Survey guidance
Buying or owning a property comes with important decisions. Our surveys are designed to give you clear insight into a property's condition, risks and maintenance considerations.
Homebuyer surveys (RICS Level 2)
A Homebuyer Survey (RICS Level 2 or Level 3) is designed to help you understand the condition of a property before you commit to a purchase. It provides a clear, practical overview of the building and highlights any issues that could affect your decision or future costs.
A Level 2 is well suited to conventional houses, flats and bungalows built using common materials and in reasonable condition. We inspect the main elements of the property and report on defects, maintenance concerns and potential risks, using clear condition ratings to show what needs attention.
A Level 3 survey is more detailed and is recommended for older, altered or complex buildings, or where significant issues are suspected.
If you are unsure whether a Homebuyer Survey is appropriate for the property you are buying, please get in touch. We are happy to advise and will recommend a more detailed survey if one is needed.
Vendor surveys
A Vendor Pre-Sale Survey is commissioned by the seller before a property is placed on the market. Its purpose is to identify potential issues early, helping to avoid delays, renegotiation or unexpected problems once a buyer’s survey is carried out.
The survey provides an independent assessment of the property’s condition, highlighting defects, maintenance concerns and areas that may attract further attention. This allows you to address issues in advance, or to price the property appropriately once you have a clear understanding of its condition.
Vendor surveys are particularly useful for older properties, or where you want to offer reassurance and transparency to potential buyers. If you are unsure whether this is the right approach, we are happy to discuss all options with you.
What we inspect during a home survey
During a home survey, we carry out a visual inspection of the main elements of the property that are readily accessible. Our aim is to identify defects, signs of deterioration, and any issues that may affect the building’s performance or future maintenance.
- Roofs, chimneys and rainwater goods
- External walls, windows and doors
- Internal walls, ceilings, floors and joinery
- Lofts, cellars and other accessible roof spaces
- Visible services, including electrics, plumbing and heating
- Grounds, boundaries and external areas
What you will receive after your survey
After the inspection, you will receive a clear written report setting out our findings and explaining the condition of the property in a straightforward, practical way.
- A detailed survey report covering the main elements of the building
- Condition ratings to highlight issues that need attention
- Explanations of defects, risks and maintenance considerations
- Recommendations for further investigation where appropriate
We are happy to talk through the report once you have had time to read it and answer any questions you may have. Our aim is to make sure you understand what the findings mean and how they might influence your next steps.
Frequently asked questions about home surveys
No. A Homebuyer Survey focuses on the condition of the property rather than its market value. It is designed to identify defects, risks and maintenance issues so you can make an informed decision before committing to a purchase.
The survey is a visual inspection of accessible areas and is designed to identify significant defects and areas of concern. It cannot uncover hidden issues or defects in areas that are not readily accessible, but it will highlight where further investigation may be needed.
Even well-presented properties can have underlying issues that are not obvious during a viewing. A survey provides independent reassurance and helps identify risks that could affect your future costs or plans.
The on-site inspection usually takes a few hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. The written report is typically issued within a few working days after the inspection.
No. Access is usually arranged via the estate agent or property owner. If you have specific concerns you would like us to be aware of in advance, you are welcome to share them with us before the inspection takes place.
Yes. If a property is older, altered, constructed from non-standard materials, or shows signs of significant defects, we may recommend a more detailed Level 3 survey. We are happy to advise you before booking.
We explain the nature and significance of defects and help you prioritise issues. Whilst we do not provide contractor quotations, the reports we issue are written to support informed discussions with specialists and builders, where needed.
The report will explain what the issues are, why they matter, and what your options may be. This information can help you decide whether to proceed, renegotiate, or plan future works with greater confidence.
DEA, NDEA and Surveyor Certifications
