What is a house survey?

What is a house survey?

A house survey is an inspection of your new home. It’s paid for by the buyer and carried out by a qualified surveyor. The survey may highlight problems with the property’s structure – such as a leaking roof or unstable walls – that you should be aware of before committing to buy. The surveyor will also recommend any repairs that are needed and provide expert commentary on the home.

Are house surveys a legal requirement?

House surveys aren’t a legal requirement, but they are recommended. Buying a home is likely one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make, so it’s important to find out as much about the property as you can. If the survey reveals that the house needs costly repairs, you may be able to renegotiate the selling price. 

House surveys are advisable in all circumstances, but particularly if:

Make sure you use a registered surveyor who is a member of the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) or the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). 

The different types of house surveys

RICS offers three different types of reports. Surveyors can produce them under licence, and as they are in a prescribed format, they will largely be the same no matter what surveyor you appoint.

RICS Home Survey - Level 1

Best for: Those buying a newer home or a conventional property.

Previously known as a ‘Condition Report’, this type of survey evaluates the property’s condition and highlights any urgent or potential legal problems. It’s typically the cheapest survey available. It reports on the home’s condition but does not provide a valuation. Keep in mind that a Level 1 Survey does not include advice on repairs.

RICS Home Survey - Level 2

Best for: Those purchasing a conventional property that is in a reasonable condition and has a simple layout (for example, it does not have extensions). 

What is a Level 2 house survey? Previously called a ‘Homebuyer Report’ or ‘Homebuyer Survey’, this survey provides more detailed information about your new home and advice on future maintenance or repairs. It covers everything you would receive from a Level 1 Survey, as well as more extensive drainage chamber and roof space inspections.

Level 2 Surveys are available with or without a valuation. A survey with a valuation will provide you with a market valuation and insurance reinstatement figure. 

Non-RICS surveys

There are other types of surveys available, but not all surveyors are RICS-qualified. With any advice you receive, you should check the terms of engagement carefully and that the surveyor has adequate personal indemnity insurance should there be a problem.

Which type of house survey should I choose?

The type of survey you choose and how much it will cost will depend on the size, age and type of property you’re buying. For example, if you’re buying an older property or planning extensive renovations, a Level 3 Survey might be the best option. 

When you receive the survey report, read it thoroughly, act on the items highlighted and speak to your surveyor if there is anything you do not understand. Remember, the contents of the survey are for your purposes only and should not be disclosed to the seller.

How long do house surveys take?

This varies depending on which type of survey you choose. For example, a RICS Level 2 Survey usually takes up to 4 hours to complete, while a Level 3 Survey may take longer. 

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