Thorough structural surveys for all property types across Edinburgh's south-eastern suburbs








Our RICS Level 3 Survey represents the most detailed inspection available for residential properties in Edinburgh's EH16 6 postcode area. Formerly known as a full structural survey, this comprehensive assessment provides you with an in-depth understanding of any property's condition before you commit to your purchase. considering a Victorian terraced house in the Cameron Toll area or a modern detached home near the Royal Infirmary, our inspectors deliver the detailed analysis you need to make an informed decision about your potential investment in this sought-after Edinburgh suburb.
The EH16 6 area encompasses diverse residential neighbourhoods including Ferniehill, Gilmerton, and the housing developments around Shawfair. Properties in this postcode range significantly in age, construction, and condition, which makes the thoroughness of a Level 3 survey particularly valuable. Our team has extensive experience surveying properties across this Edinburgh suburb, from traditional sandstone-fronted homes to contemporary new builds, ensuring you receive accurate, area-specific assessment of any defects or potential issues that might affect your purchase decision.
With property prices ranging from £125,000 for smaller flats up to £728,000 for executive detached homes, the EH16 6 market represents significant investment for buyers in this part of Edinburgh. Our Level 3 Survey helps protect this investment by identifying hidden defects that might not be apparent during viewings, from structural movement in older properties to snagging issues in newer developments. The detailed report we provide gives you the ammunition you need to negotiate confidently with sellers or to budget accurately for any remedial works needed after completion.

£322,750
Average House Price
3,080+
Property Sales (12 Months)
£125,000 - £728,000
Price Range
£524,101
Detached Average
Our RICS Level 3 Survey provides an exhaustive examination of every accessible element of your potential property. The inspection covers the entire structure including walls, roofs, floors, foundations, and joinery, with particular attention to areas where defects are most likely to occur. Our inspectors systematically assess the condition of the building fabric, identifying both obvious issues and hidden problems that might not be apparent during a casual viewing. For properties in EH16 6, this means we carefully examine everything from the condition of traditional sandstone pointing on older properties to the insulation and damp-proofing in more recent constructions found throughout neighbourhoods like Ferniehill and Gilmerton.
The survey includes a detailed assessment of all building services such as plumbing, electrical installations, heating systems, and drainage. We check that these systems are functioning safely and identify any works that may be required to bring them up to current regulations. Our inspectors also evaluate the property's thermal efficiency and identify areas where improvements could reduce your future energy costs, which is particularly relevant for the mix of period and modern properties found throughout the EH16 6 area. In older properties, we often find outdated heating systems or inadequate insulation that could be addressed to improve the home's energy performance.
Unlike basic valuations, our Level 3 Survey delves into the structural integrity of the property with far greater depth. We assess load-bearing walls, ceiling joists, roof trusses, and foundations to ensure the building is structurally sound. For older properties in areas like Gilmerton and Cameron Toll, this structural assessment is especially important, as traditional construction methods may have different performance characteristics than modern buildings. We look for signs of past movement, settlement patterns, and any structural damage that could affect the long-term viability of your investment in this Edinburgh suburb.
Our survey also addresses legal and compliance matters that could affect your property. We check for potential breaches of building regulations, missing certificates for past alterations, and any planning issues that may impact the property. This is particularly relevant in the EH16 6 area where many properties have had modifications over the years, from extensions to conversions. Our detailed review helps ensure you're aware of any regulatory issues before completing your purchase.
Source: Zoopla 2024
Once you request a quote, we arrange a convenient appointment date that fits your timeline, typically within 3-5 working days of confirmation. Our team schedules the inspection at a time that suits you, and we provide clear instructions about what access we'll need. We require access to all areas of the property including the roof space, any accessible outbuildings, and utility meters. Our friendly office team handles all the logistics, keeping you informed throughout the booking process.
Our qualified RICS surveyor visits the property and conducts a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas, following the rigorous RICS Level 3 protocol. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours depending on property size and complexity, with our inspector working systematically through each area of the building. We photograph every defect found and assess the overall condition of the building fabric, services, and any outbuildings. For properties in the EH16 6 area, our local experience means we know exactly what to look for, whether it's assessing traditional sandstone pointing on a Cameron Toll villa or checking the construction quality of a modern Shawfair new build.
We compile our findings into a comprehensive RICS Level 3 Survey report delivered within 5-7 working days of the inspection, giving you plenty of time to review before your purchase deadline. The report includes clear descriptions of all identified issues, their likely cause, and recommended remediation options, all presented in our easy-to-understand format. We prioritise findings by urgency using our traffic-light system and provide cost guidance where possible, helping you plan for any works that may be needed. Your report also includes a market valuation and rebuild cost assessment specific to the EH16 6 area, reflecting current local market conditions.
For properties in EH16 6 exceeding £250,000, a Level 3 Survey is strongly recommended given the complexity of the local housing stock. With property prices ranging from traditional terraces at £257,960 to executive detached homes at £524,101, the detailed analysis provided by our survey helps protect your significant investment against hidden defects. The average property price in this area exceeds £320,000, and hidden defects can cost tens of thousands to remediate. Our survey gives you the knowledge to negotiate with confidence or to budget accurately for any remedial works, potentially saving you substantial money on your Edinburgh property purchase.
Our inspectors understand the unique characteristics of properties throughout the EH16 6 area, from the post-war semi-detached homes in Ferniehill to the conversions around Liberton and the new developments taking shape near Shawfair. We bring local knowledge to every inspection, meaning we know exactly what to look for whether we're assessing a traditional sandstone villa in Gilmerton or a modern timber-frame new build in one of the newer housing developments. This area-specific expertise allows us to identify issues that a less experienced surveyor might miss, giving you a more accurate picture of the property's true condition.
The Level 3 Survey is particularly valuable for properties in this area given the variation in construction types and ages found across the different neighbourhoods. Older properties may have hidden structural issues from decades of settlement, while newer developments might have snagging issues from rapid construction. Our detailed report equips you with the knowledge to negotiate either repairs or price adjustments with the seller before completing your purchase. We've seen firsthand how the mix of traditional sandstone construction and modern building methods in this part of Edinburgh can present unique challenges that require an experienced eye to identify properly.
buying a family home near the Royal Infirmary or investing in a property in the Cameron Toll area, our thorough survey gives you confidence in your purchase decision. The detailed findings help you understand exactly what you're buying, with no unpleasant surprises after you've completed. Our local presence in Edinburgh means we can offer competitive pricing and flexible appointment times to fit your buying timeline, making the survey process as straightforward as possible for EH16 6 property buyers.

Your RICS Level 3 Survey report is structured to provide clear, actionable information about the property's condition that you can use immediately. The report begins with an executive summary giving you an overview of the property's overall condition and any serious issues requiring urgent attention, so you can quickly grasp the key findings. This is followed by detailed sections covering each area of the property, from the roof down to the foundations, with specific references to any defects found during the inspection. We use plain language throughout, avoiding technical jargon wherever possible, so you don't need specialist knowledge to understand our findings.
Each defect identified in your report includes a clear description of the issue, our assessment of its cause, and our recommendation for remediation. We use a traffic-light rating system to indicate the urgency of repairs needed, with red for issues requiring immediate attention, amber for matters that should be addressed in the medium term, and green for minor cosmetic concerns. This system helps you prioritise and budget for any works required after your purchase. For properties in the EH16 6 area, our local knowledge allows us to provide accurate cost guidance based on what we've seen in similar properties locally.
The report also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost assessment, which can be useful for mortgage purposes and buildings insurance. For properties in the EH16 6 area, our local knowledge allows us to provide accurate valuations reflecting current market conditions across the different neighbourhoods from Cameron Toll to Shawfair. We also highlight any legal or planning issues that may affect the property, such as potential breaches of building regulations or missing certificates for alterations, ensuring you have the complete picture before committing to your purchase.
After receiving your report, our team remains available to answer any questions you might have about the findings. We can explain specific issues in more detail, recommend appropriate specialists if needed, and help you understand your options for moving forward. This ongoing support is particularly valuable when you're considering negotiating with sellers based on our findings, as we can provide additional context to help you present your case effectively.
Our Level 3 Survey identifies all visible defects including structural movement, damp penetration, rot in timber elements, roof condition, chimney stability, and issues with walls, floors, and ceilings. For EH16 6 properties, we pay particular attention to the condition of traditional sandstone pointing commonly found on older properties in areas like Gilmerton and Cameron Toll. We also check for any signs of past flooding or water damage, assess the state of older heating systems commonly found in post-war properties in Ferniehill, and evaluate the condition of any extensions or alterations that may have been carried out over the years. Our detailed inspection covers every accessible area to ensure you have a complete picture of the property's condition.
The inspection typically takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property, with larger or more complex properties requiring more time. A standard three-bedroom semi-detached house in Ferniehill or Gilmerton usually requires around 2-3 hours, while larger detached properties or those with annexes may take longer, particularly around the Shawfair development area where properties tend to be more modern but larger in footprint. We allow sufficient time to thoroughly examine all accessible areas including roof spaces, outbuildings, and any shared areas, ensuring our survey is as comprehensive as possible for your .
We actively encourage buyers to attend the survey inspection as this provides an opportunity to see any issues firsthand and ask questions about the property's condition as we find them. Your presence allows our inspector to explain findings in real-time and point out areas of concern that may not be immediately obvious, helping you understand exactly what we're looking at and why it matters. We find this helps buyers better understand the report and make informed decisions about their purchase, particularly for first-time buyers who may be less familiar with property construction and potential issues. Simply let our office know when booking if you'd like to attend, and we'll arrange a convenient time.
If our Level 3 Survey reveals significant defects, the report will provide detailed information about the issue, its implications for the property's structural integrity, and recommended remediation options so you understand exactly what you're dealing with. You can then use this information to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a reduction in the purchase price, which is particularly valuable in the EH16 6 market where property prices are substantial. In some cases, we may recommend further specialist investigation by structural engineers or other professionals for particularly complex issues, and we can provide guidance on who to contact for these additional assessments. Our goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to proceed with confidence.
While new builds typically have fewer issues than older properties, a Level 3 Survey is still highly recommended to protect your investment in what is likely to be your largest purchase. New construction can have defects that aren't immediately apparent, and our survey can identify snagging issues, construction shortcuts, or design flaws that may cause problems in future, particularly relevant for the newer developments around Shawfair and other parts of EH16 6. With the significant investment required for a new build property in this area, our detailed inspection provides valuable protection and . We check everything from window seals to drainage fall, ensuring your new home meets the standards you'd expect.
Survey costs in EH16 6 vary based on property value and type, with prices typically ranging from £600 for modest flats to over £1,000 for large detached properties in areas like Cameron Toll. The investment is worthwhile given that average property prices in this area exceed £320,000, and hidden defects can cost tens of thousands to remediate if left undiscovered. We provide competitive quotes with no hidden fees, and the survey cost is often recoverable through negotiation with sellers based on our findings. Request a quote online or call our team for a specific price for your property.
The Level 2 Survey provides a more basic visual assessment suitable for newer properties in good condition, while the Level 3 offers far more detailed analysis ideal for older, complex, or higher-value properties typical of the EH16 6 area. Given that many properties in this postcode are either traditional stone construction or relatively new builds with complex features, the Level 3 provides substantially more value. The Level 3 takes longer, covers more areas in detail, and includes comprehensive structural assessment, making it the better choice for most buyers in this market where property values average over £320,000.
We can typically arrange survey appointments within 3-5 working days of your booking confirmation, subject to availability and access arrangements with the property. Our local presence in Edinburgh means we're able to offer flexible appointment times to fit your buying timeline, including some Saturday availability for busy buyers. Once the inspection is complete, we'll deliver your comprehensive report within 5-7 working days, ensuring you have the information you need well before any purchase deadlines.
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Thorough structural surveys for all property types across Edinburgh's south-eastern suburbs
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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.