My mortgage lender wants a structural engineer’s report

4 November 2026 · Blog · Buying a home

Sometimes it isn’t your surveyor but your mortgage lender who asks for a structural engineer. The lender’s valuer may have spotted cracking, movement or an alteration, and the lender won’t release the full mortgage until it’s satisfied the house is sound.

What lenders usually ask for
• A report from a qualified structural engineer on the specific issue the valuer noted
• A clear statement of whether movement is historic or ongoing
• Any repairs needed, and sometimes an estimate of their scope
• In some cases, a report from a Chartered Structural Engineer specifically

What a “retention” is
If the lender is worried, it may hold back part of the loan, called a retention, until the repairs are done or a satisfactory report is provided. A clear structural report is often what gets the retention released, or avoids one in the first place.

Get the wording right
Read the valuation report or mortgage offer carefully, or ask your broker, so the engineer’s report answers exactly what the lender asked. Send it to us when you book, and we’ll make sure the report addresses it directly.

How we help
We inspect the issue the lender has raised and provide a clear, professional report that you can send straight to your lender and solicitor. If the lender asks for a Chartered Structural Engineer, tell us when you book and we’ll arrange it.

Common questions

How quickly will the lender accept it?
That’s up to the lender, but a report that answers its question clearly is the fastest route. We aim to issue reports within 48 hours of the visit.

What if the report says repairs are needed?
The lender may still lend, perhaps with a retention until the repairs are done. You can also use the report to renegotiate with the seller.

What does it cost?
A specific inspection is £950 + VAT. For an altered wall, our wall assessment is £600 inc. VAT, or £1,150 inc. VAT from a Chartered Structural Engineer.

Book a pre-purchase structural report →
Site visit within 3 working days · report within 48 hours · get in touch or call 020 3835 2633

More for home buyers
• My RICS survey says “refer to a structural engineer”
• Should I buy a house with cracks or subsidence?
• Buying a house where a wall was removed without approval
• Is movement normal in a Victorian terrace?
• How quickly can I get a structural report before exchange?
Structural surveys in London →
Structural engineer or RICS surveyor? →