Do I Need a Building Survey?
Extensive research has shown that approximate 80% of home buyers neglect to obtain any type of property survey prior to purchase, often resulting in unknown issues and defects arising shortly after their occupancy of the property.
Which? and the Council of Mortgage Lenders both recommend home buyers commission an independent building survey for these very reasons.
Which? found that for those people who did not get a survey, on average one in four had to spend over £2,500 to put right serious defects which would have been identified in a home buyer building survey report. For one in ten people it was over £10,000. By contrast, those that did get a proper survey were able to negotiate a reduction in the asking price of the property that averaged £2,000.
In short, Independent, non-biased advice received from a qualified and accredited surveyor could potentially save the home buyer thousands of pounds, often helping to renegotiate the agreed purchase price in order to attend to any essential repairs found during a survey. In some cases, issues are brought to light that could make the prospective buyer reconsider the purchase of the property.
80%
Of buyers skip surveys
£2,500+
Average repair costs without survey
£2,000
Average price reduction with survey
£10,000+
Costs for 1 in 10 without survey
Choose Your Survey
Professional services tailored to your needs. From basic assessments to comprehensive solutions.
Pre-completion Survey
New Build Quality Assurance
From £450
Professional snagging inspection for newly built properties. Creates a finishing checklist to ensure your new home meets quality standards before completion.
Duration:
2-3 hours
Suitable for:
New builds, pre-completion properties
Key Features:
RPSA qualified inspector
Finishing checklist creation
Non-invasive inspection
NHQB approved process
Level 1 Home Survey
Essential Property Assessment
From £350
Perfect for conventional properties and newer homes. Identifies risks, potential legal issues, and urgent defects.
Duration:
2-3 hours
Suitable for:
New builds, good condition properties
Key Features:
Condition report
Risk identification
Urgent defects
Legal issues
Level 2 Home Survey
Detailed Property Analysis
From £550
Most popular choice for conventional properties in reasonable condition. Includes extensive inspections and maintenance advice.
Duration:
3-4 hours
Suitable for:
Properties post-1930, reasonable condition
Key Features:
Traffic light rating
Roof space inspection
Drainage assessment
Maintenance advice
Level 3 Building Survey
Complete Structural Assessment
From £750
The most comprehensive survey for older, unusual, or run-down properties. Includes drone inspections and detailed analysis.
Duration:
4-6 hours
Suitable for:
Older properties, major renovations
Key Features:
Drone inspections
Structural analysis
Repair cost estimates
Comprehensive reporting
Buy-to-Let Survey
Investment Property Protection
From £650
Specialized survey combining property condition with Health & Safety compliance for rental properties.
Duration:
3-5 hours
Suitable for:
Rental properties, landlords
Key Features:
Health & Safety review
HHSRS compliance
Investment protection
Annual review option
Defects Survey
Expert Problem Diagnosis
From £450
Identify and resolve structural issues, damp, subsidence, and timber decay before they become costly problems.
Duration:
2-4 hours
Suitable for:
Properties with known issues
Key Features:
Problem diagnosis
Repair cost estimates
Action plans
Cause identification
Common Survey Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get expert advice from qualified RPSA surveyors. We've helped thousands of property buyers make informed decisions with comprehensive survey reports.
Survey Types & Selection
Level 1 surveys are ideal for newer, conventional properties in good condition. Level 2 (Homebuyer Survey) suits most typical homes built post-1930 in reasonable condition. Level 3 (Building Survey) is best for older, unusual, or run-down properties, or if you're planning major works. Our surveyors can advise which is most appropriate for your specific property.
A lender's valuation only confirms the property's worth for mortgage purposes - it won't identify defects or repair issues. Our independent surveys provide detailed condition reports, highlight urgent repairs, assess structural problems, and can save you thousands by identifying hidden defects before purchase.
Yes! Our Pre-completion Survey (snagging) is essential for new builds. We inspect fixtures, fittings, and services to create a comprehensive defects list before completion. This ensures builders fix all issues before you move in, and it's a requirement of the New Homes Quality Code.
Process & Costs
Most surveys take 2-4 hours depending on property size and type. We aim to provide your comprehensive report within 5 working days. Your surveyor will call you on inspection day to discuss key findings, and you'll have ongoing access for follow-up questions via email and phone.
Absolutely! Research shows that buyers who get surveys negotiate an average £2,000 reduction in asking price. Our detailed reports identify repair costs and structural issues, giving you strong evidence to renegotiate or budget for essential repairs after purchase.
Our reports use a clear traffic light system (1-2-3 rating) to highlight urgent issues. We provide repair advice, cost estimates where possible, and recommendations for specialist inspections. You can use this information to renegotiate, request repairs, or in serious cases, reconsider the purchase entirely.
What Our Clients Say About Our Property Survey Services Client Reviews
Get Your Property Survey Quote
Contact our qualified RPSA surveyors for expert property surveys. We'll provide a detailed quote within 24 hours and deliver your comprehensive report within 5 working days.
