A RICS survey is carried out by a qualified surveyor regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It assesses the structural condition of a property, identifies defects, and gives you an independent view before you exchange contracts.
There are different levels of survey depending on the property's age, condition, and your own concerns — from a Level 1 Condition Report through to a full Level 3 Building Survey for older or more complex properties.
We'll help you understand which level of survey is right for your purchase and connect you with a trusted RICS-qualified surveyor.
Yes. A lender's valuation is solely to confirm the property is worth the loan amount — it is not a survey of condition and won't flag issues like damp, subsidence, or structural problems. A RICS survey is a separate, more detailed assessment for your own protection.
For a standard modern property in reasonable condition, a Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is usually sufficient. For older, listed, or unusually constructed properties, a Level 3 Building Survey gives a much more thorough assessment. We'll help you decide based on the property.
You'll have options: renegotiate the price, ask the seller to fix the issue before completion, or in some cases walk away. We'll talk you through the implications for your mortgage and next steps if something significant comes up.