Our House Survey Services

House Surveys offers a comprehensive range of property surveying services to help you understand the condition of the property you're buying. From RICS Level 1 surveys for new properties to detailed Level 3 building surveys for older or unusual homes, we provide the survey type that matches your needs.

RICS Level 1 Home Survey (Condition Report)

From £350

A RICS Level 1 home survey, also known as a condition report, is the most basic home survey level offered by RICS qualified surveyors. This survey type is ideal when you're buying a conventional property that's relatively new (built within the last 20 years), in reasonable condition, and built from common building materials.

What's Included in a Level 1 Survey?

  • Visual inspection of readily accessible parts of the property
  • Traffic light rating system (red, amber, green) highlighting the condition
  • Identification of urgent defects and potential issues
  • Basic advice on maintenance and repairs
  • Summary of the property's condition

When to Choose a RICS Level 1 Home Survey

This survey is suitable if:

  • You're buying a new build or modern property
  • The property is in good condition with no obvious concerns
  • You're buying a conventional property under 20 years old
  • The property is built from standard building materials
  • You need a basic assessment to satisfy your mortgage lender
3-5 day turnaround
Clear traffic light report
Request Level 1 Survey Quote
Homebuyers happy with RICS Level 1 survey results

Not Suitable For:

  • Properties older than 30 years
  • Properties in poor condition
  • Unusual or altered properties
  • Properties where you're planning major works
  • Listed buildings or non-standard construction
Professional surveyor conducting RICS Level 2 home survey inspection

Most Popular Choice

The RICS Level 2 home survey is our most popular service and is recommended by most mortgage lenders for standard residential properties. It provides the right balance of detail and value for money.

RICS Level 2 Home Survey (HomeBuyer Report)

From £550

The RICS Home Survey Level 2 (formerly known as a HomeBuyer Report) is the most comprehensive survey for the majority of residential properties. When you're buying a home, this survey type provides a detailed survey of the property's condition and is often recommended by your bank or mortgage lender.

What's Included in a Level 2 Home Survey?

  • Comprehensive inspection of visible and accessible areas
  • Detailed condition report with traffic light ratings
  • Identification of defects and potential issues
  • Assessment of damp, rot, and structural integrity
  • Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance
  • Guidance on the urgency of repairs needed
  • Market valuation (optional extra)
  • Rebuild cost assessment for insurance

When to Choose a RICS Level 2 Home Survey

This survey is perfect if:

  • You're buying a conventional property in reasonable condition
  • The property is between 20-100 years old
  • You want more detail than a Level 1 survey provides
  • Your mortgage lender recommends this survey level
  • You want to understand the condition before committing
  • You need to budget for any repairs after purchase
5-7 day turnaround
Detailed written report
Request Level 2 Survey Quote

RICS Level 3 Building Survey (Structural Survey)

From £750

A RICS Level 3 building survey, also known as a structural survey or full building survey, is the most comprehensive survey available. This detailed survey is essential when you're buying an older property, planning major works, or dealing with a large building that is unusual in its construction or layout.

What's Included in a Level 3 Building Survey?

  • In-depth structural inspection of all accessible areas
  • Detailed analysis of construction and building materials
  • Comprehensive assessment of defects and their causes
  • Expert advice on major repairs and renovation
  • Cost estimates for identified repair works
  • Recommendations for specialist investigations if needed
  • Technical information on construction methods
  • Advice on alterations and future maintenance

When to Choose a RICS Level 3 Building Survey

This survey is recommended if:

  • You're buying a property over 100 years old
  • The property is in poor condition or has visible defects
  • You're planning major works or significant alterations
  • The property has unusual construction or materials
  • It's a listed building or period property
  • You have specific concerns about the property's structure
  • The property has been significantly altered or extended
7-10 day turnaround
Comprehensive technical report
Request Level 3 Survey Quote
Senior surveyor conducting Level 3 structural building survey

When to Speak to Your Surveyor

Not sure if you need a Level 2 or Level 3 survey? Contact us for advice. We'll assess your specific situation, the complexity of the property, and your concerns about the property to recommend the most appropriate survey type.

Detailed inspection equipment used in snagging surveys

Snagging Survey for New Build Properties

From £300

A snagging survey is a specialist inspection for new build or newly renovated properties. When buying a new property, many buyers assume everything will be perfect, but construction defects are common. Our snagging survey identifies finishing issues, workmanship problems, and defects that the developer should fix before you complete the purchase.

What We Check in a Snagging Survey

  • Paintwork and decorating quality
  • Doors, windows, and locks functionality
  • Plumbing and heating installations
  • Electrical fittings and sockets
  • Kitchen and bathroom installations
  • Flooring and tiling quality
  • Skirting boards and architraves
  • External finishes and garden areas

Why You Need a Snagging Survey

Even with NHBC warranties, new builds often have issues. Our survey provides:

  • A comprehensive list of defects for the developer to fix
  • Leverage to ensure quality standards are met
  • Peace of mind before you move in
  • Documentation of issues found
  • Professional report to present to the developer
Request Snagging Survey Quote

Survey Types Comparison - Which Survey Do You Need?

Understanding the different types of survey helps you choose the right level of inspection for your property purchase.

Feature Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Cost Range 2026 £350-£500 £550-£850 £750-£1,500+
Inspection Depth Basic Comprehensive Very Detailed
Report Detail Traffic lights Detailed + advice Comprehensive technical
Best For New properties Most homes Older/unusual
Property Age <20 years 20-100 years 100+ years
Structural Analysis No Basic Detailed
Repair Cost Estimates No General advice Yes
Turnaround Time 3-5 days 5-7 days 7-10 days

House Survey Services FAQs

A RICS Level 2 home survey is suitable for most conventional properties in reasonable condition and provides a comprehensive assessment of visible defects. A RICS Level 3 building survey is more detailed and technical, suitable for older properties, those in poor condition, or when you're planning major works. The Level 3 survey includes deeper structural analysis, detailed construction information, and specific repair cost estimates. If you're unsure which to choose, speak to your surveyor who can assess the complexity of the property and recommend the appropriate survey type.

Yes, home survey costs depend on several factors including the property's size, value, age, location, and the complexity of the inspection. Larger properties or those in expensive areas typically cost more to survey. Properties with unusual features or those requiring specialist equipment may also incur additional fees. We provide transparent quotes based on your specific property before the survey is undertaken, so you'll know exactly what you're paying with no hidden costs.

While you're welcome to be present during the survey undertaken, most surveyors prefer to work independently to maintain focus and ensure nothing is missed. However, many surveyors are happy to spend 10-15 minutes at the end of the inspection to discuss initial findings and answer immediate questions. You'll receive the full house survey report within days, and you can then speak to your surveyor to discuss any concerns about the property in detail.

If the survey identifies significant defects in the property, you have several options. You can negotiate the property's value down to reflect the cost of repairs, ask the seller to fix the issues before completion, request that funds be held in escrow for repairs, or in some cases, decide to walk away from the purchase. The survey report helps you budget for any repairs and make an informed decision. Many buyers have successfully negotiated thousands of pounds off the asking price after a detailed survey revealed issues that need to be investigated or repaired.

No, a mortgage valuation and a house survey are very different. The cost of a mortgage valuation (usually £150-£350) covers a basic assessment for your mortgage lender to confirm the property's value for lending purposes. It's not for your benefit and doesn't tell you about the condition of the property or potential issues. A home survey is a detailed inspection undertaken specifically for you, the buyer, to identify defects and help you understand what you're buying. It's the buyer who organises and pays for the survey - don't rely solely on the lender's valuation.

Get Your Professional House Survey

Choose the right survey type for your property. Our RICS qualified surveyors are ready to help you buy with confidence.

Request Your Survey Quote Today