Building Survey

RPSA Level 3 Building Survey (Full Building Survey)

Buying an older, altered, or unusual property? The RPSA Level 3 Building Survey is our most detailed survey, designed to explain defects, structural concerns, damp risks, and long-term maintenance implications — with clear, practical guidance on what to do next.
Most Detailed Survey • Ideal for Older & Altered Homes
WHAT IS A LEVEL 3 BUILDING SURVEY?

The most comprehensive assessment of condition, performance and risk

A Level 3 Building Survey provides the most detailed and comprehensive assessment of a property, offering a clear understanding of its construction, condition, performance, and risks. It is designed to explain how and why defects occur, how the building functions as a whole, and what the implications may be for repair, maintenance, and future ownership.

Who is this survey suitable for?
• Older or period properties
• Altered or extended homes
• Buildings of non-standard construction
• Larger or more complex dwellings
• Properties in poor, variable, or uncertain condition
• Purchasers planning renovation or long-term ownership

It is also appropriate where a purchaser wants maximum detail and clarity, even if the property appears well presented.

And what it doesn’t

What the survey includes

A Level 3 report is bespoke to the property and provides professional judgement beyond simple defect identification, helping you understand implications for repair, future maintenance, and long-term ownership.

What the survey includes

  • A detailed inspection of all accessible parts of the property
  • Consideration of construction type, materials, and form
  • Identification of defects, deterioration, and signs of movement
  • In-depth explanation of defects, including likely causes, potential progression, and associated risks
  • Commentary on the implications of past alterations, extensions, or structural changes
  • Advice on repair approaches, priorities, and future maintenance
  • Consideration of longer-term risks and ownership implications
  • A bespoke report with professional judgement tailored to the individual property

What the survey does not include

  • Opening up of concealed elements
  • Destructive testing
  • Structural calculations or design
  • Specialist testing unless separately instructed
  • Costed schedules of works unless specifically agreed

Further investigations may be recommended where appropriate.

Building Survey Costs

Level 3 Home Survey Pricing

Our Level 3 Home Survey (Building Survey) pricing is based on property value and size. View the pricing table below for properties in different value bands, along with factors that may affect the final cost. Ideal for older, complex, or altered properties.

Property Value BandBedroomsPrice
Up to £149,9991-2 Bed£495.00
£150,000 - £249,9992-3 Bed£595.00
£250,000 - £399,9993-4 Bed£745.00
£400,000 - £599,9993-5 Bed£845.00
£600,000 - £999,0004-6 Beds£945.00
£1M - £1.5M5-7 Beds£1195.00
£1.5M - £2M6-8 Beds£1345.00
£2M+-Price on Application (POA)
Factors affecting price: Property size and complexity, number of bedrooms, age of the property, specific requirements like drone inspections or urgent delivery.

Our Building Survey process

Thorough inspection, detailed reporting, clear next steps

1

Discuss the property and your concerns

Same day response

Tell us the property age, construction type, and any concerns or renovation plans. We’ll confirm Level 3 is appropriate and agree a survey date.

  • Free consultation
  • Fixed price quote
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Advice on suitability
2

Detailed on-site inspection (non-invasive)

Typically 3–4 hours

We carry out a detailed inspection of accessible areas, focusing on structure, defects, damp indicators, and key risk areas, documenting findings clearly.

  • RPSA qualified surveyor
  • Detailed inspection
  • Photo documentation
  • Risk-focused reporting
3

Receive your Level 3 report

Within 5 working days

Your bespoke report explains findings, likely causes, progression and risks, with clear priorities for repair and future maintenance. Follow-up support is available.

  • Bespoke report
  • Clear priorities
  • Repair/maintenance guidance
  • Follow-up support

Related Survey Examples

Recent Level 3 Survey Examples

Explore recent Level 3 survey examples to see the kinds of structural, roofing, drainage and service issues that can be uncovered before exchange.

Roof defectStructural movement

Poynton, Stockport

Level 3 Survey – Poynton, Stockport

This Level 3 survey identified a major roof installation defect, signs of minor structural movement, and possible drainage concerns affecting the property.

Read survey example

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Asked Questions

FAQs

Trusted by UK property owners for reliable, professional surveying services. We help make the process clear and straightforward with expert guidance and transparent advice.

A Level 3 Building Survey is the most detailed type of survey available. It provides an in-depth assessment of a property’s condition, construction, and defects, with detailed explanations and recommendations.

A Level 3 survey is recommended for older properties, homes that have been significantly altered or extended, unusual construction types, or properties that appear to be in poor condition.

The survey includes a thorough inspection of accessible parts of the property, detailed descriptions of construction, identification of defects, likely causes, and advice on repair options and next steps.

Yes. A Level 3 survey provides detailed repair advice, explains the urgency of issues, and outlines appropriate remedial options where defects are identified.

The survey assesses for visible signs of structural movement, subsidence, and serious defects, and explains their potential implications. Where needed, further specialist investigations may be recommended.