Guidance on choosing the right survey

Residential Surveys

Why surveys are important

Property surveys provide a clear understanding of a property’s condition, helping buyers make informed decisions, budget for repairs, and avoid unexpected issues. They offer peace of mind and help you make informed decisions to aid your purchase.

RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Homebuyers Report)

Best for: Properties in reasonable condition, such as standard houses or flats.

  • Includes:

    • Detailed analysis of the property’s condition.

    • Advice on maintenance and repairs.

    • Optional valuation and rebuild cost.

  • Ideal if you want: A balance of detail and affordability.

RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey)

Best for: Older, larger, or non-standard properties, including listed buildings.

  • Includes:

    • A thorough inspection of all accessible areas.

    • Detailed advice on significant defects and their implications.

    • Recommendations for repairs and maintenance.

  • Ideal if you want: Complete peace of mind about your property’s condition.

RICS Valuations

Best for: Buyers, homeowners, and investors needing an accurate market valuation for mortgages, remortgages, or legal purposes.

  • Includes:

    • A professional valuation in line with RICS standards.

    • Insights into factors affecting the property’s value, such as location and condition.

    • A formal report recognized by banks, lenders, and legal entities.

  • Ideal if you want: A reliable valuation to support financial or legal decisions with confidence.

Reinstatement Cost Assessments

Best for: Property owners ensuring accurate building insurance coverage to avoid under- or over-insurance.

  • Includes:

    • Estimated costs to rebuild the property, including materials, labor, and professional fees.

    • Consideration of demolition and statutory requirements.

    • Guidance to align insurance coverage with actual rebuild costs.

  • Ideal if you want: Assurance that your property is insured for the correct rebuild value, protecting against unexpected losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When obtaining a mortgage on a property the lender will usually undertake a site-based valuation. This is undertaken by the mortgage company to ascertain whether the property is suitable for lending against.

    The mortgage valuation is not a comprehensive survey and generally only takes around 15 – 20 minutes to complete. You may or may not be given a copy of the report depending on the lender.

    A mortgage valuation should not be used to assess the condition of the property, for this an RICS Home Survey Level 2 or 3 should be commissioned.

  • This is based on the age and type of the property as well as the presence of any significant alterations or defects.

    An RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer Report) is recommended for more modern properties of standard construction. An RICS Home Survey Level 2 should be undertaken if the property is of fair/reasonable condition and hasn’t been heavily extended or altered.

    An RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey) is the most comprehensive pre-purchase inspection under normal circumstances. This report is aimed at older properties, properties in a dated/dilapidated condition as well as all properties of non-standard construction techniques.

  • A ‘Structural Survey’ is the historic name used for a RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey).

  • Yes, be sure to get in contact via the contact form at the bottom of this page and we will be happy to send you a sample report.

  • Reports are made available by email within three working days of the completed inspection. If for any reason the report takes longer to complete, such as the property being particularly large or complex, we will keep you updated on progress and timescales.

  • The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the leading governing body for property professionals across the world.

    Navah Consulting as a firm is regulated by the RICS and our employees are accredited to AssocRICS or MRICS status.

  • Navah Consulting aims to provide all services in a straightforward, efficient and client-focused manner. We understand the importance of providing reports and services in a concise, jargon-free format, in a quick time frame. See what our clients are saying about us and our work.

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  • If you would like to enquire about booking a survey please fill out the contact form below. It would be helpful to include the full address of the property as well as the agreed purchase price. One of the team will get in touch to discuss your requirements.