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Surveys and valuations
Three services for residential property. Which one suits depends on the building and on what you need to know, and we are happy to help you work that out before you commit to anything.
Our services
Whether you need to understand a building’s condition or establish its market value, we can help you choose the right service. Send us the property details and tell us what you need to know.
Level 2 Home Surveys
A clear assessment of the condition of a conventional home that appears to be in reasonable repair. Condition ratings, photographs and practical advice highlight issues that need attention and any further enquiries recommended.
Explore Level 2 surveysLevel 3 Building Surveys
A more detailed assessment for older, altered, listed or complex homes. We explain the building’s construction and condition, the likely causes of defects, and the implications for repairs and maintenance.
Explore Level 3 surveysProperty Valuations
An independent opinion of a property’s market value for an agreed purpose, including shared ownership and Help to Buy. A valuation focuses on value and does not replace a survey of the building’s condition.
Explore property valuationsWhich survey do I need?
The right choice depends on the property’s construction, condition and history, as well as what you need from the report. Age alone does not determine the level of survey.
Level 2: for conventional homes in reasonable condition
A Level 2 survey is generally suited to a home of conventional construction that appears to have been reasonably maintained. It identifies significant visible issues, uses condition ratings to show where attention is needed, and advises on repairs and further investigations.
Level 3: for buildings that need a closer understanding
A Level 3 survey is generally more appropriate for older or listed buildings, unusual construction, substantial alterations or properties in poor condition. It provides a fuller explanation of the building and its defects, with more detailed advice on repairs and maintenance.
Valuation: when you need to know the market value
Choose a valuation when you need an independent opinion of what the property is worth for a specific purpose. The inspection and report focus on valuation rather than providing the detailed condition advice of a Level 2 or Level 3 survey.
Compare what is included
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| Description of service | Level 2survey only | Level 2survey and valuation | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description of the property’s construction and condition, element by element | Included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| Condition ratings using a traffic-light system to prioritise issues | Included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| Identification of further investigations that may be needed | Included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| Identification of dangerous or potentially dangerous problems | Included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| Highlighting potential future issues | Included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| Advice on whether further professional input is needed before purchase | Included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| Information to help you budget for repairs or replacements | Included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| Reinstatement cost assessment | Not included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Not included in Level 3 |
| Market valuation | Not included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Not included in Level 3 |
| In-depth explanation of construction, materials and their likely performance | Not included in Level 2 survey only | Not included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| More detailed descriptions of defects | Not included in Level 2 survey only | Not included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| More detailed advice on construction and identified defects | Not included in Level 2 survey only | Not included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| Energy-efficiency information | Not included in Level 2 survey only | Not included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| Pre-survey discussion and follow-up discussion of the findings | Included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
| Photographs illustrating construction and identified defects | Included in Level 2 survey only | Included in Level 2 survey and valuation | Included in Level 3 |
The scope is confirmed in your quotation and Terms of Engagement. A valuation alongside a Level 3 survey may be available by separate agreement.
A mortgage valuation is not a survey
Your lender’s mortgage valuation helps it decide whether the property provides suitable security for the loan. It may be completed remotely, without an inspection of the property.
It does not replace a survey of the building’s condition. A Level 2 or Level 3 survey provides information about defects, repair needs and further investigations, helping you make an informed purchase and plan for future costs.
Still unsure?
Send us the property listing or address, along with any concerns or plans for alterations. We will recommend a suitable service and explain why.
What you can expect from us
- Your inspection and report are carried out by a Chartered Building Surveyor.
- We discuss your requirements before the inspection and are available to explain the findings and answer your questions afterwards.
- Your report is specific to the property and the service you have commissioned.
- The scope of the service is agreed in advance, and any inspection limitations are explained in your report.
For Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, we inspect the visible and accessible parts of the property within the agreed scope. We do not open up the structure or test services, and we explain where further investigation is recommended.
A market valuation is a separate service and is included with a survey only where expressly agreed in your quotation and Terms of Engagement.
Your quotation reflects the property’s size, age, construction, condition and location, together with the service required. Send us the details for an individual quotation.
Let’s find the right service for your property
Tell us about the property and what you need to know. We will explain the options and provide a clear quotation, with no obligation to proceed.