How to Find a RICS Surveyor
Once you’ve found a house or flat you want to make an offer on, you’ll need to find a surveyor to carry out the correct type of property survey.
The best way to find a surveyor is by comparison websites or recommendations that you trust. You should only choose a RICS regulated surveyor to ensure you receive a high standard of service.
Choosing a Surveyor
Knowing where to begin when finding a chartered surveyor can be challenging. Here’s some things to look out for when choosing a surveyor.
1. Regulated by RICS or RPSA
For the Level 2, Level 3 and Valuation Report, you should only hire a chartered surveyor that’s regulated by RICS. If you're getting a Snagging Survey or Party Wall Survey, make sure they're RICS or RPSA. Use the search tool on RICS to ensure your surveyor is accredited.
2. Experience
Before choosing your surveyor, it’s important to learn of their experience, which is usually listed on their website While a newly qualified surveyor can still do a great job, you might require a surveyor with an in-depth or wide variety of experience for your survey. You could ask them for more information on their surveying experience and services for further peace of mind.
3. Recommendations
Ask your family and friends if they can recommend a surveyor that they’ve previously used. You can trust your family and friends to only put you in touch with a trusted surveyor. You’ll be reassured knowing that they did a good job for someone you trust.
4. Price
You should be wary of surveyors offering their services for too high or cheap. There is a good chance there could be hidden fees or you could have been overcharged. Many people opt to go for the middle ground and compare surveying costs to get an average quote
5. Reviews
It’s important to check the surveyor’s reviews before you make a decision. Look for a company that has mainly 5-star reviews. It goes without saying, you should avoid companies that have generally bad reviews as this gives an indication of the service they offer.
6. Local Area Knowledge
It’s always recommended to hire a local surveyor who will have good knowledge of the local area. Many large surveying companies have surveyors based all across the UK, and while they still offer a good service, they might not be familiar with the history of the properties in your area.
Where to Find a Surveyor?
Finding the right surveyor when you’re buying a house will give you peace of mind throughout the process. Below we list the best methods to find a reliable and verified surveyor to help with your house purchase.
1. Comparison Websites
Using a comparison website to find a surveyor is the safest way to go about it. You’ll be provided with a few choices of chartered surveyors to take your pick from. Compare My Move will connect you with up to 6 surveyors so you can compare quotes and get the best possible price for the survey.
2. Local Surveying Companies
It’ll make more sense to choose a surveyor that is local to you. They will have more knowledge of the local area and could come in handy if you’re buying a listed building or a less conventional property.
3. Independent Surveyors
You’re likely to get a better service for your surveying cost if you pick an independent surveyor rather than a large company. Big surveying firms are carrying out hundreds of surveys a day and will lack a personalised service, whereas an independent surveyor will take the time to get to know the property and your situation.
It's usually best to have your own ‘independent’ expert who is not related to the transaction and is truly ‘independent’ of the sale. Many of the larger firms rely on successful sales to help them sell related services, such as mortgage valuations, insurance and conveyancing and have reciprocal work-sharing arrangements with other large firms offering these services.
4. Specialist Services
If the property you’re going to be buying has complications or requires specific specialist care and knowledge, you can narrow down your search for a surveyor. If the property has a damp problem, see if your surveyor can also offer a damp survey, too. This won’t always be possible, but it’s always a good idea to talk to the surveyor and see if they can pay particular attention to any specific concerns that you have.
5. Mortgage Adviser/Lender
Your mortgage adviser or lender usually has a list of surveyors they work with. They can recommend one of these for you or you have the choice to find yourself. These surveyors are typically large UK companies with surveyors based in many locations.
“I read the reviews and that's what I really liked about the person. There were lots of reviews that had referenced him individually and how helpful he'd been. He was just great."
Kirsty Kenney, Compare My Move Happy Mover
Be like Kirsty Kenney and find a quality RICS surveyor.
Our Happy Movers feature highlights customers who have had a great moving experience using our service. Be like Happy Mover Kirsty Kenney and find a quality RICS surveyor.
When Do I Need a Surveyor?
The buyer will need to organise a property survey soon after your house offer has been accepted. The type of survey you'll need will depend on the property type:
If the property you’re buying is a new-build - You will need a Snagging Survey if you’re buying a new build home. There shouldn’t be major issues as the house hasn't been previously owned, so there isn't always a need for a traditional property survey, although many people also like to arrange a Condition Report just to be sure and pick up on any significant matters that sometimes arise.
If the property you’re buying is conventional and fairly new - You will usually need a home Condition Report if the property is modern, recently built and remains in a good condition. This survey is the most basic and will tend to focus on any key areas of significant concern, but will leave out much of the detail of the other reports where it doesn’t apply.
If the property you’re buying is less than 50 years old - You will probably need a HomeBuyer Report if the house you’re buying is relatively new, built with modern and common materials. This is the most common survey, it’s also cheaper than a building survey.
If the property you’re buying is over 50 years old - You will need a Building Survey if the house you’re buying is an older or listed building that needs or has had major renovation work. This is the most comprehensive survey as it will carry out an in-depth assessment of the house.
To learn more, read types of house survey.
What is RICS?
RICS, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, is the official body that monitors and regulates chartered surveyors. You should only hire a surveyor that is regulated by RICS so you have peace of mind that your survey will be carried out by a qualified and experienced professional.
You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of finding a RICS surveyor for your house purchase. RICS will be responsible for the regulation and conduct of its members, meaning they should take action if you were to complain about your surveyor’s behaviour.
Finding a Surveyor
Compare My Move matches customers with up to 6 surveyors operating in their local area. Simply fill in our surveying comparison form to compare quotes and save up to 70% on your surveying fees.
Need a Removal Company?
Arranging a removal company is an important part of your house move. Our integrated surveying and removal comparison form allows you to compare quotes from up to 6 surveyors and up to 6 removal companies. You can choose the right companies for your needs and save up to 70% on your removal costs.
Learn More About Surveying
This article is part of our guide to surveying. Next we'll look at the cost of a survey. To learn more read How Much Does a House Survey Cost in 2022?
