When buying a property in Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Longford or the wider North-West, it’s common to assume a survey will tell you everything about the house.

In reality, a property survey is a detailed and very useful assessment — but it does have clear limits.

Understanding what a survey does and doesn’t cover can help you make better decisions and avoid misunderstandings during the buying process.

We regularly carry out surveys across Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Longford, including areas such as Sligo Town, Carrick-on-Shannon, Ballina, Castlebar, Roscommon Town and Longford Town, and this is one of the most common questions we’re asked.

What Does a Property Survey Include?

A pre-purchase property survey is a visual inspection of the accessible areas of a property, carried out to assess its overall condition.

It typically includes:

• • The structure of the building

• • Roof coverings and roof space (where accessible)

• • External walls and finishes

• • Windows and doors

• • Internal condition of walls, ceilings and floors

• • Signs of dampness or moisture

• • Insulation and ventilation

• • General maintenance issues

The aim is to identify visible defects and highlight areas that may require repair, further investigation or ongoing maintenance.

This is particularly important in properties across the West of Ireland, where construction types and levels of maintenance can vary significantly.

What a Surveyor Is Looking For

For older or more complex properties, a more detailed advanced property survey may be recommended.

During the inspection, the focus is on identifying issues that could affect:

• • The safety of the property

• • The long-term condition

• • The potential cost of repairs

This includes things such as:

• • Structural movement or cracking

• • Dampness or poor ventilation

• • Roofing defects

• • Signs of previous alterations or poor workmanship

The survey is designed to give you a clear, practical overview — not just a list of minor issues.

What a Property Survey Does NOT Cover, in Ireland

This is just as important to understand.

A standard pre-purchase survey does not include:

• • Opening up floors, walls or ceilings

• • Testing of services (gas, electrics, plumbing)

• • Specialist inspections (e.g. drainage surveys, structural calculations)

• • Areas that are not accessible at the time of inspection

• • Legal matters, boundaries or planning compliance

It is a non-invasive inspection, meaning it is based on what can be reasonably seen on the day without opening up the structure — which is standard practice across Ireland.

Why Surveys Are Particularly Important in the West of Ireland

Properties across Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and surrounding areas often differ significantly from newer urban developments.

Many homes are older, rural, or have been altered over time, which can increase the likelihood of issues such as dampness, ventilation problems, roofing defects and drainage concerns.

These issues are not always visible during a viewing, which is why a survey plays an important role in identifying potential risks before you commit.

In many cases, issues such as dampness or roof defects are not obvious during a viewing but can have a significant impact on future costs if not identified early.

Property Surveys in Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon & Surrounding Areas

We regularly carry out surveys across Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Longford, covering both town and rural properties throughout the North-West and Midlands.

Each property is different, and our approach is to provide clear, practical advice tailored to the specific property and location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a property survey find every problem in a house?

No — a survey identifies visible and accessible issues, but it cannot guarantee that all defects will be identified.

Does a property survey check electrics or plumbing in Ireland?

No — services are not tested as part of a standard survey. A qualified specialist would be required for this.

What happens if a survey identifies an issue?

The report will explain the issue clearly and, where appropriate, recommend further investigation or repair.

Is a property survey still worth it if it has limitations?

Yes — a survey provides valuable insight into the condition of the property and helps you make a more informed decision.

Final Thoughts

A property survey is one of the most useful steps you can take when buying a home — but it’s important to understand both what it includes and where its limits lie.

Having a clear understanding from the outset helps ensure there are no surprises and allows you to move forward with confidence.

Get Clear, Straightforward Advice

If you’re buying a property in Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, Longford or surrounding areas and want clear, straightforward advice before you commit, get in touch today.

We’re always happy to talk things through and help you choose the right survey for your situation.