What is a RICS survey?

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.

Who is this for?
  • You're purchasing a property and want to understand its true condition
  • The property is older, listed, or has visible signs of wear
  • You want negotiating leverage if issues are found
  • You want peace of mind before completing the biggest purchase of your life

Key points
  • You're purchasing a property and want to understand its true condition
  • The property is older, listed, or has visible signs of wear
  • You want negotiating leverage if issues are found
  • You want peace of mind before completing the biggest purchase of your life

Common questions

Things people ask us

Do I need a survey if the mortgage lender does a valuation?
Which level of survey do I need?
What happens if the survey finds issues?
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