Had an offer accepted on a house? Great news, you’ll likely want to get a survey done. A survey is a professional inspection of a property that checks the condition and identifies any issues that could need addressing. While not legally required, many buyers get a survey to avoid any surprises later down the line.
Key takeaways
A property survey is a professional inspection that identifies defects and potential issues before you buy
Three main types: Level 1 (£300-£900), Level 2 (£400-£1,000), Level 3 (£630-£1,500+)
Book your survey after offer acceptance but before exchanging contracts
Survey problems give you options to renegotiate price, request repairs, or walk away
Choose a RICS qualified surveyor and get quotes from 2-3 providers before booking
Property surveys explained
What is a property survey?
A property survey is a detailed examination of a building carried out by a RICS qualified surveyor. The surveyor will visit the property and inspect everything from the roof and walls to the foundations and internal structure, looking for signs of damage, wear, or potential issues.
The surveyor then produces a report that gives you an honest assessment of the property's condition.
This isn't just a quick once-over - it's a thorough investigation that can uncover hidden problems like damp, structural damage, or issues with the roof that you'd never spot during a normal house viewing. The report will also highlight any urgent repairs needed and give you an idea of ongoing maintenance costs.