Compare Homebuyer Surveys in London
Moving House in London? Save Up To 70% On Your RICS Level 2 Survey
If you need a professional and verified property surveyor in London, you’re in the right place. At Compare My Move, we can match you with up to 6 RICS registered property surveyors so you can compare London surveyor quotes. We can even help you to save up to 70% on your surveying costs too.
Rest assured, all of our surveying partners go through a strict verification process before we allow them to join. They are all RICS registered with a fully working and legitimate website. Our dedicated business team monitor all companies closely and any red flags will not be tolerated. You’re only ever matched with highly-qualified and professional surveyors in London.
Home to the most expensive property market in the UK, London is a city with a rich history and a varied architectural heritage. The average property price in London stands at £485,794, making it even more important to get a property survey before you commit to buying property in the city.
Our London Chartered Surveyors
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Prinsegate Chartered Surveyors
9 Copsem Drive, Esher, KT10 9HD
Prinsegate Chartered Surveyors is a firm of RICS chartered surveyors, specialising in Level 3 surveys in Surrey and London, offering industry-leading standards of customer service.
based on 31 reviews"Yes they were very good! They got the survey done very quickly which was amazing. Very good at replying to emails. All in all a very good survey. I would highly recommend! "
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Maitlands Acorn Professional
9 St Marks Road, Bromley, BR2 9HG
Maitlands Acorn Professional is a RICS regulated firm of chartered surveyors providing high-quality and affordable property surveys and valuations in London, Surrey, Kent, Essex and Sussex since 1983.
based on 21 reviews"Excellent, highly recommend my surveyor, Nicole Jeffries, was excellent and provided such valuable advice. Survey was also booked in quickly and the report available the next day."
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London Local Property Surveyor
Level 3 207 Regent Street, London, W1B 3HH
London Local Property Surveyor is a RICS regulated firm of chartered surveyors, offering expert and affordable RICS property surveys across London in a quick and professional manner.
based on 18 reviews"Miles went above and beyond what we ever expected from a surveyor. He communicated with us proactively, providing a summary as soon as he had viewed the property. He went back to the property on multiple occasions when the weather prevented him from getting a good view of the roof. Miles even spoke to our neighbors to understand if they had experienced similar issues that the property we were purchasing had. I could not speak more highly of Miles and the service he provides "
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Alexander Surveying Services
2 Woolden House, Connaught Avenue, London, E4 7AF
Alexander Surveying Services are based in London and offer our RICS regulated chartered surveying services across Greater London and the surrounding areas.
based on 12 reviews"Alexander Surveying was great from start to finish. Great customer service on the phone every time, and they were very attentive to our needs, as well as, really understanding when there was an access mishap from the Estate Agency which we had to reschedule over. The survey itself was very detailed and helped us make an informed decision when it came to renegotiating with the vendors. I would really recommend them highly!"
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Crowes Property Surveys
1 Kent House, 81 High Street, Cranleigh, GU4 7XN
Established in 1991, we are Crowes Property Surveys. We are proud to provide a RICS Homebuyer Report (Level 2 Survey) and a RICS Full Building Survey (Level 3 Survey).
based on 11 reviews"Very polite and efficient. Completed in good time with a comprehensive report at a very good price."
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FP Surveying
The Finance Planning Group, Hurstwood Grange, Haywards Heath, RH17 7QX
FP Surveying have an in-depth knowledge of the chartered property surveying industry, offering a RICS building survey (Home Survey Level 3) and homebuyer report (Home Survey Level 2).
based on 14 reviews"Proactive and professional service, strongly recommended it. I was able to arrange the survey and receive the survey report in 2 days from my first contact. "
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Camsure Homes
The Thatch, 3 Dock Lane, Cambridge, CB25 9JF
Based in Cambridge, Camsure Homes provide our RICS homebuyer report (Level 2 Survey), building survey (level 3 Survey) and valuation across Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and parts of Bedfordshire.
based on 69 reviews"They organised The viewing directly with the Estate agent. The report was sent on time and very detailed."
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Kirk-Brown Limited Chartered Surveyor
Chequers Cottage, Lower Road, Maidstone, ME15 0PE
Kirk-Brown are a professional and friendly chartered surveyor based in Maidstone, Kent. Our 25 years of experience in the surveying industry has given us an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of property surveys.
based on 23 reviews"Excellent. Professional. Courteous. Thorough. Prompt. "
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Reliable Property Group
188 Hither Green Lane, Hither Green, London, SE13 6QB
Based in London, Reliable Property Group are a RICS registered London chartered surveyors.
based on 53 reviews"Very polite, competitive pricing. Survey carried out quickly, report was comprehensive and arrived within a few days.From start to finish, a great service."
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C&C Surveying
Block D, 1st Floor Southgate Office Village, Chase Rd, London, N14 6HF
A professional and experienced chartered surveying company, C&C Surveying provide a first-class surveying service.
based on 56 reviews"I had a great experience with C&C. Natalie was extremely helpful over the phone and offered a great deal on top of the quote for Level 2 Homebuyers Survey. The survey was booked in quickly and the report was supplied the very next working day, and contained excellent detail and photos."
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Norwoods Survey
Hoxton Mix Ltd, 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE
Norwoods Survey specialises in RICS Homebuyer Reports and Building Surveys across London, helping homebuyers make an informed decision on properties.
based on 8 reviews"Professional company! Process was smooth from the starting enquiry to me receiving my report. A+"
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Parabola Chartered Surveyors
Camberley House, London, NW1 4AX
Based in London, Parabola Ltd is an independent firm of chartered surveyors providing a wide range of residential property surveying service.
based on 16 reviews"I specifically chose Parabola following relatively extensive reviews of around seven or eight chartered surveyors as I wanted a survey that yielded a thorough and detailed report. Well, Behrang certainly provided that; the service throughout was also excellent but the report itself was extremely comprehensive and very helpful.I would absolutely use Parabola again and would recommend them to anyone who is after a robust survey."
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Ark Surveyors Limited
Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX
Ark Surveyors Ltd are a team of independent RICS surveyors, with expertise in building surveys, homebuyer surveys and valuations.
based on 39 reviews"Booking was through a comparison site but the reviews were on the positive side, giving us the assurance to go ahead with Ark Surveyors.After making payment, the survey arrived in 7 days. Having emailed the report the surveyor followed up with a call, highlighting the concerns stated in the report. This gave us the belief we had used the right provider.The report was clearly laid out, making it easy to follow. I fully recommend Ark and will use them again if we go through another house purchase! "
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Sterlingworth Surveyors
Suite 29B Chessington Business Centre, Cox Lane, Chessington, KT9 1SD
Based in Surrey, Sterlingworth Surveyors are independent RICS surveyors offering a RICS Home Survey Level 2, RICS Home Survey Level 3 and professional valuations for when you’re purchasing property in Central, South, South West, West, North West, North London or surrounding areas.
based on 26 reviews"Very recommended survey, professional with the estimate of costs and everything we need before buying our house."
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Your Surveyors Ltd
Albion Place, Maidstone, ME14 5DZ
Your Surveyors puts you at the heart of what we do.
based on 42 reviews"I had an excellent service from Your Surveyor Ltd. Communication was fast and effective, we were able to arrange the visit quickly and the comprehensive report was received well within the published timeframes. The follow up calls with Garrett and his advice were really helpful too. Thanks a lot, I would highly recommend choosing Your Surveyor . "
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Landview Surveyors
Belgrave House 39-43, Monument Hill, Weybridge, KT13 8RN
Landview Surveyors are RICS regulated surveyors and valuers covering London and the South East. We provide professional and high-quality surveying services
based on 19 reviews"Efficient and friendly service. Excellent survey report, delivered on time. All questions answered. Would use again."
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Dunford Penrose Surveyors
Meadow End, Chattisham Road, Washbrook, Suffolk, EC1V 2NX
Dunford Penrose Surveyors are a firm of property surveyors covering London, East Anglia, and the South East.
based on 40 reviews"Everything was perfect. Nicki was very professional and price matched the lowest quote. I was called immediately after the survey for a comprehensive report, full report emailed within a few days. Highly recommended."
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Countrywide Home Surveys
Title Absolute Ltd, Broadhurst House, Manchester, M1 6EU
With over 450 in-house RICS qualified surveyors, Countrywide Home Surveys operates one of the largest, most trusted property surveying and valuation practices in the UK.
based on 47 reviews"Professional ready to explain all terms cannot understand "
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Phoenix Surveyors Limited
Unit 8, Old Forge Court, Colchester Road, Elmstead Market, CO7 7EA
Phoenix Surveyors offer a bespoke service to our clients. With over 20 years of experience in the property surveying industry, our surveyors have plenty of experience to call upon when carrying out your surveys.
based on 25 reviews"Excellent. Thorough report. Surveyor called me on the day to brief me and I was able to call him after if I had any questions. He also went beyond the report and gave me some sound unbiased advise on things I should consider and my next steps."
FAQs About Surveying in London
At Compare My Move, we work hard to bring you the most up-to-date research on everything you need to know for your move to London. Our data shows that the most popular survey type for our London users is a RICS Level 2 Survey, with most people needing the survey for flats.
Our research revealed that London is one of the worst affected areas in the UK for subsidence, and some areas are also affected by Japanese Knotweed. When you’re buying a property in London, your property surveyor will highlight the risk of these issues as well as other hidden defects.
Be Like Happy Mover Kirsty and Find the Perfect London Surveyor
Happy Movers highlights satisfied customers who received great service from Compare My Move and our partners. When first-time buyer Kirsty needed a last-minute surveyor, she came to us to find a surveyor who was able to assist her at short notice.
"He was just great - he came out very quickly. Really, really, really good.”
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What are the Most Popular Surveys in London?
Compare My Move’s data shows that the most popular survey type for our London users is a RICS Level 2 Survey, with 65% of people needing one in the capital. The remaining 35% of our London movers required a RICS Level 3 Survey. Our data reveals that 17% of people buying a terraced property required a RICS Level 2 Survey, whilst 15% needed a RICS Level 3 Survey.
Our data also shows that the majority of RICS Level 2 Surveys were needed for flats, with 39.47% of all RICS Level 2 Survey purchased for use on London flats. With only 2.5% of buyers needing property surveys for detached properties, our data shows how popular the sale of flats is in London.
The demand for purchasing existing properties is much higher than that for new build properties in London, with flats and maisonettes seeing a yearly increase in the value of 5.5%. Detached properties have seen a monthly decrease in value of -2.7%, making detached properties attractive to buyers. As many detached properties in London will be Victorian, you may require a RICS Level 3 Survey due to the age and condition of the property.
Although there were many high-rise residential tower blocks built in London after the second world war, there remains a fair amount of Georgian townhouses, Victorian detached properties, Edwardian terraced houses as well as the presence of Regency architecture that began after the Georgian era. The RICS Level 3 Survey is the most in-depth and comprehensive survey which will be able to highlight any structural damage that can commonly be found in older properties.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does London Have?
During the Georgian period, houses were built to make a profit for the first time and multiple properties were constructed at once. These expanded beyond the boundaries of the City of London following the Great Fire which destroyed most of London in 1666. These terraced properties are recognisable from their red bricks, tall windows and symmetrical style.
Examples of Regency architecture, from the end of the Georgian era, can be found in areas such as Belgravia and Regent’s Park, with an identifiable intricate white stucco front. You will also see a large amount of Edwardian properties in London. These terraced homes are still very popular today and can be found in many of London’s suburbs. These older homes which make up a large proportion of the landscape of London are best suited for a RICS Level 3 Survey.
For Victorian and Edwardian properties, many of their unique features have come back in vogue in recent years. These features were hidden or ripped out in the 60s and 70s, having been considered old-fashioned. You may find that you can unearth some of these features but read your survey thoroughly before undertaking any work to avoid causing or exacerbating an existing issue in the property.
Following the second world war, a large majority of residential housing had to be rebuilt, leading the way to the high rise blocks seen in London today. The trend of building upwards has remained in London, as space for new housing becomes more and more sparse.
| Listed Buildings | 605 |
| Conservation Areas | 27 |
| New Build Sales* | 369 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 5,200 |
*Based on data for 2023
Is Subsidence an Issue in London?
If you’re looking to buy a house in London, it’s important to look for signs of cracks as this could be subsidence. Subsidence can affect any property type, but considering that most properties in London are older buildings, you will need a property surveyor to carry out a RICS Level 3 Survey and assess the structure. The RICS Level 3 Survey will take an in-depth look at the property’s condition.
London is one of the most affected areas in the UK for subsidence, as shown in this UK Subsidence Map. Whilst there are many reasons for subsidence to occur, London’s biggest cause of subsidence is its expansion of cohesive soils. London has the highest shrink-swell clay hazard in the UK, meaning 1 in 50 houses in London suffer from subsidence.
The South-East of London is most affected by subsidence, so it’s even more vital to get a property survey if you’re looking to buy a house in South-East London. In Greater London, the majority of homes are built on London Clay which is at a high risk of shrinkage. There are many Victorian and Edwardian homes in North London that were built on soil that is at risk of shrinking, combine this with their shallow foundations and it increases the risk of subsidence.
To avoid any huge repair bills later down the line, you’ll need a chartered surveyor to carry out a survey. Compare My Move have plenty of London based surveyors we can connect you with. They’ll have in-depth knowledge of the local area so they will be familiar with the types of property and what to look for.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in London?
Japanese Knotweed was initially introduced to Britain in the 1840s as an ornamental plant. A shipment was sent to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew in London and was later sold commercially by nurseries.
It now grows aggressively along waterways, in parks, along railways and in gardens across the UK. If you are buying a property in London nearby water or a rail line, it is thoroughly recommended that you hire a surveyor to identify if the plant is an issue on or around the property.
Japanese Knotweed is described by the Environmental Agency as “indisputably the UK’s most destructive and invasive plant”. According to data released by Environet, Clapham Common in South London is the number one worst affected area in London, with 192 infestations. Following closely was Pollard’s Hill in Norbury, with 150 infestations reported.
Regent’s Park, home to grand properties of the Regency era, had the third-highest concentration, with 129 cases of knotweed within 4km. Environet estimates that the plant currently affects 5% of all UK properties. Japanese Knotweed can reduce the value of your home and many mortgage lenders can and will refuse a loan for a house plagued with the plant.
A property surveyor will be able to identify if the house you are looking to purchase has Japanese Knotweed within its boundaries and if the plant is present on neighbouring grounds.
