Property Surveys

For most of us, buying a home is one of the most significant investments you will ever make - both financially and emotionally. So, it’s extremely important that you find out as much as you can about the property and any problems that need to be fixed, before signing on the dotted line.

Your survey report will give you peace of mind that you won’t be faced with unexpected expenditure or disappointment upon moving into your new property and, importantly, the information can be used to negotiate the sale price or you can ask the seller if they’d be willing to fix the issues for you ahead of completion.

If you would like to book your home survey call 0800 169 9661 (option 2) or fill in the contact form.

Reasons to choose e.surv

Survey types

RICS Level 1 Survey

		Who is an RICS Level 1 for? A RICS Level 1 Survey is the most basic of the three surveys. It’s designed for home buyers or homeowners who are seeking a professional and objective report on the condition of a property.

		When is a RICS Level 1 Survey suitable? A RICS Level 1 Survey is best suited to conventionally built, modern properties that are in satisfactory condition. It will not suit older or complex properties, or those in a neglected condition.

		What will the surveyor do? The surveyor will carry out a visual inspection of the property (which is less extensive than a Level 2 Survey or a Building Survey) and will not carry out any tests on the fabric or services (e.g. electrics, plumbing, heating) of the building.
		What will be included in the report? The report will objectively describe the condition of the building, its services and grounds, and will provide an assessment of the relative importance of any defects or problems. The report will also highlight any relevant legal issues and/or obvious risks to the building, people, or grounds. A RICS Level 1 Survey report will not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance.

		_{Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigations will be made}

RICS Level 2 Survey

		Who is an RICS Level 2 for? A RICS Level 2 Survey is an intermediate survey designed for home buyers or homeowners who are seeking a professional opinion on the condition of the main elements of a property. It’s less comprehensive than a RICS Level 3 Survey.

		When is a RICS Level 2 Survey suitable? A RICS Level 2 Survey will suit a broad range of conventionally built properties.It is unlikely to suit complex buildings (e.g. those that have been significantly extended or altered), most unique or older historic properties, or properties in a neglected condition.

		What will the surveyor do? In comparison with a Level 1 Survey, a RICS Level 2 Survey includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services (e.g. electrics, plumbing, heating) and grounds but does not include any testing. Concealed areas such as roof spaces, basements and cellars will be inspected if it is safe to do so.
		What will be included in the report? The report will objectively describe the condition of the building, its services and grounds, and will provide an assessment of the relative importance of any defects or problems. It will include basic advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues, and, if the surveyor has access to the current EPC report, they will state the energy efficiency rating, check for any obvious discrepancies between the EPC and the property, and explain the implications. The report will also highlight any relevant legal issues and/or obvious risks to the building, people, or grounds. The surveyor will be able to provide advice on suitable additional services where the homeowner / home buyer is planning on refurbishment work.

		_{Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigations will be made}

RICS Level 3 Survey

		Who is an RICS Level 3 for? A RICS Level 3 Survey is designed for home buyers or homeowners who are seeking a professional opinion based on a thorough inspection of the property

		When is a RICS Level 3 Survey suitable? A RICS Level 3 Survey particularly suits older properties built before 1850, those of unusual construction, properties with major extensions or alterations, or those that you already know to have significant defects that need attention. You should also consider a Building Survey if you’re planning any refurbishments or extensions.

		What will the surveyor do? The RICS Level 3 Survey is the most extensive survey available. The surveyor will carry out a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services (e.g. electrics, plumbing, heating) and the grounds. Concealed areas such as roof spaces, basements and cellars will be inspected if it is safe to do so. Although the survey will not include any testing on the fabric or services of the building, they will be observed in normal operation i.e. they will be switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so.
		What will be included in the report? The detailed report will objectively describe the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It will describe their condition and provide an assessment of the relative importance of any defects or problems. In addition to this, it will: Describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas that have not been inspected Propose the most probable cause(s) of any defects based on the inspection Outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair Make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work and Give an indication of likely costs (if required).

		_{Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigations will be made}

Survey comparison guide

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a survey?

Buying a house represents one of the biggest financial commitments you’re likely to make. Your survey report is prepared specifically for you, not your lender. It provides you with information about the condition of the property you’re thinking of buying and a clear summary of the key risks associated with your purchase before you commit to buying.

Which survey should I choose?

There are a number of different types of house survey. What you choose depends on the depth of survey you want, your budget, plus the age and condition of the property. A RICS Level 1 Survey is the most basic of the three surveys.

How much should I expect to pay for my Survey?

The cost of your property survey will depend on the value, size and complexity of the property.

What is the RICS?

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors – or RICS – is the world’s leading professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property and construction.

e.surv is regulated by the RICS and all their Chartered surveyors have individual RICS certification. This is your guarantee of a quality service as the RICS requires its members to update their knowledge and competence during their working life through Continuing Professional Development (or CPD).

What is the difference between a valuation and a survey?

A mortgage valuation report is prepared to enable your mortgage lender to decide if a property is one that it wants to lend on. It doesn’t answer any questions that may be important to you or your own personal interests and it doesn’t tell you the condition of the property.

A survey report provides independent professional advice to the buyer on the condition of the property prior to purchase. It provides information about the condition of the property and a clear summary of the key risks.