The selling agent of the property appeared very keen to sell me a homebuyers report. Is there a reason for this?
Many estate agents have formal or informal associations with Chartered Building Surveyors so that surveys can be swiftly carried out on properties that they are involved in. Some purchasers may feel that using a surveyor recommended by the vendors agents may constitute a conflict of interest and would prefer to use a surveyor they know, or have chosen themselves.
You could ask friends or neighbours if they have received a particularly good service from a Chartered Surveyor, ask your solicitor to recommend one to you or look at a website such as that of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors who run an on-line directory of surveyors who carry out residential surveys.