Who Organises a Survey When Buying a House?
You — the buyer — organise and pay for the survey. Not the agent, not the seller, and separate from the lender's valuation. Here is how and when to book.
Blog
Insights from an RPSA-Certified Surveyor
Practical, jargon-free articles on buying with confidence, understanding property defects, and choosing the right survey for your purchase.
Buying Advice
View allDo You Need a Survey on a Flat?
Yes — flats need surveys too. Your flat sits in a larger building whose structure, roof, damp and communal areas all affect it. Here is the right level.
Building Surveyor vs Structural Engineer: Which Do You Need?
Building surveyor vs structural engineer: a surveyor assesses the whole property and flags defects; an engineer is called in for a specific structural fix.
Can a Builder Do a House Survey?
A builder can quote for repairs but can't do a house survey. An independent, RPSA-certified surveyor covers the whole property and works only for you.
What Happens If a Survey Finds Problems?
A survey finding problems is normal and rarely stops a purchase. Here's what to do next — renegotiate, investigate further, or (rarely) walk away.
Survey vs Mortgage Valuation: What's the Difference?
A mortgage valuation is for your lender, not for you — it isn't a survey and doesn't check the building's condition. Here's why buyers still need their own survey.
Is a New-Build Snagging Survey Worth It?
Is a snagging survey worth it on a new build? For most buyers yes — from £450 it catches workmanship defects before you complete, which the NHBC warranty won't itemise for you.
Is a House Survey Worth It? An Honest Cost-vs-Risk View
A survey costs £325-£495, yet routinely surfaces roof, damp, movement and drainage defects that run into four or five figures. Here is when it pays.
How Long Does a Building Survey Take?
On-site inspection runs roughly 1–2 hours for a Level 1, 2–3 for a Level 2 and 3–4+ for a Level 3, with the written report usually within 5 working days.
What a Building Survey Finds That a Viewing Misses
A house viewing shows you the décor. A building survey shows you the building. Here are the issues that routinely stay hidden until a surveyor looks properly.