We provide fully independent advice and do not pay or receive referral fees from agents or third parties.
Get Your Survey Quote
Call us today to book a survey 01691 898560
Commercial
Planned Preventative Maintenance
We are a family-owned, independent firm of RICS Residential Valuers and Chartered Building Engineers and Surveyors operating throughout North Shropshire, Powys and Wrexham.

Our experienced team of building surveyors leverage extensive experience and expertise to conduct each pre-acquisition survey. This ensures prospective owners and tenants are well-informed about the property’s condition, anticipating costs and liabilities associated with their potential acquisition.

Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)

Pre-acquisition surveys are most commonly undertaken on behalf of property investors and purchasers to ensure that the property is structurally sound, free from major defects, and suitable for its intended purpose.

Do I need a pre-acquisition survey?

A Pre-Acquisition Survey, (also known as a Condition Survey), is essential for property investors, buyers, and prospective tenants who want to ensure a property is structurally sound and suitable for their intended use. At SJM Surveyors, we specialise in comprehensive Pre-Acquisition Surveys that identify any underlying issues, including structural defects, maintenance concerns, and repair costs, allowing our clients to make informed property decisions.

Whether you're investing in a period retail property, a small industrial unit, or a large portal frame warehouse, our detailed surveys provide clarity about the building's current condition and highlight any immediate or future liabilities. By commissioning a Pre-Acquisition Survey from SJM Surveyors, you can effectively manage risks, accurately budget for any necessary repairs, and confidently proceed with your property transaction or lease agreement.

Ensure peace of mind with SJM Surveyors' professional and meticulous Pre-Acquisition Surveys, tailored to meet the unique requirements of commercial and industrial properties across the UK.

What Is Included in a Pre-Acquisition Survey?

A Pre-Acquisition Survey is a thorough inspection of a commercial property's structure and condition. It is designed to help you assess whether the building is fit for its intended purpose, whether there are any significant defects or liabilities, and what future repair or maintenance costs you may incur. This allows prospective buyers or tenants to make informed decisions regarding the property’s true value and suitability. Importantly, a professionally prepared survey report can also offer protection should issues arise later.

The survey report typically includes:

  • A description of the property’s location, construction type, and overall extent
  • A detailed assessment of both the internal and external structure and condition
  • High-resolution photographic documentation
  • Identification of any deleterious or hazardous materials, such as asbestos or reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)
  • Advice on statutory compliance matters, including planning and building regulations
  • Consideration of environmental and health hazards
  • Recommendations for further specialist investigations, such as drainage surveys or land contamination assessments, if necessary

This information can be instrumental in negotiating the purchase price or lease terms. For tenants, it may help reduce potential liabilities at the end of a lease. For owners, it ensures that issues can be addressed early, thereby protecting the property's future marketability. In many cases, the cost of a pre-acquisition survey is recovered several times over through successful negotiation or risk mitigation.

For these reasons, it is vital to instruct an experienced surveyor to undertake your pre-acquisition survey. Surveyors regulated by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or CABE (Chartered Association of Building Engineers) are bound by strict standards of professionalism, technical competence, and impartiality. Their reports are trusted, reliable, and can carry significant weight during legal or financial discussions.

Commercial Services

Our commercial services encompass the full life cycle of a property for clients who own, occupy, develop or fund commercial real estate. We go above and beyond on every project we undertake, enabling you to benefit from traditional RICS Regulated building surveying practice combined with our local knowledge and experience.

Dilapidation
Interim & Terminal

Dilapidations refer to breaches of lease covenants relating to the condition of a property. Our reports help landlords and tenants identify and address repair liabilities, whether during or at the end of a lease.

Schedule
of Condition

A detailed record of a property's condition at a specific point in time. Our Schedule of Condition reports provide vital protection in lease agreements and disputes, helping to limit future liabilities.

Row of welsh properties in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant

Planned Preventative Maintenance

Ensure your property stays in optimal condition with a structured maintenance plan. Our PPM reports identify future repair needs, helping you budget effectively and avoid unexpected failures.

Pre-Acquisition Survey

Gain a clear understanding of a property's true condition before you commit. Our Pre-Acquisition Surveys provide detailed, professional insight—helping you make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises.

Expert Witness
Report

The Level 3 Building Survey is best suited to clients buying older, more unusual properties that may also require renovation or modernisation. This survey is also suitable for Grade listed buildings.

Row of welsh properties in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant

Drone
Survey

The Level 3 Building Survey is best suited to clients buying older, more unusual properties that may also require renovation or modernisation. This survey is also suitable for Grade listed buildings.

Contact us
Need help? Let us call you back.
Thank you!

Your message has been received by our team. We will get back to you shortly.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
SJM Surveyors Ltd
Registered in England & Wales
Company Number: 14449575
Registered Office: 7 Lower Brook Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 2HG
LinkedIn Social Icon Instagram Social IconFacebook Social Icon
Copyright © 2026 – SJM Surveyors Limited | All Rights Reserved