Thorough checks on the condition of a property are made by only one quarter of buyers, according to new research.

Allied Surveyors reports that, with increasing numbers of buyers vying for a dwindling supply of properties, prices continue to increase, but 75 per cent of purchasers are not carrying out all the checks that they might.

The firm also asserts that only 28 per cent of homebuyers commission a home buyer report or building survey before purchasing their new home.

Neglecting such costs could result in buyers being unaware of structural issues which could prove expensive.

Chris Rispin, technical director at the firm, comments: "Buyers who refrain from having a survey on any property they plan to purchase are taking a big risk and could face huge repair bills if these problems only become apparent once the sale has gone through."

Buyers appraising the current property market may like to consider advice from Archicentre, which states that old homes are more prone to structural subsidence or could have galvanised iron piping which has a "limited life expectancy".