Follow these four simple steps to match with local surveyors:
You may think that contacting a surveyor directly will get you a better deal. But here are a few reasons why comparing with us is the smarter choice.
When you compare through us, companies in your area compete for your business, leading to lower prices.
All partners must be verified and regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Avoid the hassle of reaching out to multiple companies. Let us do the hard work for you.
We collect feedback from all our users, helping you compare companies, and allowing you to make the best choice.
Excellent service provided by Merit Estates. Great communication, friendly and efficient. Would recommend to anyone.Cath Lumby
Excellent service, well worth the money. Checked everything in the house and a great report easy to followIan Cooper
Fantastic service received from Richard at BD surveyors. He was by far the cheapest quote I received!Elliott Fenn
Excellent service from start to finish. Didn't rush us to get one done, and suggested we wait until other parts of the buying process were complete before arranging a timeMatthew Bayley
Can't thank Rob enough, really helped me out. Was quick and gave me some helpful advice before completing the survey.Danielle Cross
Competitive price and good communication. Report was thorough and well presented.Fiona Mayo
Prompt, efficient and highly detailed service.Jenny Howard
The RICS Level 3 Survey (previously known as a Building Survey) is a comprehensive property survey. It provides detailed information on a property's structure and condition, helping you make an informed decision when buying a home.
Your survey report can outline any defects with the property. It also examines the causes and suggests required maintenance and repair work.
You should hire a RICS Chartered Surveyor to carry out a Level 3 Survey after your offer has been accepted and before the exchange of contracts. Any RICS surveyor with AssocRICS, MRICS or FRICS in their title can carry out a RICS Level 3 Survey.
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The RICS Level 3 Survey includes a thorough external and internal inspection of the property. Once your surveyor has examined all accessible areas of the property, they will create a detailed report of their findings.
It may include advice on whether further inspections are needed or specific concerns. These include:
Each aspect of the report will be given a condition rating of either 1, 2 or 3. Condition rating 1 means there are no repairs needed. A rating of 3 highlights urgent repairs. This is called the traffic light system.
Below is a sample report provided by Cambridge Building Surveyors.
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A RICS Level 3 is non-intrusive. Your surveyor will only check what’s visible and accessible. This includes:
Internally:
Externally:
Other:
A RICS Level 3 survey can be carried out on almost any type of property. It’s best suited to buildings over 80 years of age or properties with specific and obvious defects that need reviewing.
Property types that need a Building Survey:
A Level 3 Survey can take between 4 to 8 hours to complete. The report is usually completed within 3 to 7 working days. Exact timings vary depending on access and property size.
You will likely receive your survey report via email 3-7 working days after inspection. In some cases, it can be sent in the post for an extra charge.
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According to our user data, the average cost of a Level 3 survey in the UK is £629. The cost of a survey will depend largely on the value of the home and your location. The size of the property and the surveyor you choose will also influence the cost.
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In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for a survey.
In Scotland, the seller must legally provide copies of a Home Report to any prospective buyer. The seller must cover the cost, which is around £703 according to our data.
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A Level 3 Building Survey and a Structural Survey are two separate surveys:
Level 3 Survey:
Structural Survey:
Explore our expertly-reviewed guides on surveying and more.
How Much Does A House Survey Cost in the UK?
What is the Difference Between a Level 2 and Level 3 Survey?
Who Arranges A House Survey?
What Is a Property Surveyor?
Find answers to common questions about comparing and choosing the best house surveyors.
Compare nowThe main property surveys when buying a house are:
In Scotland, you'll need a Home Report, but it's the seller's responsibility to order this. It must be carried out before a sale is complete to ensure that buyers are aware of the property's condition.
Yes. Surveyors will open cupboards to check for hidden damage or defects that exist or potentially could get a lot worse. If this could injure the surveyor or the seller doesn't consent, the survey will not continue to assess the cupboards.
Yes. A surveyor will notify the buyer of the presence of Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants during their survey.
Yes. Surveyors will inspect the loft of a property. The roof is often where problems are easily hidden, especially as this is an area that isn't typically shown to buyers.
A surveyor is not an expert in boilers and electrics and may highlight the need for gas certificates and any documents regarding the gas and electrics. They can report if there are any obvious defects or anything that should be investigated further.
