A building survey has two parts, and each has its own timescale. The on-site inspection typically takes a few hours, usually between two and four depending on the level of survey and the property. The written report then usually follows within about five working days. So from the inspection to reading your findings, most people are looking at roughly a week.
Below we break the timings down by survey level, explain what makes an inspection longer or shorter, and set out when you can expect the report.
How long the inspection takes
The inspection is the day the surveyor attends the property, walks it inside and out, and records its condition. How long that takes depends mainly on two things: the level of survey and the size of the property.
As a rough guide for the surveys we carry out:
- RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer): around 2 hours for a flat, or around 3 hours for a house.
- RICS Level 3 (Building Survey): around 2.5 to 3 hours for a flat, or around 3 to 4 hours for a house.
These are typical figures rather than fixed appointments. A small studio may take less; a large period house with cellars, outbuildings and a loft will take longer. The surveyor stays until the property has been properly assessed.
RICS Level 2 / HomeBuyer timescales
The RICS Level 2 survey, still widely called the HomeBuyer report, is designed for conventional properties in reasonable condition. It uses a clear traffic-light rating system to flag issues, so the inspection is focused and efficient.
For a typical flat the inspection is usually about two hours, and for a house around three. Because the report follows a set format, the write-up is quick to turn around, and you can normally expect it within five working days of the visit. If you want a fuller explanation of what this level covers, see our page on the RICS Home Survey Level 2.
RICS Level 3 / Building Survey timescales
The RICS Level 3 survey, often just called a building survey, is the most thorough home survey. It suits older, larger, altered or unusual properties, and it goes into far more detail on construction, defects and likely repairs.
That extra depth means more time on site. Expect roughly 2.5 to 3 hours for a flat, and 3 to 4 hours for a house. The report is longer and more detailed too, but our turnaround is the same: you should have it within about five working days. There is more on scope and suitability on our RICS Home Survey Level 3 page, and if you are weighing one against the other, our guide to the difference between RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys explains which is right for which property.
What affects how long it takes
Two identical-looking homes can take very different amounts of time to survey. The main factors are:
- Property size. More rooms, more floors and larger footprints all add inspection time.
- Age and period features. Older homes with original joinery, chimneys, cellars and lath-and-plaster tend to need closer attention than a modern flat.
- Condition. A property with visible defects, damp, movement or past alterations takes longer to assess and to write up properly.
- Access. Loft hatches, cupboards, outbuildings and boundaries all need to be reachable. Clutter, locked areas or a tenant still in situ can slow things down.
- The level of survey. A Level 3 is naturally longer on site and on paper than a Level 2.
Once instructed, the visit is usually arranged for the next available slot that suits you and, where relevant, the agent holding the keys.
When you receive the report
For both a Level 2 and a Level 3, we issue the written report within five working days of the inspection. In practice, straightforward properties often come back sooner, while a large or complex building may use the full window.
You receive the report as a clear written document you can read at your own pace and share with your solicitor or mortgage adviser. Because your instruction is led personally by a chartered surveyor, you can also follow up with questions once you have read it. If you want a wider view of end-to-end timings, our companion guide on how long a RICS home survey takes covers the process from enquiry to report.
A note on measured building surveys
It is worth clearing up a common mix-up. A “building survey” in the home-buying sense (the RICS Level 3 above) is about condition and defects. A measured building survey is a different service altogether: a precise dimensional record of a property, producing floor plans, elevations and sections for architects, designers or planning purposes. Its timescale depends on the size of the building and the drawings required, so it is quoted separately and is not part of a standard home survey.
How Ekron helps
Ekron is a firm of RICS Chartered Building Surveyors working across prime West and Central London, including areas such as Kensington. Every survey is carried out personally by a chartered surveyor, with a clear inspection and a report within five working days. If you would like a timescale and a quote for your specific property, get in touch for a quote and we will confirm the right level of survey and when we can attend.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a HomeBuyer (Level 2) survey take?
The on-site inspection is usually around two hours for a flat and around three hours for a house. The written report normally follows within about five working days.
How long does a RICS Level 3 survey take?
A RICS Level 3 (building survey) inspection typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours for a flat and 3 to 4 hours for a house, reflecting the extra detail involved. The report is still issued within about five working days.
How long does a building survey take to complete, including the report?
Allow a few hours for the inspection and about five working days for the written report. From the inspection day to reading your findings is therefore roughly a week for most properties.
When do you get the survey results?
You receive the full written report within about five working days of the inspection. Straightforward properties are often turned around sooner.
Does a larger or older property take longer to survey?
Yes. Larger homes, older buildings with period features, properties in poorer condition and those with restricted access all take longer to inspect and to write up.
Is a measured building survey the same as a home survey?
No. A measured building survey is a dimensional record producing plans and drawings, not a condition report. It is a separate service with its own timescale and quote.
“Every property tells a story. My job is to read it accurately and explain what it means for you, in plain English.”
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