Do I really need a full structural survey on a 1970s detached?

We've found a lovely 4-bedroom detached in Cheshire, 1972 build. The seller says it's in great condition and the agent says a HomeBuyer Report should be sufficient. However my dad insists we should get a full structural survey.

The house looks well-maintained from what we could see at the viewing — double-glazed, new roof (seller says 8 years old). We're paying £385,000 so I want to make sure we're protected but also don't want to spend £600–800 unnecessarily.

Has anyone had a bad experience skipping the full survey on a 1970s property? Is there anything specific about that era of build I should be aware of?

Definitely get the full structural survey. 1970s builds have a few known issues — concrete roof tiles that can degrade, cavity wall insulation problems if retrofitted, and occasionally asbestos in textured ceilings (Artex) or floor tiles.

The extra £200–300 over a HomeBuyer Report is absolutely worth it on a £385k purchase. We skipped it on our 1968 semi and ended up with a £12,000 damp problem six months in.

I'm a chartered surveyor so I can give you a professional view. For a 1972 detached at that price, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey is strongly recommended over a Level 2 HomeBuyer Report.

Specific things to check on that era: flat or low-pitch roof sections if it has an extension, chimney pointing, and whether any garage conversion was done with a proper DPC. A good Level 3 survey will be around £700–900 for that size and will clearly outline maintenance liabilities for the next 10+ years — well worth it on a purchase this size.