Owning your own home

My view is surveys de-risk what will likely be the biggest purchase of your life. Their cost is trivial compared to the cost of the house.

(I'll admit I live in a dream world where I want to believe that the surveys actually say useful stuff).

I guess normal practice is to bring in the additional surveys (structural or whatever) when the first general survey highlights something unusual warranting a closer look.

Also, if it's a ground floor flat in a Victorian terrace would a full structural survey be overkill?

Probably. The terms of the lease and the repairs and maintenance that’s been done recently - or lack of them - can give you clues as to what structural expenses would be coming your way.

Also, if it's a ground floor flat in a Victorian terrace would a full structural survey be overkill

Congratulations on the offer!

For my last two moves (in victorian houses) I've always had full surveys, and would in the future. I don't remember how much a survey costs tbh but I've always reasoned that their cost isn't a lot relative to the house you're buying, and given that money gets thrown around like confetti when you're moving they're not a bad thing to buy.

If you go for it make sure the surveyor you chose is happy to verbally debrief you on the building - and won't mind you phoning up after the event with any further questions.

I used Wilde Trice for my last two moves, and I would use them again happily - they're the only surveyor I've ever used though, so take that into account with the recommendation, and if you do get in touch with them do confirm that they'll talk to you about the survey.