RICS House Surveys: Compare Types & Costs

National Coverage

Panel of RICS Surveyors

Same week availability*

Cost from £375 EXC VAT

Reports in 5 Days**

As featured in:

Types of RICS House Surveys

Choose the survey service you need.

RICS Level 2 Home Survey

RICS Level 3 Home Survey

Property Valuation

Subsidence Survey

Asbestos Survey

Damp Survey

Call or email for a quote on 0333 344 3234 / help@samconveyancing.co.uk, or Ask a Free Online Question.

What do surveyors look for in a house survey?

During a physical inspection, an RICS surveyor looks for visual signs of defects, structural movement, and indicators of the property's overall condition. Depending on the level of survey you choose, this will typically include checking for:

What does a house survey include?

The inclusions depend entirely on the level of survey you instruct. We have hand-selected a nationwide panel of highly qualified RICS professionals to ensure we can provide the exact reporting you need. Alongside standard Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, we also facilitate targeted specialist inspections:

What is included in a Level 2 Home Survey? A Level 2 House survey is a visual, non-intrusive inspection of the inside and outside of the building and any permanent outbuildings. The surveyor won't lift fitted carpets or boards, but will flag in their report if there is visible evidence of a hidden defect. It will provide a detailed report on the property's overall condition. It is not an exhaustive inspection, and no tests are undertaken. It includes a valuation as well as a reinstatement value for insurance purposes, which Level 3 does not. Level 2 RICS Survey

What is included in a Level 3 Home Survey? A Level 3 House survey is a more thorough and detailed inspection of the inside and outside of the building and any permanent outbuildings. The surveyor will spend much longer inspecting the property, with greater attention to the roof, grounds, floors, and services. They will aim to establish how the property is built, the materials used and how they are likely to perform in the future, as well as outlining repair options and timelines, as well as risks of not acting. Level 3 RICS Survey

What is included in a Snagging Survey? Your surveyor will examine all aspects of the build and fabric of the property to check that it matches the plans and specifications which the developer set down for it and is generally finished to a high standard. It will identify any visible defects such as cracked tiles, leaking plumbing and sloppy painting. Snagging Survey

What is included in a current market valuation? A property valuation report will include a detailed analysis of factors which influence the market value of your house. For example, location, property condition and local market. Your surveyor will take notes and photographs, then compile them into a valuation report for you. Providing an accurate and unbiased valuation for sale, buy-out, transfer or staircasing. This valuation does not include a reinstatement value for insurance purposes. Valuation Survey

Specialist house surveys

In addition to the main three RICS house surveys, you may require a specialist survey to investigate a specific, isolated defect. If a general surveyor discovers something suspicious during their main inspection (such as suspected damp or asbestos), they will recommend one of these targeted reports for a more detailed assessment.

What is included in an asbestos survey? An asbestos survey is an intrusive inspection where a specialist surveyor, wearing protective clothing, removes samples of the suspected asbestos to take away for further analysis. In the report, the surveyor states the type or types of asbestos found, how it can safely be removed and, depending on the survey provider, gives an estimate of how much removal will cost. Asbestos Survey

What is included in a damp & timber survey? Special equipment will be used to make an assessment (i.e. moisture meters), and your surveyor will put together a detailed report, explaining the process and their findings. It will include information about rising damp, penetrating damp, timber in contact with damp walls, timber decay and woodworm infestation, sub-floor ventilation, solid floors, condensation & sources of moisture Damp & Timber Survey

What is included in a Drain Survey? Drainage specialists install high-resolution CCTV into the drains to a problem location or locations or areas of concern using thin flexible pipes. Once installed, the operatives can leave the property and work remotely on data sent through from cameras. Once sufficient monitoring has taken place, the specialists can create a report about the issue/s, which will give options and accompanying costs for remedy with recommendations. Drain Survey

Structural house surveys

If subsidence or significant structural movement has been identified, or if you plan to make major load-bearing alterations to the building, you will require a highly technical structural house survey conducted by a qualified structural engineer:

What is included in a subsidence survey? Subsidence is usually first flagged in a Level 2 or Level 3 survey. If subsidence is suspected, you must instruct a structural engineer to inspect the property to determine whether the building is subsiding (very slowly falling down). This is different from a subsidence report. The subsidence survey will determine the extent of movement and associated damage, initial advice on the cause, remedial recommendations and whether temporary support is required, as well as whether an insurance claim may be appropriate. Subsidence Survey

What is included in a chimney breast removal survey? The structural engineer will aim to determine the strength and durability of the building and the potential impact of your project. They will determine what is needed, make any necessary structural calculations for your design and suggest the appropriate materials to use. You will need these structural calculations to submit to building control in order to get approval before you begin the project. Chimney Breast Survey

What is included in a load-bearing wall survey? The report will detail the strength and durability of the structure and the impact of removing the load-bearing wall. They will determine what additional support is needed to remove the wall while maintaining the building's structural integrity. They will provide structural calculations for your design and recommend appropriate materials. You will need these structural calculations to submit to building control in order to get approval before you begin the project. Load Bearing Walls

Get a House Survey Quote

Does your solicitor arrange the survey?

No, you are strictly responsible for arranging your own homebuyer surveys. However, when you choose SAM Conveyancing, we handle the entire booking and coordination process for you. We have negotiated 'better than direct' fees with our panel of surveyors to save you money.

Booking is easy. When you are ready to instruct, simply complete our online form or call us on 0333 344 3234.

During our call, we will discuss your property type and your renovation intentions to ensure you get the right level of reporting. We will then email you a competitively priced, fixed-fee quote setting out the exact scope of work. We simply require the following details from you:

• 1 Your full name and correspondence address;
• 2 The target property address;
• 3 The type and approximate age of the property; and
• 4 The estate agent's contact details for access.

We will then book one of our surveyors on the earliest available date (often the next working day, depending on the vendor's availability) or on a specific date of your choice. Our entire panel is strictly regulated by RICS, with every surveyor holding one of the following professional accreditations:

Andrew Boast FMAAT
CEO of SAM Conveyancing

Our Service Pledge to You

I founded SAM Conveyancing to deliver the exact standards I would expect to receive during my own property transactions—whether instructing a RICS survey or the conveyancing on my home. That is why my team makes this pledge to you:

• Guaranteed responsiveness: We reply to all enquiries within one working day; most commonly within 15 minutes.
• Dedicated support: A single, consistent point of contact to manage your transaction.
• Property expertise: A 100% UK-based team of property specialists.
• Plain English: Clear, jargon-free advice you can actually understand.

Read our complete Service Pledge.