BRISTOL, UK. 17th January, 2025 - In an unexpected turn of events, a routine pre-purchase building survey has saved first-time buyer Sarah Mitchell from making a costly mistake after discovering a protected bat colony in the attic of her prospective dream home in Clifton, Bristol.
Mitchell, 34, a local physiotherapist, was in the final stages of purchasing the Victorian terraced property when a Level 3 RICS building survey revealed evidence of a significant brown long-eared bat colony residing in the property's attic space.
"I had such specific plans for that house, including converting the loft into a home office and spare bedroom," said Mitchell. "The survey quite literally saved me from making a £425,000 mistake. I would have been legally unable to complete my planned renovations without extensive ecological surveys and expensive adaptations. As a first-time buyer, those additional costs would have been impossible to manage."
The brown long-eared bat, one of Britain's most common bat species, is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Disturbing their roosts, even unknowingly, can result in significant fines or even imprisonment.
Jason Weale, Director at Find My Surveyor, emphasises the importance of comprehensive pre-purchase surveys: "This case perfectly illustrates why detailed building surveys are essential, not just for identifying structural issues but for uncovering potential legal and regulatory challenges. A basic valuation or condition report might have missed these crucial signs. The presence of protected species can significantly impact a property's development potential and, consequently, its true market value."
The property's current owner, David Thompson, was equally surprised by the discovery. "We've lived here for fifteen years and had no idea we were sharing our home with a protected species. We rarely accessed the attic space, and we attributed any sounds we heard to typical old house noises. We're now working with local ecological consultants to ensure the colony's protection while we prepare to relist the property."
The discovery has prompted local estate agents to recommend RICS building surveyors more proactively to potential buyers, particularly for period properties where protected species are more likely to roost.
Mitchell has since found another property better suited to her needs. "This experience taught me the value of professional surveys. What seemed like an unnecessary expense potentially saved me from years of financial strain and legal complications. I'll definitely be getting a full building survey on my next purchase."
For more information about RICS building surveys or to find an accredited surveyor in your area, you can reach out to your local RICS accredited surveying firm.
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