RICS Home Survey
in London.
Independent RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer) and Level 3 (Building) surveys, prepared personally by a RICS Surveyor.
A survey, properly done.
We offer the two survey levels defined by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Both are visual inspections of the accessible parts of the building, inside and out, with a written report. The difference is the depth of inspection, the detail of the commentary, and the type of property each is designed for.
Level 2 vs Level 3.
The right level depends on the building, not the price.
Level 2
A mid-level survey for conventional, well-maintained, relatively modern property in apparent good order. Traffic-light condition ratings against each element. Useful for flats, new-build houses and post-war property without significant alteration.
View Level 2 surveysLevel 3
The most detailed inspection available. For older, larger, listed, altered or unusual property, typical of much of prime London. Detailed commentary on construction, defects, repair priorities, and budget cost guidance where it helps you negotiate.
View Level 3 surveysHow an instruction runs.
Initial call
A short conversation to understand the property, the timeline and which level suits.
Fixed-fee proposal
Sent in writing, before any work. No estimates that move.
Inspection
On site, typically two to four hours depending on the level and the property. We arrange access with the estate agent.
Report
Delivered as a written PDF within five working days of inspection.
Follow-up call
A telephone or video consultation with the inspecting surveyor, included in the fee.
Ongoing support
As a service we can obtain contractor quotations and more.
What you receive.
Written report
Plain-English, structured by building element, photographs throughout.
Defect ratings
Traffic-light on Level 2, narrative + cost guidance on Level 3.
Practical recommendations
What to attend to before exchange, what to budget for in the first three years, what is cosmetic and can wait.
Conversation
A direct and uncapped Teams or Zoom meeting with the surveyor who inspected.
A RICS surveyor’s report is fully independent. We act only for the buyer instructing us. We do not receive referral fees from agents, lenders or contractors.
Frequently asked.
Do I need a survey if my lender has done a valuation?
We always recommend instructing your own survey. A mortgage valuation is a brief drive-by or desktop assessment, prepared for the lender, to confirm the property is worth what they are lending. It is not an inspection of the building’s condition for your benefit.
Can a survey be used to renegotiate?
Yes, and it is one of the most useful things a survey does. Defects, when costed, support a measurable reduction in offer. Our Level 3 reports include budget cost guidance specifically so you can take findings into negotiation.
How quickly can you inspect?
For most instructions, we can inspect within a week and deliver the report within a further five working days. Where you are working to a tight exchange deadline, tell us at the initial call and we will agree a timeline.
Do you cover the whole of London?
Yes, with a particular focus on prime Central, West and North-West London. See our areas pages for a full list.
What happens if the survey identifies serious problems?
We tell you, in writing and on the follow-up call. We do not soften findings to keep instructions moving. Where remedial cost estimates would help your negotiation, we provide budget figures.
Other services our clients ask for.
RICS Home Survey Level 2
A Level 2 Home Survey, formerly called the HomeBuyer Report, is the middle of the three RICS survey products. It is a…
Learn more →RICS Home Survey Level 3
The most detailed RICS survey available. A thorough inspection and written commentary on construction, defects, repair priorities and likely costs. Suited to…
Learn more →Pre-Construction Advisory
Independent, RICS-led review of a project before construction begins. Buildability, cost plan, programme, procurement and risk, interrogated at the point where changes…
Learn more →A clear view of the building, before you exchange.
Tell us the property and the timeline. We come back the same working day with a fixed-fee proposal and a suggested level.