Ask the lender, broker or surveyor for the exact report requirement, then commission a suitably competent specialist to answer it. The report should document inspection evidence, conclusion and any repair specification. If work is needed, retain completion records and send the requested documents back through the agreed channel.
When this guide fits
Clues worth recording
- The valuation is subject to a specialist report
- Money is retained pending repair
- The survey mentions corrosion or horizontal cracking
- Previous repair certificates are missing
Clarify the request
Terms such as “specialist report”, “structural engineer” and “contractor report” are not interchangeable. Ask who may produce it, whether the specialist must be independent and whether any repair guarantee has specific requirements.
Commission the right scope
Provide the valuation extract, property details and deadline. The inspection should address the cited elevations and concern, while recording access limitations. Avoid a generic certificate that does not answer the lender’s question.
If repair is required
Keep the original report, repair quotation, product specification, dated site photographs, invoice, completion statement and guarantee. Ask which items the valuer needs for reassessment.
No adviser or contractor can guarantee that a lender will accept a report. Acceptance belongs to the lender and its valuer.
Managing the chain
Tell your conveyancer and estate agent what has been requested and when the inspection is booked. Share documents through secure channels, and redact unrelated personal or financial information before uploading them to third parties.
Questions homeowners ask
What people usually want to know
Does a wall tie mention mean the mortgage is refused?
Not necessarily. The valuation may be conditional on further evidence or repair. Ask your broker or lender to explain the exact position.
Can the contractor write the report?
Sometimes, but requirements vary. Confirm the accepted competence and independence with the requesting party first.
What is a mortgage retention?
It is when a lender holds back part of the mortgage advance until specified work or evidence is completed. Your lender should explain its conditions.
Sources & review
Evidence behind this guide
Reviewed 1 September 2026. We use primary guidance where available and label trade-body advice clearly.