We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING: Hello Forumites! In order to help keep the Forum a useful, safe and friendly place for our users, discussions around non-MoneySaving matters are not permitted per the Forum rules. While we understand that mentioning house prices may sometimes be relevant to a user's specific MoneySaving situation, we ask that you please avoid veering into broad, general debates about the market, the economy and politics, as these can unfortunately lead to abusive or hateful behaviour. Threads that are found to have derailed into wider discussions may be removed. Users who repeatedly disregard this may have their Forum account banned. Please also avoid posting personally identifiable information, including links to your own online property listing which may reveal your address. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
How to know what type of survey to get on a house purchase?
Options

martin2345uk
Posts: 914 Forumite



Hey guys
I am buying this property...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-96097061.html
I have instructed the solicitors, searches are underway, but I would like to get the survey sorted, but any advice on which is best? I will say that I am bit of a worrier, so would appreciate the peace of mind...!
Just not sure where to pitch it!
Thank you :-)
I am buying this property...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-96097061.html
I have instructed the solicitors, searches are underway, but I would like to get the survey sorted, but any advice on which is best? I will say that I am bit of a worrier, so would appreciate the peace of mind...!
Just not sure where to pitch it!
Thank you :-)
0
Comments
-
There are, I think, three types of survey. It depends how much detail you want. I would suggest level 3 if you’re unsure which is a full survey which should find any and all defects. It is more costly but will give you complete peace of mind.We don't stop playing because we grow old; We grow old because we stop playing.1
-
ameliarate said:There are, I think, three types of survey. It depends how much detail you want. I would suggest level 3 if you’re unsure which is a full survey which should find any and all defects. It is more costly but will give you complete peace of mind.
TYPE OF SURVEY ESTIMATED COST RICS Condition Report (survey level one) £300 and upwards RICS HomeBuyer Report (Survey only – survey level two) £350 and upwards RICS HomeBuyer Report (Survey and Valuation – survey level two) £450 and upwards RICS Building Survey (survey level three) £500 and upwards Home Condition Survey (offered by the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA) rather than RICS £450 and upwards 0 -
The HomeBuyer Report is the best option available to you and you only need to add a valuation if you're a cash buyer. If you're taking any form of mortgage, your lender would do a valuation as part of their process so you'd be paying twice for it.0
-
Ah okay so you think I only need the Level 2 survey...? Is there a reason why you don't think level 3 is really needed?
Sorry if these are dumb questions...0 -
The Level 3 is for older properties, in a run down condition or of non-traditional construction, so there'd be no value in having this type of survey.
Hope this helps!1 -
As well as the level 2 survey it will be worth while getting both electrical and Gas safety certificates. These will cost extra but the sellers may contribute if asked properly.0
-
I agree with the posters above. Level 2 looks right to me - fairly modern house, normal looking construction. If there had been a really dodgy looking extension or loft conversion a full survey might have been worthwhile. As before, don't bother with the valuation. Personally I wouldn't bother with the electrical safety certificate, but I would ask about a gas safety one.0
-
Congrats on your purchase Martin. Putting the chair under the stairs in the lounge is either a great use of space or a stoopid thing to do... seeing you're looking at surveys perhaps you should see if it is hiding something worrying... 😜Just my opinion, no offence 🐈0
-
Thank you very much everyone that's been really helpful!!!0
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.8K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.5K Spending & Discounts
- 243.8K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.8K Life & Family
- 257.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards