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Instant quotes for RICS Level 2 and Level 3 house surveys, Help-to-Buy valuations and specialist reports, from independent RICS surveyors covering your postcode.
Choose your survey
Not sure? Most conventional homes need a Level 2. Older, larger or altered properties are better served by a Level 3.
From £445
The popular choice for conventional houses and flats in reasonable condition. Highlights urgent defects and things that need attention.
Get a quoteFrom £645
The most thorough inspection, for older, larger, extended or unusual properties, with repair and maintenance advice.
Get a quoteFrom £299
RICS valuation for repaying your Help-to-Buy equity loan, compliant with your lender’s requirements.
Get a quoteLooking for something more specialist?
What you get
Choose the right survey for the home
Book a RICS surveyor online
Get your report in your dashboard
How it works
Pick your survey type and property, and your price appears instantly. It takes a few clicks.
Choose to proceed and we match you with an independent RICS surveyor covering your postcode.
We handle access with the occupier and deliver your report straight to your dashboard.
What’s included
Every survey is carried out by an independent surveyor regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Your surveyor works for you, not the estate agent and not the seller.
Pick the survey and the property, and your price appears before you book.
We confirm the appointment with the occupier, so you don’t have to.
The finished report is delivered straight to your dashboard.
Snagging, structural, roof, asbestos, EPC, EICR, gas safety and more.
What it costs
These are the lowest prices our live pricing offers today, and your quote shows your exact price.
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you'll make. A house survey (often called a home survey) is a crucial step to ensure that dream home doesn't hide costly problems. In this ultimate guide, we'll cover what a survey is, why it's important, the different types of surveys in the UK, how much they cost, and how to choose the right one.
A house survey is an expert inspection of a property's condition, conducted by a qualified surveyor, to identify any issues or defects before purchase. The surveyor will visually examine the property - looking at the structure, walls, roof, floors, plumbing, electrics and more - and then provide a written report on their findings.
In essence, the survey gives you a professional "health check" of the house or flat you're buying, highlighting problems in a clear and understandable way.
A mortgage lender's valuation is not a survey. It's just a brief check to confirm the property's value for loan purposes, and often won't even involve a thorough inspection of the property's condition.
Surveyors in the UK should be accredited by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or RPSA (Residential Property Surveyors Association). These bodies ensure the surveyor meets professional standards.
Survey is optional but highly recommended after your offer is accepted, but before exchanging contracts.
Sellers must provide a Home Report (which includes a survey) to buyers upfront.
Reveals serious defects or maintenance issues that you might not spot during a casual viewing - structural cracks, damp, timber rot, roof damage, or faulty electrics. Knowing about these in advance can save you from nasty surprises and big repair bills after move-in.
If issues are found, you gain leverage to renegotiate with the seller. You could request they fix problems before completion or ask for a price reduction to offset repair costs.
If no serious issues are found, you can proceed with confidence. It's reassuring to have an expert confirm the property is in good condition, especially for such a significant financial commitment.
Survey reports don't just list problems; they advise on future maintenance needs, helping you budget for upkeep and ownership costs down the line.
The most basic survey, usually suitable for new build properties. Uses a traffic light system to rate different elements:
No significant repairs needed
Some defects needing repair over time
Serious defects needing urgent repair
The most popular choice, suitable for standard properties in reasonable condition.
Broader inspection including loft space, basements, and inspection chambers
Identifies issues affecting property value, including damp and subsidence
Includes advice on repairs and maintenance
Optional market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate
The most comprehensive survey, ideal for older or unusual properties.
In-depth analysis of structure and materials
Identifies both visible and potential hidden issues
Detailed advice on repairs with urgency levels
May include repair cost estimates and timelines
New Build Condition Report
HomeBuyer Report
Building Survey
Higher value properties typically incur higher survey fees
Costs vary by region, with London typically higher
Older properties require more thorough inspection
Unusual features or layouts may increase cost
Always get quotes from multiple surveyors and ensure they're properly accredited. Don't choose solely on price - quality and thoroughness matter more. A good survey could save you thousands in the long run.
50+ years: Level 3 recommended
10-50 years: Level 2 suitable
New build: Snagging survey
Non-standard: Level 3 essential
Standard brick: Level 2 typical
Modern flat: Level 1-2 suitable
Obvious issues: Level 3
Generally good: Level 2
Pristine: Level 1 possible
If you're planning major renovations or extensions, consider a Level 3 survey. It provides detailed structural information that could be crucial for your future plans and help identify any potential limitations before you start work.
Get instant quotes and book your survey in minutes
All our surveyors are RICS qualified and fully vetted
MRICS, FRICS, or AssocRICS qualifications show professional standing
Professional indemnity insurance protects your interests
RICS/RPSA accreditation ensures quality standards
How quickly can you complete the survey and deliver the report?
Can I see an example of your survey reports?
Do you have experience with this type of property?
What exactly does your survey include and exclude?
At Homemove, we've streamlined the entire survey process to address all these crucial points. Our booking platform provides:
Real-time scheduling with estimated completion times and instant report delivery notifications through our tracking app
Access to sample reports before booking, helping you understand exactly what you'll receive
Partnerships with RICS-qualified surveyors who specialise in your property type and area
Secure online payment and booking management, with clear scope details for each survey type
Carefully read through the report, paying special attention to urgent issues and Condition Rating 3 items.
Identify major defects
Note recommended investigations
Request a reduction based on repair costs, backed by contractor quotes
Ask the seller to fix specific issues before finalising the sale
Store your survey report safely - it's a valuable reference for future maintenance planning and when you eventually sell the property.
Seller must provide a Home Report including:
Seller bears the cost of the Home Report
Buyer arranges and chooses their own survey type. Not mandatory but highly recommended.
Buyer pays for their chosen survey
In Scotland, Home Reports must be current (usually no more than 12 weeks old when the property goes on the market). For prolonged sales, buyers might request an updated report.
It's not recommended to skip the survey to save money. The few hundred saved now could cost thousands later. If budget is tight, at least get a Level 1 survey.
Match the survey to the property. Don't under-spec (Level 1 for an old house) or over-spec (Level 3 for a new flat).
Always use RICS/RPSA certified professionals. Don't choose solely on price or convenience.
Read the entire report, not just the summary. Pay attention to limitations and recommendations.
Always investigate issues flagged for specialist attention before completing the purchase.
Schedule your survey promptly after offer acceptance to allow time for follow-ups and negotiations. At Homemove we've got you covered with the ability to get a quote and book your survey instantly.
Level 2 or Level 3?
Why independent
Your surveyor works for you, not the estate agent and not the seller. Every report is produced by a RICS registered surveyor regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, so you get an honest picture of the property before you commit.
Movers, in their words
Excellent experience using Homemove - I would do so again
Kept up to date with all aspects
Honestly, you guys were fantastic. You supported me through every stage of the process—from the initial enquiry, to booking the survey, and all the way through to the follow-up afterwards. I received my Level 2 Home Survey report on the very next working day, which was incredibly impressive. The whole experience was smooth, professional, and efficient. I would highly recommend your service to anyone. Excellent value for money and outstanding customer service. Thank you!
Excellent experience using Homemove - I would do so again
Kept up to date with all aspects
Honestly, you guys were fantastic. You supported me through every stage of the process—from the initial enquiry, to booking the survey, and all the way through to the follow-up afterwards. I received my Level 2 Home Survey report on the very next working day, which was incredibly impressive. The whole experience was smooth, professional, and efficient. I would highly recommend your service to anyone. Excellent value for money and outstanding customer service. Thank you!
From our guides
Plain-English guides from the Homemove team, free to read.
Expert comparison of Level 2 vs Level 3 property surveys. Understand costs, differences, and when to choose each survey...
Read the guide
Discover whether you need a house survey when buying a property. Learn about survey types, costs, benefits, and risks to...
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Complete comparison of HomeBuyer Reports and Building Surveys. Understand key differences, costs, inspection depth, and...
Read the guideThe rest of your move
Homemove sorts every part of a move, and it all sits in one dashboard.
FAQ
A RICS Level 2 Survey suits most conventional homes in reasonable condition. Choose a Level 3 (Building) Survey for older, larger, altered or unusual properties — it inspects in greater depth and reports on repairs and maintenance options.
Most surveys are booked within days. Once you have your quote you can pick a date online — turnaround depends on surveyor availability in your postcode.
Yes — every survey is carried out by an independent RICS registered surveyor, regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Prices depend on the survey type and property value. RICS Level 2 Surveys start from £445, Level 3 from £645, and Help-to-Buy valuations from £299. Your exact price is shown instantly before you book.
Getting a quote is free and takes a few clicks. You only pay when you choose to book your survey.
We match you with a RICS surveyor covering your postcode, confirm the appointment with the occupier, and deliver your report straight to your dashboard when it's ready.
Instant pricing, independent RICS surveyors, and a report delivered to your dashboard.
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