HOMEBUYERS are taking a massive risk with their biggest investment by not getting a survey, a York chartered surveyor has warned.

Jon Charters Reid spoke out after a survey of 4,000 home owners, commissioned by York insurance giant Aviva, found that people typically spent just 33 minutes looking around a property before deciding to buy last year.

This compared to 35 minutes six to ten years ago, with the strong competition in the housing market apparently forcing some buyers to make snap decisions.

He said: "A good building survey enables a buyer to make an informed purchasing decision, meaning they can budget for any issues with the property, and even more importantly, may give the buyer an immediate opportunity to negotiate on price."