.
Isabel MitchellIsabel Mitchell
11:26 24 Jul 23
Could not recommend enough - the survey was thorough and detailed.
Edwin ChomerEdwin Chomer
17:54 21 Jun 23
From my very first interaction with Forth Walk I was impressed. The speed that the quote was delivered, works booked in and the turn around time of the finished report was excellent, also the quote was competitive. As a surveyor who has worked in the industry for many years I have come across a variety of firms, however, this one truly stands out.I wish Josh and his team all the best for the future and I offer Fourth Wall my full recommendation to anyone thinking of using their services!
Molly WrightMolly Wright
15:53 25 Nov 22
I can't thank Fourth Wall enough for his professional, efficient, and superb service. We got booked in for the house survey in just a few days and then communication with the team was fabulous. The report is fantastic - really thorough but easy to understand too - and a follow up chat offered to explain the details of the issues and recommendations. The professionalism, efficiency, and communications of Fourth Wall are really impressive and I highly recommend them without reservation!
Mike GilbertMike Gilbert
11:15 31 Jan 22
Thoroughly impressed with the service from the Fourth Wall team on the recent survey on the home I am in the process of purchasing. The report was detailed and presented excellently. Great to work with a friendly, local team, too!
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Ready to take the next steps?

Book Your Comprehensive Pre-Acquisition Survey

Make sure that you have the knowledge and expertise to make the right informed decision about investing or purchasing your property with the support of one of our chartered surveyors. If you’re interested in a pre-acquisition survey, fill in the contact form below to speak to a member of our friendly team or contact us by email or phone. 

Local Knowledge

National Coverage.

We have surveyors based across England in our regional offices. With expert knowledge of their local areas, you know you’re in safe hands.