Your RICS home and property surveying service

Arranging a home survey and receiving a survey report is an important part of the home-buying process in the UK. A home buyer's survey ensures you are aware of any potential structural issues with the property before it's too late.

Get your RICS home survey quote

moving portal surveys image of woman performing a house survey

Our services

Home
Our services
Your home survey

Home surveys explained

Once your offer on a house has been accepted, there’s lots to do and arrange, including booking a RICS home buyers survey which is an inspection carried out by a qualified surveyor. However, choosing the right home survey for your needs can be overwhelming. Here at My Home Move Conveyancing, we have broken down the home surveying and report process to make it easier to find the right qualified RICS surveyor.

Continue reading to find out more about home buyers surveys, including when you need to book your property survey (sooner rather than later!), and the different survey options available. You can also get a home survey quote today from our trusted partner The Moving Portal and see how they can help.

Which RICS home building survey is best for you?

Find out the difference between the different levels of RICS property surveys and what they include.

RICS home survey Level 1:
This level of home survey is most suited for new build properties or homes in good condition. The Level 1 home buyers’ survey is the most basic of the RICS surveys and reports. Your report will include a brief overview of the condition of the property and include any legal issues concerning the property. This is why a RICS qualified home surveyor needs to carry out the survey, so no legal concerns are missed.
RICS home survey Level 2:
This level of home survey is most suitable for standard homes in a reasonable condition. The Level 2 home buyers survey is a visual inspection and search of the property, which raises any structural, subsidence, damp, or any other issues that could affect the property’s value. You can also request a valuation survey on top of the Level 2 (at an additional cost), where they will provide an independent view of the property’s market value. This level of buyers’ survey offers great value for the majority of property buyers, when not purchasing a new build home.
RICS home survey Level 3:
This level of home survey is Ideal for older, extended, and structurally modified properties or those of ‘non-standard’ construction, as the Level 3 survey report is the most comprehensive. You will get an in-depth report that provides information on the structure and fabric of the property, as well as advice on structural defects, repairs, and what could happen if the issues raised aren’t addressed. This full-building survey is a great choice for buyers who are looking to purchase a fixer-upper property investment, as the surveyor will be looking for any issues that may impact the property.

surveyor completing a home buyers survey report

Want more information on surveys and estimated costs? Check out our surveys guide

Home survey guide

Which home survey should you get?

Whether you're buying a new build property or an old English cottage, or whether it's a residential purchase or an investment, if you’re unsure which level of home buyers survey you need, our trusted partner, The Moving Portal, will advise which home survey may be best for your purchase. Get your RICS home buyers survey quote.

Should you book your RICS survey before buying a house?

The best time to book your survey is once you’ve had your buying offer accepted, you have confirmed your mortgage offer, and your lender has arranged a valuation.

Arranging your survey as early in the property buying process as possible helps to flag potential issues that could affect your purchase, before it’s too late.

What other types of home surveys are there?

female home surveyor completing a snagging survey on a new build

RICS property valuation report:
A property valuation report provides a market value for the property, based on a surveyor's independent review. You will need this valuation report if using a mortgage to buy a property, as the lender uses it to protect their investment and make sure they are not lending more than a house is worth. You may find it’s included as part of your mortgage deal, or you may have to pay for this independently.
Help to Buy property valuation report:
This report provides an independent valuation of the property’s current market value. You’ll need this report if you bought a home using the Government’s Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme and want to sell the property or repay the government loan. This is because the amount that needs repaying depends on the value of the property at the time of repayment.
Home snagging survey:
When you buy a new-build property or a property off-plan, you will need a snagging survey before you move in. The snagging survey will provide a list of any issues that don’t meet the warranty standards, and minor cosmetic issues, such as cracked paint. Your developer should then fix the items on the list before you move in.

How to choose a qualified surveyor?

There are a few steps you should take to choose the best surveyor for you. Make sure they are regulated by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and be sure to look at their reviews. Make sure that they are local to you, as well as getting a quote to factor in their costs. Get a home buyers survey quote from our trusted partner today, or find out more information about surveys in our helpful home buyers survey guide.

What does a house surveyor look for?

When conducting a house survey, a surveyor will often prioritise checking the following key areas:

1
Structural integrity
Assess for any cracks, subsidence, or signs of movement that could indicate structural issues, ensuring the building is stable and safe.
2
Roof condition
Inspect the condition of the roof, looking for missing tiles, leaks
3
Damp and moisture
Identify any signs of dampness, such as stains, peeling wallpaper, or a musty smell, which can lead to costly repairs and health issues.
4
Plumbing and electrics
Check the plumbing system for leaks, water pressure, and the condition of pipes. Review the condition of the wiring, fuse box, and outlets to ensure they meet safety standards and won’t require immediate upgrades or repairs.
5
Insulating spray foam
Ensure the insulation has been applied properly and flag any potential concerns that might affect your mortgage eligibility or long-term maintenance costs.

Building survey FAQs

The average cost of property surveys in the UK varies depending on the type of survey you choose:
A Level 1 Condition Report offers a basic overview of the property's condition, usually costing between £300 and £700.
A Level 2 HomeBuyer Report provides a more detailed inspection with advice on major issues, typically rangingranges from £400 to £1,000.
And for the most thorough check, a Level 3 Building Survey (also called a full building survey or structural survey) usually costs between £600 and £1,500 or more, depending on the size, age, and location of the property.
Structural surveys tend to be the most comprehensive and expensive option, while Level 1 and 2 surveys offer more affordable choices for standard properties. Always get quotes from qualified surveyors to understand the average cost and what’s included before deciding which survey is right for you.
Get your house survey quote
A Level 2 property survey is a quicker, less detailed check, while a Level 3 property survey is a comprehensive, in-depth inspection.
A Level 2 survey, often called a HomeBuyer Report, provides a general overview of a property’s condition. It highlights any major defects, urgent repairs, and issues that might affect the property's value or safety. It’s suitable for standard properties in reasonable condition.
A Level 3 survey, known as a Building Survey or full structural survey, is much more detailed. It examines all aspects of the property’s structure and fabric, including hidden problems and potential future issues. The report also includes advice and estimated costs to fix issues. This survey is recommended for older, larger, or unusual properties, or if you plan major renovations.
The buyer arranges the house survey after making an offer on a property. They choose a qualified surveyor, who will then contact the seller to agree on a convenient day and time to inspect the property’s condition. Sometimes, mortgage lenders require a valuation survey before approving a loan, but they will organise this themselves. As the buyer, it’s important to arrange the survey early to avoid delays in the buying process.
Do I really need a home buyers survey? Although you can buy a house without a property survey, it’s generally not recommended. A survey helps identify any hidden problems with the property that could be costly down the line. Skipping a home survey might save time or money upfront, but it increases the risk of unexpected expenses later. If you’re confident in the property’s condition or it’s a new build with warranties, some buyers choose to skip it, but most experts advise getting at least a basic survey for peace of mind.
If your question hasn’t been answered, or for more information on property surveys, check out our full home buyers survey guide: What is a home buyers survey?

About The Moving Portal Surveyors

The Moving Portal are a multi award winning company and the UK’s largest independent survey provider. With 3,000 local RICS Chartered Surveyors across the country, they’re experts at what they do, and can take the stress out of home surveys.

They have a dedicated team that is always on hand to make sure you have all the information necessary to make the most informed decision on your new home and the bespoke online portal allows you to have 24/7 updates on the progress of your survey.

To get a live quote for your RICS Home Survey or to find out more about the surveys and services offered, visit The Moving Portal.

Contact

Your RICS home and property surveying service

Home surveys explained

Which RICS home building survey is best for you?

RICS home survey Level 1:

RICS home survey Level 2:

RICS home survey Level 3:

Want more information on surveys and estimated costs? Check out our surveys guide

Which home survey should you get?

Should you book your RICS survey before buying a house?

What other types of home surveys are there?

RICS property valuation report:

Help to Buy property valuation report:

Home snagging survey:

How to choose a qualified surveyor?

What does a house surveyor look for?

Structural integrity

Roof condition

Damp and moisture

Plumbing and electrics

Insulating spray foam

Building survey FAQs

How much does a building survey cost in the UK?

What is the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 property survey?

Is a home buyers survey worth it?

How long does a home buyers survey take?

Who arranges a house survey?

Do conveyancers conduct house surveys?

Can I buy a house without a survey?

About The Moving Portal Surveyors

We're here to help

Conveyancing team

Move Specialist team

General Enquiries