A mortgage valuation is not a survey for the buyer
A lender's valuation is primarily intended to help the lender decide whether the property provides suitable security for the mortgage. It may be brief and does not provide the detailed condition advice a buyer receives from a RICS Home Survey.
A buyer's survey considers the accessible parts of the building and explains significant defects, matters requiring further investigation and maintenance issues that may affect the purchase.
What a home survey can help identify
- Roof-covering, chimney and rainwater-goods defects.
- Dampness, condensation and ventilation concerns.
- Visible cracking, movement and altered structures.
- Timber deterioration and restricted sub-floor ventilation.
- Older services or installations requiring specialist testing.
- Repair priorities and questions to raise before exchange.
How the information can help you
- Make a better-informed decision about proceeding.
- Obtain specialist quotations before becoming committed.
- Plan short-, medium- and longer-term maintenance.
- Discuss significant findings with your conveyancer.
- Reconsider the agreed price where evidence supports doing so.
- Avoid relying only on what was visible during a viewing.
Choosing between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey
RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Usually suitable for conventional houses and flats that appear to be in reasonable condition. It provides condition ratings, identifies significant issues and recommends further action where needed.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
Provides more detailed analysis and is generally more suitable for older, altered, extended, unusual or visibly deteriorated properties, or where significant works are planned.
Not sure which level is appropriate? See the Level 2 versus Level 3 guide or provide the property details when requesting a quote.
What happens after the inspection?
The report records the significant findings visible at the time of inspection and explains recommended next steps. These may include obtaining quotations, arranging electrical or gas testing, seeking drainage advice, checking approvals with your conveyancer or instructing a specialist where an issue falls outside the scope of a visual survey.
A survey does not guarantee that a property is defect-free, because parts of a building may be concealed, inaccessible or covered by finishes and contents. Its value lies in providing an independent, structured assessment of the accessible property and highlighting where further enquiries are sensible.
Official RICS explainer video
Questions buyers often ask
Should I have a survey on a newer property?
Newer homes can still have construction defects, poor alterations or maintenance issues. The appropriate service depends on the property's age, type, condition and whether it is newly built.
Can a survey help with negotiations?
It can provide evidence of significant defects and recommended further investigation. Any renegotiation should be based on the findings and, where appropriate, contractor quotations or specialist reports.
When should the survey be arranged?
It is normally arranged before exchange of contracts so there is time to consider the findings, obtain advice and decide how to proceed.
Arrange the right survey for the property
Request a fixed-fee quote for a RICS Level 2 Home Survey or Level 3 Building Survey. The existing quotation form will collect the property details needed to advise on the appropriate service.