What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a technical assessment of a property’s actual condition. An architect or specialised surveyor examines structural elements, building systems and any hidden defects. The goal is to uncover issues that could compromise safety or lead to costly repairs down the line.
What it assesses:
- The building’s structure (cracks, settlement, foundations).
- The condition of the roof and roofing.
- Electrical, plumbing and heating systems.
- Signs of damp, leaks or insulation problems.
- The condition of floors, windows, doors and finishes.
What is a property appraisal?
An appraisal is a report that determines the financial value of a property. It’s carried out by an accredited appraiser and is usually mandatory in order to obtain a mortgage. Its purpose is to assure the bank that the price is in line with the market.
Factors that influence the appraisal:
- The property’s location.
- Built and usable square metres.
- The age of the building and its state of repair.
- Nearby amenities and services.
- Comparison with recent sales in the area.
The main differences between a home inspection and an appraisal
| Feature | Inspection | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Detect issues and assess the property’s condition | Determine the market value |
| Who carries it out | An architect or building surveyor | An appraiser accredited by the Bank of Spain |
| What it’s based on | A full technical review of the overall condition | An analysis of price, location and features |
| Who requests it | The buyer or the seller | The bank or the buyer, for a mortgage |
| Required for a mortgage | No | Yes |
Which one do you need before buying a home?
- Want to know whether the home has hidden problems? → Inspection.
- Need to apply for a mortgage? → Appraisal.
- Looking for maximum peace of mind? → Both.
Conclusion
An appraisal will tell you what the property is worth, but only an inspection will guarantee that it’s in good condition. At Revicasa we carry out detailed inspections so you can buy with complete confidence.
