Professional Homebuyer Survey by RICS Chartered Surveyors








If you are buying a property in the EH17 8 area of Edinburgh, a RICS Level 2 survey is one of the most important steps you will take before committing to your purchase. This comprehensive inspection, formerly known as a Homebuyer Survey, gives you a clear picture of the property's condition and highlights any defects that could affect its value or require costly repairs. Our team of chartered surveyors has extensive experience inspecting properties across Gilmerton, Mortonhall, and the surrounding EH17 8 postcode areas, and we understand the specific construction styles and common issues found in this part of Edinburgh.
The EH17 8 area features a diverse range of properties, from modern new builds to traditional sandstone terraced houses and substantial detached family homes. With average property prices in EH17 8 reaching around £310,000, making an informed decision based on a professional survey is essential. Our inspectors will examine all accessible areas of the property, from the roof and walls to the plumbing and electrical systems, providing you with a detailed report that helps you negotiate a fair price or request repairs before completion.
The EH17 8 postcode covers several distinct neighbourhoods including Gilmerton, Mortonhall, and the areas around Liberton and Gracemount. Each of these localities has its own character and housing stock, which means our surveyors approach each inspection with an understanding of the specific challenges properties face in that location. Whether you are looking at a property near the popular Gilmerton Primary School or a home in the more rural surroundings of Mortonhall, our local expertise ensures you receive a survey that addresses the real issues affecting properties in this part of south Edinburgh.

£310,579
Average House Price
£400,758
Detached Properties
£278,650
Semi-Detached Properties
£260,629
Terraced Properties
£170,602
Flats
Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible elements. We examine the overall structure, including walls, roof, floors, and ceilings, looking for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, or deterioration. In EH17 8 properties, particularly those built in the mid-to-late 20th century, we commonly find issues related to aging roof coverings, outdated insulation, and original plumbing systems that may need updating. Our surveyors also check the condition of windows, doors, and joinery, as well as any extensions or alterations that may have been made to the property.
The inspection covers all key building services, including the electrical system, heating, and plumbing. We assess whether these installations meet current safety standards and are in good working order. For properties in areas like Gilmerton and Mortonhall, where there is a mix of older and newer housing stock, our surveyors pay particular attention to potential issues such as cavity wall insulation problems, window condensation, and the condition of any communal areas if you are purchasing a flat. The report we provide includes clear ratings for each area inspected - Condition Rating 1 (no repairs needed), Condition Rating 2 (repairs needed but not urgent), and Condition Rating 3 (urgent repairs required).
We also identify any legal issues that may affect the property, including matters that should be raised with your solicitor. This includes checking for planning permissions and building regulations compliance for any extensions or alterations, which is particularly important in EH17 8 where many properties have been extended over the years. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to proceed with your purchase with confidence, or to renegotiate the price if significant issues are found.
Edinburgh's geology can sometimes affect properties in the EH17 area, and our surveyors are trained to identify signs of ground movement or subsidence that may be related to the local soil conditions. While EH17 8 is not typically considered a high-risk area for mining legacy, we still check for any signs of structural stress that could indicate underlying ground issues. This attention to local factors sets our surveys apart from generic inspections that may miss area-specific concerns.
Source: Zoopla 2024
Our team of RICS chartered surveyors brings years of experience in inspecting properties throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. We understand that buying a home is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, and our detailed survey reports help protect your investment. Each surveyor in our team is fully qualified and regulated by RICS, ensuring you receive a professional service that meets the highest industry standards. We aim to inspect your property within days of your booking and deliver your comprehensive report promptly, helping you stay on track with your purchase timeline.
When you book a RICS Level 2 survey with us, you are not just getting a standard inspection - you are gaining access to local expertise. Our surveyors know the common issues affecting properties in EH17 8, from the older sandstone constructions in parts of Gilmerton to the more recent developments near Mortonhall. This local knowledge allows us to provide context-specific advice that generic surveys cannot match. Whether you are buying a modern flat or a traditional family home, our detailed report gives you the leverage you need to negotiate with sellers or make an informed decision about proceeding.
The EH17 8 postcode includes several distinct property markets. For example, properties in EH17 8TT near Gilmerton have seen price increases of up to 25% in recent years, while EH17 8UG saw increases of 28%. Understanding these local market dynamics helps our surveyors provide accurate valuations and contextual advice. We know which areas have seen rapid development and can advise on potential issues with newer constructions, as well as the typical defects found in older properties that remain prevalent in certain streets and developments throughout the postcode.

Choose a convenient date and time for your property inspection. We offer flexible appointments to fit your buying timeline, and we can often accommodate inspections within just a few days of your booking. Our online booking system makes it simple to select a time that works for you.
Our chartered surveyor visits the property and conducts a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas, taking photographs and notes on the property's condition. The inspection typically takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on the size and type of property. We examine the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and all building services.
Within 3-5 working days of the inspection, you receive your comprehensive RICS Level 2 survey report by email, with clear ratings and recommendations. The report includes a market valuation specific to the EH17 8 area, a rebuild cost for insurance purposes, and clear guidance on any issues discovered during the inspection.
Go through your report with your solicitor or mortgage lender. Use the findings to negotiate repairs or a price reduction if needed. If the survey reveals significant issues, we can advise whether a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey might be appropriate for the property.
A RICS Level 2 survey is particularly valuable in the EH17 8 area where property prices vary significantly between different postcodes and property types. With prices ranging from £170,000 for flats to over £400,000 for detached homes, understanding the true condition of your potential new home before you commit is essential. Our survey can reveal issues that are not visible during viewings and may save you thousands in unexpected repair costs.
Your RICS Level 2 survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, even if you have no prior experience with property inspections. The report begins with a summary of the property's overall condition and highlights any urgent issues that require immediate attention. Each section of the property is given a Condition Rating, making it simple to identify which areas need the most attention. We include practical advice on what to do next, whether that means getting specialist reports for specific issues or budgeting for necessary repairs.
For properties in the EH17 8 area, common findings in our Level 2 surveys include aging roof coverings that may need replacement within the next few years, original windows that could benefit from upgrading, and electrical systems that may not meet current regulations. We also check for signs of damp or condensation, which can be a particular issue in some of the older properties in this part of Edinburgh, especially those with solid walls rather than cavity wall construction. The report includes market valuation, which is based on our surveyor's assessment of the property's worth in current market conditions, and an insurance rebuild cost for your mortgage lender.
One of the key benefits of the RICS Level 2 survey is that it is specifically designed for properties in reasonable condition. If our surveyor finds significant issues that suggest the property is in poor condition, they may recommend upgrading to a RICS Level 3 Building Survey, which provides a more detailed and comprehensive inspection. This level of service is particularly useful for older properties or those that may require significant renovation. Whatever the outcome, our report gives you the information you need to proceed with confidence or to renegotiate the terms of your purchase.
The valuation element of our survey is particularly valuable in the EH17 8 market, where property prices can vary considerably between neighbouring streets. Our surveyors use their local knowledge of the Gilmerton, Mortonhall, and surrounding areas to provide an accurate market valuation that reflects current conditions. This is especially important in areas like EH17 8UG where prices have increased by 28% year-on-year, as understanding the true value of the property in its current condition helps you make an informed offer.
A RICS Level 2 survey includes a thorough visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property, covering the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, chimneys, and services like plumbing and electrics. The report includes a market valuation, rebuild cost for insurance, condition ratings for each area, and advice on any urgent repairs needed. It also highlights potential legal issues to discuss with your solicitor, including checking that any extensions or alterations have the necessary planning permissions and building regulations approvals.
RICS Level 2 survey prices in EH17 8 typically start from around £400 for standard properties, with the exact cost depending on the property's size, type, and value. Larger properties or those with unusual features may cost more. For example, a substantial detached property in an area like EH17 8XW near Mortonhall, where average property values exceed £340,000, would be priced accordingly. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and you can get a quote by using our online booking system.
While new build properties in EH17 8 may have fewer visible defects than older homes, a RICS Level 2 survey is still recommended. New builds can have issues such as incomplete work, problems with windows and doors, or defects in fixtures and fittings that may not be apparent during a viewing. We have seen new build developments in areas like EH17 8SH and EH17 8ER where our surveys have identified snagging issues that needed addressing. A survey provides valuable documentation of the property's condition for warranty purposes and ensures any defects are identified before your warranty period expires.
The actual inspection typically takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. A larger detached house in an area like EH17 8TT will take longer than a flat in the same postcode. After the inspection, you will receive your written report within 3-5 working days. We can sometimes accommodate faster turnaround times if required for your purchase timeline, though this may incur an additional fee.
Yes, we strongly encourage buyers to attend the survey. This gives you the opportunity to see any issues firsthand and to ask the surveyor questions about the property. Your presence also helps you understand the findings in the final report. We recommend arriving towards the end of the inspection so the surveyor can walk you through their initial observations. This is particularly valuable in the EH17 8 area where properties can vary significantly in construction type and condition between different streets and developments.
If the survey identifies significant issues, such as structural defects or urgent repairs needed, you have several options. You can request that the seller carries out repairs before completion, negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to cover the cost of repairs, or in some cases, withdraw from the purchase if the issues are too severe. Your solicitor can advise on the best course of action based on the survey findings. In the EH17 8 market, where property prices have shown significant variation, having a detailed survey gives you valuable negotiating power.
Properties in the EH17 8 area present several common issues that our surveyors frequently identify. Many properties in Gilmerton and surrounding areas were built in the mid-to-late 20th century, meaning roof coverings and windows may be approaching the end of their useful life. We often find that original plumbing systems in these properties may need updating, and electrical installations may not meet current regulations. For properties with solid walls, damp and condensation can be a concern, particularly in the winter months. Our surveyors are familiar with these common issues and know what to look for in each specific street and development within the EH17 8 postcode.
Our surveyors determine the property valuation based on their expert assessment of the property's worth in current market conditions, taking into account the specific characteristics of the property and its location within EH17 8. We consider recent sales data for similar properties in the area, the condition of the property, and any issues identified during the inspection. For example, if you are purchasing in EH17 8UG where prices have increased significantly, we factor this into our valuation. The valuation provided in the report is accepted by most mortgage lenders and can be used for your mortgage application.
The property market in EH17 8 has shown significant activity in recent years, with some postcodes experiencing price increases of up to 28% year-on-year. Whether you are purchasing in the popular EH17 8TT area near Gilmerton, the EH17 8XW postcode near Mortonhall, or any of the other sub-areas within EH17 8, getting a professional survey is a smart investment. With average property values exceeding £290,000 in most parts of this postcode, the cost of a survey is minimal compared to the potential savings from identifying defects early.
Our RICS Level 2 surveys comply fully with RICS standards and are accepted by all major mortgage lenders. This means you can use the report for both your own information and your mortgage application. The valuation and rebuild cost provided in the report are based on current market conditions in the EH17 8 area, giving you and your lender accurate information for your purchase. Book your survey today and proceed with your property purchase knowing you have all the facts.
The EH17 8 area represents a diverse property market with something for every buyer, from modern new builds to traditional sandstone homes. However, each property type comes with its own set of potential issues that only a professional survey can identify. Our chartered surveyors have extensive experience in this postcode and understand the unique characteristics of properties in Gilmerton, Mortonhall, and the surrounding areas. By choosing our service, you benefit from this local expertise and receive a report that is tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities presented by properties in this part of south Edinburgh.

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Professional Homebuyer Survey by RICS Chartered Surveyors
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Homemove is a trading name of HM Haus Group Ltd (Company No. 13873779, registered in England & Wales). Homemove Mortgages Ltd (Company No. 15947693) is an Appointed Representative of TMG Direct Limited, trading as TMG Mortgage Network, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 786245). Homemove Mortgages Ltd is entered on the FCA Register as an Appointed Representative (FRN 1022429). You can check registrations at NewRegister or by calling 0800 111 6768.