TAVISTOCK chartered surveyor, David Balment, is among the first in the country to receive personal accreditation from SAVA — Surveyors and Valuers Accreditation — to undertake homebuyer surveys.

The SAVA scheme, launched by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is the first scheme of its kind in the country and all those accredited have to undergo regular training to ensure technical and professional standards are maintained at the highest level.

In addition, hidden defects insurance is available when a SAVA-accredited surveyor carries out a homebuyer survey.

Under proposed changes in the way homes are bought and sold, the home condition report will become one of the key elements of the new 'seller's pack'.

SAVA has been working with the government in the preparation of these, and all practitioners preparing the reports will have gone through a government-approved accreditation or certification process.

The proposed changes are due to be re-introduced into Parliament as soon as time permits.