Expert House Surveys for Property Buyers Across the UK

While a house survey isn't legally required when buying a property, it's highly recommended. A survey helps you understand the condition of the property and can uncover issues that could cost thousands to repair. Even if the property appears to be in reasonable condition, a qualified surveyor can identify hidden defects that aren't visible during a viewing. If you're buying a conventional property built from common building materials, at minimum you should get a RICS Level 2 home survey.

A mortgage valuation is a basic assessment carried out for your mortgage lender to confirm the property's value for lending purposes. The cost of a mortgage valuation is usually £150-£350, but it doesn't provide you with information about the condition of the property or potential issues. A home survey, in contrast, is a detailed inspection undertaken for the buyer that identifies defects in the property and helps you budget for any repairs. It's the buyer who organises and pays for the survey - the lender's valuation is for their benefit, not yours.

The type of survey you choose depends on several factors. A RICS Level 1 home survey (Condition Report) is suitable for newer properties in good condition. A RICS Home Survey Level 2 is the most popular choice for conventional properties and provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's condition - this is often recommended by your bank. A RICS Level 3 building survey (structural survey) is the most detailed survey and is essential if you're planning major works, buying an older property, dealing with a large building that is unusual, or if there are specific concerns about the property. Speak to your surveyor for personalized advice.

House survey types and costs 2026 vary depending on the level of detail and the property's size and location. Survey costs by type: RICS Level 1 surveys cost £350-£500, RICS Level 2 home surveys cost £550-£850, and RICS Level 3 building surveys cost £750-£1,500+. Snagging surveys for new builds cost £300-£600. While home survey costs might seem like an additional expense in the buying process, they can save you thousands by identifying issues before you commit to buying the property. Remember, it's the buyer who pays for the survey, not the seller or estate agent.

You should organise your house survey after your offer has been accepted by the seller but before you exchange contracts. This timing allows you to use the survey findings to negotiate the property's value or budget for necessary repairs. Some prospective buyers arrange a survey before making an offer, especially in a competitive market, but this carries the risk of losing the survey costs if your offer isn't accepted. The survey undertaken typically takes 2-4 hours on-site, and you'll receive your house survey report within 5-10 working days depending on the complexity of the property.

A RICS home survey provides a detailed assessment of the condition of the property. The survey includes a visual inspection of all accessible areas, identification of potential issues and defects, assessment of damp and moisture problems, evaluation of the roof and structural elements, and advice on necessary repairs. Home survey reports use a traffic light system (green, amber, red) to highlight the severity of any issues found. The survey also includes information about the different types of repair work that may be needed and helps you understand whether the property is in reasonable condition or requires significant investment.

Yes, absolutely. One of the key benefits of getting a home survey is that it can help you negotiate the property's value. If the survey uncovers issues that need to be investigated or repaired, you can use this information to request a price reduction from the seller or ask them to fix the problems before completion. Many buyers have successfully negotiated thousands of pounds off the asking price after a detailed survey revealed concerns about the property. The survey report provides professional evidence to support your negotiation, which carries more weight than simply pointing out issues you noticed during a viewing.

Yes, a snagging survey is highly recommended when buying a new property. Despite being newly built, new build homes often have construction defects, finishing issues, and quality problems that need to be addressed. A snagging survey identifies these issues before you complete the purchase, giving you leverage to have the developer fix them. Common issues found include poor paintwork, incorrectly fitted fixtures, plumbing problems, and electrical concerns. The cost of a snagging survey is typically £300-£600, which is money well spent to ensure your new home is built to the correct standards.