What Devalues a House in a Survey?
A survey does not set a value — but its findings change what buyers will pay. The defects that move price hardest are the ones whose cost is uncertain, not necessarily the ones that cost most.
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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 allWhich Type of Surveyor Do You Actually Need?
"Surveyor" covers several unrelated professions. Here is what each one does, which one you need for a house purchase, and when you need someone else entirely.
Are Surveys Reliable? How Much Can You Trust a House Survey?
Are surveys reliable when buying a house? A survey is only as good as the surveyor carrying it out. Here is what makes a survey trustworthy, what it can and cannot see, and how to spot the difference.
What Are Red Flags on a House Survey?
The findings that genuinely change a purchase decision — structural movement, persistent damp, a roof at the end of its life, undocumented alterations and drainage — and what each one actually means.
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.
Do 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.
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.