Openwork launches surveying service

Openwork says many lenders are now choosing to only undertake a valuation on properties, leaving borrowers to organise their own survey or take the risk of proceeding with their purchase without one.

The firm says it also aims to support advisers in ensuring clients are aware that the lender’s valuation is not undertaken for their benefit, but simply provides the lender with an understanding of the property’s value in the event of reposession.

Paul Shearman, Proposition Director at Openwork, commented: “An increasing number of major lenders and surveying firms are choosing to focus on valuation work, and this leaves purchasers to either self-select a surveyor or take the risk of purchasing without understanding potential issues with the property.  
 
“Openwork Surveying will give our advisers access to a network of high quality, vetted surveyors who are keen to go beyond simply valuing properties, and provide the detailed property assessment that they are qualified and trained to do.  
 
“We are always looking at new ways to support our advisers. Openwork Surveying is an additional service to offer clients and, more importantly, enables clients to save potentially considerable sums of money by providing them with the information they need before finalising the purchase of their property.”