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Compare our RICS surveys

Types of Survey

What survey is right for me? Level 2 Level 3
For those purchasing properties of standard construction
Yes
Yes
For those purchasing properties in excess of 150 years
Yes
For those purchasing properties that have been subject to significant alteration
Yes
Traffic light scale system that gives a clear indication of the property's condition
Yes
Yes
Provides clear advice on areas that require urgent attention
Yes
Yes
Provides advice for your Solicitors
Yes
Yes
Provides advice on repairs required and on-going maintenance
Yes
Yes
Offers a key risks report
Yes
Yes
Provides advice on issues that affect the property value
Yes
Yes
Detailed and in-depth inspection of the construction materials and how they will weather in the future
Yes
Comprehensive report commenting on the structural integrity of the property
Yes
Describes the identifiable risk of potentially hidden defects
Yes
Bespoke report tailored to each individual property
Yes
What survey is right for me? Level 2 Level 3
For those purchasing properties of standard construction
Yes
Yes
For those purchasing properties in excess of 150 years
Yes
For those purchasing properties that have been subject to significant alteration
Yes
Traffic light scale system that gives a clear indication of the property's condition
Yes
Yes
Provides clear advice on areas that require urgent attention
Yes
Yes
Provides advice for your Solicitors
Yes
Yes
Provides advice on repairs required and on-going maintenance
Yes
Yes
Offers a key risks report
Yes
Yes
Provides advice on issues that affect the property value
Yes
Yes
Detailed and in-depth inspection of the construction materials and how they will weather in the future
Yes
Comprehensive report commenting on the structural integrity of the property
Yes
Describes the identifiable risk of potentially hidden defects
Yes
Bespoke report tailored to each individual property
Yes

What is a Survey?

A survey is a property health check carried out on behalf of any individual considering the purchase of a property. The inspection will result in a detailed report providing information about the condition of the property and any areas of concern.

Types of Survey
When buying a property, there are two main levels of survey to consider:

  • RICS LEVEL 2 surveys are the most common survey and are carried out to assess the overall condition of the property and to make sure you are not going to be walking into any headaches upon completion. Designed for conventional residential properties and those that are no older than 100 Years.
  • RICS LEVEL 3 is the most in-depth inspection that is offered by the RICS, going into detail regarding the structural integrity and construction materials of the property. It is recommended for older properties or properties that have been significantly altered. Think barn conversion, stone-built cottage, or timber frame property.

Why a survey is necessary:

Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make and arguably one of the most important purchases of your life. A survey is there to ensure you are aware of any potential issues before signing on the dotted line. Think of it like buying a car with no MOT or Service history…

The difference between a Valuation and a Survey

It is essential to understand the differences between a valuation and a survey:

  • A valuation is a basic check, carried out on behalf of a mortgage lender or a cash buyer to ensure the property is worth the money being offered. It is important to recognise that the valuation carried out on behalf of the lender is there to protect the lender and provides the buyer with no protection whatsoever. Therefore, if you are buying a property, it is important you do not rely on the valuation – you should instruct an independent survey yourself.
  • The valuation carried out by your lender will not assess the condition of the property, as such, they are under no obligation to disclose any information to the buyer.

With the world moving more into the digital age as each day passes, more and more valuations are being done using an AVM, or Automated Valuation Model. This is quicker and cheaper for the lender to assess the property’s value and means that a physical inspection may not be required. Hence why it is even more important to instruct an independent surveyor to assess the condition of the property on your behalf.

One of our surveying team will be in touch shortly