Pre‑purchase architect appraisal: the buyer’s complete guide
Buying a home with potential is exciting. It is also where mistakes happen. A structural survey tells you what is wrong. But an architect’s pre‑purchase appraisal helps you understand what is possible, what it could cost, and where the risks lie so you can make a confident offer.
Impartial, architect‑led due diligence before you buy.
1) What is a pre‑purchase architect appraisal
A short, focused consultation carried out before you commit to a purchase. The goal is to evaluate design potential, planning risk and high‑level costs so you can proceed, negotiate or walk away. At The Potential House we keep it impartial by not offering follow‑on design services - we don’t have any vested interest in your project going ahead or not.
2) What it includes
Planning feasibility. Likely routes under planning permission or permitted development. Local constraints such as conservation areas, listed status, green belt and Article 4 directions.
Design potential. Suggestions for layout, extensions, conversions and access to light.
High‑level cost sense check. Order‑of‑magnitude build costs, allowances for professional fees and VAT, plus typical ranges for kitchens, glazing and services.
Risks and dependencies. Party wall, rights of light, utilities, highways, access, parking, freeholder consent if leasehold.
Renovation time-scale and sequence. The likely sequence from instruction to start on site and the headline durations.
Offer strategy. How findings might affect your offer or conditions.
Output: clear verbal advice on the day plus a short written summary of opportunities, constraints and next steps.
3) What it is not
Not a structural survey or valuation.
No detailed drawings, measured surveys.
Not a guarantee of planning consent. It is a feasibility opinion to inform decisions.
4) Who it is for
First‑time buyers who want confidence to proceed.
Up‑sizers and down‑sizers exploring layout or extension options.
Investors and developers weighing value‑add potential.
Cash buyers on short timescales who need swift, impartial insight.
5) Typical costs and timing
In‑person appraisal: £550 including travel within our standard area (Sussex, Hants, London, Surrey).
Remote appraisal: £295 UK‑wide.
Duration: 60 to 90 minutes of consultation plus a short written summary within 2 working days.
Check our latest pricing here: Appraisal options and pricing.
7) How the process works
Enquiry and quick call. We confirm fit, timescales and access.
Information review. Agent’s link, title plan if available, any prior consents.
Appraisal session. On site or online. We walk through options and risks.
Written summary. Bullet points of opportunities, constraints, budget ranges and next steps.
Decision. Proceed, renegotiate or step away.
9) What you receive afterwards
A written summary of key points, ranges and risks. A rough layout sketch if applicable.
A simple plan for your next steps.
Optional introductions to independent specialists if needed, for example surveyors or engineers.
Ready to move quickly? Book a free discovery call or reserve an appraisal slot.
10) FAQs
Is this the same as a survey? No. A survey identifies defects and the properties’ condition. Our appraisal tests design potential, planning routes and headline costs. Many buyers commission both.
Will you draw designs? We will sketch concept layout live if useful, but the deliverable is an evidence‑based opinion, not a package of drawings.
Can you guarantee planning permission? No. We identify likely routes and risks using local policy and precedent.
Do you work on the project afterwards? No. We keep the service impartial. If you need a design architect we can help you find a great architect on Design for Me.
How quickly can you help? Often within a few days. Remote appraisals can be faster.
Make a Confident Property Decision
At The Potential House, we specialise in architect-led pre-purchase appraisals. We help homeowners, buyers, and small-scale developers see the bigger picture — so they can make smart, informed decisions before they buy.