5 most important benefits of a condition report

Below are the five main reasons why a condition report is a smart first step for many homebuyers.

1. You get faster insight
2. You spot issues much earlier
3. You avoid unnecessary costs
4. You support your due diligence more effectively
5. You negotiate from a stronger position
When should you choose a building survey?

If you’re interested in a property, you don’t want to wait days or even weeks for a building survey. You need clarity now. Is this home worth pursuing, or should it already be ruled out?

Sometimes you discover so many (potential) issues at an early stage that you decide to move on because the costs don’t fit your budget, or because you want to avoid major repairs.

A condition report gives you that clarity. You can request it either before or after the viewing. This means you know early on what to focus on. That’s a major difference compared to a building survey, which is typically arranged only after you’ve viewed the property or once you’re already deeper into the buying process.

Based on the property listing, our AI analyses all rooms. Within 24 hours you receive a report showing:

• how each room looks

• which visible defects stand out

• where potential risks are

• which elements deserve extra attention during the viewing

During a viewing, you mainly look at atmosphere, light, and space. Because of that, you easily miss important details such as hairline cracks, wear and tear, or outdated materials. A surveyor looks at these things, of course, but as mentioned, this happens later in the process.

A condition report highlights these signals early on. The AI analyses all photos in the listing and recognises patterns that indicate the property’s condition, including:

• discolouration or damp patches

• cracks in walls or ceilings

• rotting or outdated window frames

• poorly finished joints or seams

• visible wear in the bathroom or kitchen

The big advantage?
You identify issues before you even visit the property—and before emotions start to influence your judgement. With the report in hand, your viewing instantly becomes more focused and effective.

A building survey is valuable, but not cheap. You’ll typically pay €400 to €700 for a full inspection. It can be a smart choice if you’re serious about a property. But during the orientation phase, it’s often too early to take that step—especially if you’re considering multiple homes.

A condition report costs €99 and gives you a complete overview at this early stage:

• the condition of each room;

• visible defects and risks;

• estimated repair costs;

• sustainability opportunities and potential label improvements;

• a logbook supporting your due diligence;

• a checklist and questions for the viewing.

This helps you quickly determine whether a property is worth exploring further. It prevents you from spending hundreds of euros on homes you end up walking away from.

Important:
A condition report does not replace a building survey.
It helps you determine whether that next step is necessary.

As a buyer, you have a legal duty to investigate. This means you must verify the condition of the property and identify any visible defects. Many people don’t know exactly what this involve, or how to document it properly.

A condition report helps you approach this in a clear and structured way. You receive:

• an overview of visible risks;

• a room-by-room logbook;

• concrete points to check during the viewing;

• questions to ask the selling agent;

• a timestamped document showing what was visible at the moment you received the report.

This means you go into the viewing better prepared, and afterwards you have proof of what was and wasn’t visible. It provides clarity and helps avoid disputes.

A well-documented due diligence process also helps you look more realistically at the asking price. You can better estimate future costs and explain why your offer is higher or lower.

When you clearly understand the condition of a property, you can make a more informed decision about what a realistic offer looks like. You’re no longer relying on assumptions or intuition.

You gain insight into:

• defects that require attention

• deferred maintenance

• expected repair costs

• short-term financial risks

• logical sustainability upgrades

With this knowledge early in the process, you enter negotiations with far more confidence. You understand the value of the property in its current condition—not just based on atmosphere or the asking price. That makes it easier to justify your offer and gives you a stronger position at the table.
You’re not negotiating harder, but smarter — using facts rather than assumptions.

A building survey is essential in certain cases. If you choose to have one done, it’s usually later in the buying process.

A survey is recommended when:

• you’re considering an older home (especially pre-1990);

• you have concerns about the structure or foundation;

• you suspect hidden defects;

• you’re preparing to make an offer and want full certainty;

• you want to know exactly what technical work is needed before buying.

A condition report is a smart first step when buying a home. It gives you faster insight, helps you spot issues earlier, and prevents you from spending money on properties that aren’t right for you. Your due diligence becomes stronger, and you negotiate with more calm and confidence.

A building survey can then be an important follow-up step, especially for older homes or once you’re further along in the buying process.
The combination of both makes the entire journey clearer, more transparent, and better supported.

It allows you to make decisions based on facts, not just feelings.
And that’s invaluable when making one of the biggest purchases of your life.