How much does a house survey cost?
Posted on: 25th July 2022 | Filled under: How to Sell a House
Written by: Mark King

The question of “how much is a house survey?” is one that we get a lot. There isn’t a definitive answer, at least not one that works for every situation.
There are a lot of variables that go into determining the cost of your house survey.
The two main factors are the size of your property and what kind of survey you need. The following guide will give you an idea of the approximate cost for each type of property survey.
If you are selling a house in South Wales and you are worried about the cost or the results from a house survey, contact me today on 02920 501 001. We buy any house here in South Wales and provide a house survey completely free of charge.
What is a house survey?
A house survey is an analysis of the existing conditions of a home, typically conducted by a licensed professional. The purpose of a house survey is to assess the state of the building and identify any necessary repairs or safety issues.
At the end of the inspection, the surveyor will provide you with an easy-to-understand summary report detailing any issues found during their visit and recommendations for remedial action where necessary.
Do you need a house survey?
Yes, you do. A house survey is the only way to know exactly what condition your potential home is in. While you might have done your research and seen the house with your own eyes, it’s impossible to see what’s happening below ground or behind walls.
Sometimes these surveys can uncover problems that can lead to legal action if undisclosed before purchase. For example, they may find evidence of mould or water damage. If the seller knew about these issues and didn’t disclose them to the buyer, the seller may have committed fraud.
House surveys are also necessary if you want to get a mortgage on the property.
A mortgage lender may require a professional survey of the property or choose to do their own before issuing a mortgage loan.
Which RICS survey is best for your needs?
There are three different levels of surveys available. While they all differ in price and comprehensiveness, they all offer value differently. Which one will work best for your needs depends on what you are trying to achieve with your survey.
The RICS Home Survey – Level 1: is the most basic and least expensive of the three surveys. It focuses on some of the essential elements of a property without going into detail about other factors. The report contains limited advice and is mainly for clients looking for a quick, simple overview of the property’s structure.
The RICS Home Survey – Level 2: is the next step up from Level 1. While it doesn’t offer as much depth as Level 3, it does provide more advice than Level 1 and covers more elements of the house’s structure. The report contains information about issues with specific parts of the house (including electrical components) and recommendations for repairs or further investigation.
The RICS Home Survey – Level 3 (also known as Full Structural Survey): This survey is the most comprehensive and the most expensive. It offers thorough advice on needed repairs and searches for potential problems that could affect your decision to buy a particular house.
How much does a house survey cost?
The cost of a home survey varies depending on the type of survey you want, the age of the house, and its location.
A level 1 survey can cost anywhere from £300-£900. This includes checking for dampness and rot in wall cavities and wood and roof structure. A level 2 survey is more in-depth, with a price tag of around £450-£1,000. It includes everything in a level 1 survey, plus electrical and gas safety checks and plumbing. Level 3 is even more comprehensive, checking for structural defects and costing upwards of £750-£1,500. When this cost is added to the final cost of moving house, the total cost of selling a house and moving can be much higher than first expected.
(If you are trying to sell a house with a structural issue, read this first: click here)
How much is a property survey – by house value
Whether you’re buying a house or moving into a rental, the cost of a survey can vary depending on the property value.
For RICS Home Survey Level 1, the cost can range from £300 to £500 for properties valued between £100,000 and £249,000. The cost moves up to £800 to £900 for properties valued between £350,000 and £500,000.
For RICS Home Survey Level 2, expect a cost of between £400 and £600 for properties valued at between £100,000 and £250,000. The price increases from £650 to £800 for properties valued between £350,000 and £500,000.
The RICS Home Survey Level 3 tends to cost between £630 and £800 for properties valued at between £100,000 and £250,000. For properties valued at between £350,000 and £500,000, the cost will be anywhere from £800 to £900.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
The time it takes to get a home survey report can vary depending on the type of survey. A homebuyer’s report will usually be ready within five days, while a building survey can take up to 8 days.
A house survey depends on many factors, including the location and size of the property. It may take anywhere from 2-3 hours for a small property to an entire day for a large one.
A building survey is significantly more detailed than a homebuyer report, which is merely an overview of any significant issues with the property. A building survey will give you much more information about any problems with your house and how severe they are, allowing you to decide whether or not you wish to buy the property.
It depends on what you need to know about the property in question. If you want a basic report of a house’s condition and structure, you need a home buyer report. You need a building survey if you want a more detailed report with extensive information on building materials and construction methods.
According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a mortgage valuation is a “brief inspection of the property.” It is often performed by an employee of your lender rather than an independent surveyor. The purpose of this inspection is for the lender to ensure that their investment in your home is secure.
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