Hire a Surveyor

When hiring a surveyor, you can check whether they’re a registered member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It can also be useful to choose someone who regularly works in your local area and with your type of property. If you’re buying an unusual or historic property, look for a surveyor who regularly assesses similar buildings.

Surveyor prices vary, so it’s worth getting a range of quotes from local surveyors to compare costs and what is included.

You can search for a surveyor near you using MyJobQuote, receive up to three free quotes and compare local surveyors before choosing someone for your property.

As well as surveyors, you may need to hire local conveyancers to assist with the finalisation of the sale. When the sale is complete, you may also want to hire a removal company to assist with the move.

What Is Surveying?

A property survey assesses the condition of a property and can identify defects or areas that may require further investigation. The type and detail of the inspection will depend on the level of survey you choose.

What Does Surveying a Property Involve?

A surveyor will inspect accessible parts of the property and report on its condition. Depending on the type of survey, they may identify issues such as damp, subsidence, roof defects or problems with walls and timber. The report can also highlight areas that may require repairs or further investigation.

Who Can Do My Surveying?

Different types of surveyors carry out different types of work, so the person you need will depend on what you want assessed:

Valuation Surveyors

Valuation surveyors assess the value of residential or commercial property. Their work focuses primarily on property valuation rather than carrying out a detailed assessment of the building's condition.

Building Surveyors

Building surveyors assess buildings and can advise on their condition, maintenance, repair and alteration.

Quantity Surveyors

Quantity surveyors focus primarily on the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects. Their work can include estimating costs, preparing budgets and monitoring expenditure throughout a project.

Land Surveyors

Land or geomatic surveyors collect measurements and geographical data about land. Their work can support construction, infrastructure and land development projects.

Party Wall Surveyors

Party wall surveyors deal with matters relating to the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, including certain building works that affect shared walls, boundaries and neighbouring properties.

Do I Need a Surveyor?

If you’re buying a property, having a survey carried out can help you understand its condition before you complete the purchase. It may identify defects or repairs that weren't obvious during a viewing and could influence your decision to proceed or renegotiate the purchase price.

If you're buying with a mortgage, your lender may arrange a mortgage valuation to assess whether the property provides sufficient security for the loan. A mortgage valuation is primarily for the lender and shouldn't be confused with a survey commissioned to assess the property's condition for you.

Types of Property Survey Available

RICS Home Surveys are available at three levels. The appropriate level will depend on the age, type and condition of the property and how much information you require.

RICS Home Survey Level 1

A Level 1 survey provides a basic overview of the property's condition. It uses condition ratings to highlight areas that may require attention but doesn't provide the same level of detail as Levels 2 or 3. It may be suitable for conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition.

RICS Home Survey Level 2

A Level 2 survey provides a more detailed inspection and report. It may be suitable for many conventional houses, flats and bungalows that appear to be in reasonable condition.

Depending on the service agreed, the report may cover:

• The overall condition of the property.
• Defects that could affect the property.
• Areas requiring further investigation.
• Issues such as damp or timber defects where visible.
• Advice about repairs and ongoing maintenance.

A Level 2 survey may also be available with a valuation, depending on the service you choose.

RICS Home Survey Level 3

A Level 3 survey provides a more detailed assessment of a property's construction and condition. It may be suitable for older, larger, unusual or visibly deteriorated properties, as well as homes where substantial alterations or renovation work are planned.

You may want to consider a Level 3 survey if the property:

• Is particularly old or unusual.
• Is a listed or protected building.
• Uses unconventional construction methods or materials.
• Requires substantial renovation.
• Has undergone significant alterations.

The report can provide more detailed information about defects, their possible causes and the repairs or further investigations that may be required.

Home Condition Survey

The Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) also offers property survey services, including its Home Condition Survey. Check what the inspection and report include before choosing a survey.

Cost of a Surveyor

The amount you pay will depend on the type of survey, the property and the surveyor you choose. Surveyors generally provide a price for the survey rather than charging a standard hourly or daily rate.

As a rough guide, survey costs may start from:

RICS Home Survey Level 1 - £300+

RICS Home Survey Level 2 - £350+

RICS Home Survey Level 2 with valuation - £450+

RICS Home Survey Level 3 - £500+

Home Condition Survey - £450+

New-build snagging survey - £300-£600

These prices are only a guide. The size, value, age, location and complexity of the property can all affect the amount you pay.

Benefits of Surveying

A property survey can give you more information about the condition of a home before you commit to the purchase.

Identify Potential Repair Costs

A survey may identify defects that weren't immediately noticeable during a viewing, such as problems with the roof, damp, movement or damaged timber. Understanding these issues before purchasing can help you assess the potential cost of repairs.

Renegotiate the Price

If a survey identifies significant defects, you may decide to obtain quotes for the necessary work and use this information when discussing the purchase price with the seller. Alternatively, you may decide not to proceed with the purchase.

Make an Informed Decision

Buying a property is a significant financial commitment. A survey can provide additional information about its condition and help you decide whether you still want to proceed with the purchase.

Your Survey Is for You

A mortgage valuation is carried out primarily for the lender to determine whether the property provides suitable security for the mortgage. It isn't a detailed survey of the property's condition.

Commissioning your own property survey can provide you with more information about defects, repairs and the overall condition of the building.

What to Do With Flagged Issues?

It is common for a property survey to identify issues, particularly in older properties. The significance of these findings can vary considerably.

Speak to your surveyor if there is anything in the report that you don't understand. You can ask for more information about particular defects, whether further investigation may be required and how urgently an issue should be addressed.

If further investigation or repair work is required, you can contact the relevant tradespeople for more information and quotes. For example, if the survey identifies an electrical issue, you may want to ask an electrician to assess it. You can then consider the likely costs when deciding whether to proceed with the purchase or renegotiate the price.