RICS Building Surveys, Homebuyer Report & Condition Reports in London

Barnes & Barnes offer accurate and impartial Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) property surveys across three levels:

RICS Building Surveys

(Level 3)

Property Surveys in London 1

A RICS Building Survey is the most detailed of our property surveys. The Building Survey gives you a thorough assessment of the structure, condition, and construction of a property, as well as technical advice on any repairs needed. If your property was built in or before the 1850s, is listed, has had alterations, or is not in good condition, you will likely need a building survey.

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RICS Homebuyer’s Surveys

(Level 2)

Homebuyers Report

A Homebuyer’s Survey will help you make a well-informed decision about purchasing a property in London. It can help assess whether you’re paying a fair price as well as minimising the risk of unexpected issues and costs arising in the future. If your property was built after 1850, isn’t listed, hasn’t had alterations, and is generally in good condition, you will likely need a homebuyer survey.

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RICS Condition Reports

(Level 1)

Property Surveys in London 2
The RICS Condition Report is the most basic of our property surveys. It covers the defects, urgent problems or potential dangers of a property and helps you to make the most well- informed decision about your purchase of property in London.
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What is the Difference Between a Valuation and a Property Survey when Buying a House?

​A valuation is used to determine the value of a property, mostly for mortgage purposes. This can be done on-site or remotely. It is for the benefit of the lender.

The property survey is a much more detailed onsite inspection of the property. This is completed on behalf of the buyer and supports them in their property decisions.

Surveys are important because they reduce your risk and protect your interests. By inspecting a property and looking at the site, structure and services you will have sufficient knowledge of any damage, defects or potential dangers that make affect the decisions you will make. 

Which Property Survey Do I Need?

The best property survey for your situation depends on the age and condition of the property as well as what you have planned for it. The RICS property surveys vary in how much technical detail and advice they provide and in how in-depth the survey inspection is.

Property Surveys in London 3

I’m a First-Time Buyer – Can you Help?

Buying your first home and getting onto the property ladder is a really exciting time. It’s likely to be the biggest purchase you’ve ever made. We want to make sure the surveying side of the purchase is as stress-free as possible, so we can help choose the right survey for your property. Head over to our First-Time Buyer Choosing a Property Survey page to get started.

Regardless of which RICS property survey you choose, you will be given an insight into the condition of a property to aid your buying decisions. You can be assured that Barnes & Barnes are entirely independent and all property surveys will be conducted with complete impartiality.

Property Surveys in London 4

The RICS Property Surveys Compared

The table below provides a comparison of the property surveys available to you, highlighting their main differences. If you need further help in deciding which property survey is most appropriate, please get in touch.

 

Condition Report

From £300 +VAT

HomeBuyer Report

From £400 +VAT

Building Survey

From £1000 +VAT

Recommended if:
  • The property appears to be in reasonable condition, is built in a common style with conventional materials, is less than 10 years old and hasn’t been significantly altered
  • You aren’t planning on making major
    alterations
  • You feel fairly
    confident in the property’s condition
  • The property appears to be in reasonable condition, is built in a common style with conventional materials, is less than 100 years old and hasn’t been significantly altered
  • You aren’t planning on making major alterations
  • The property is in poor condition OR
  • It’s more than 100 years old; OR
  • It’s built using unconventional methods or materials OR
  • It’s already been significantly altered or extended
  • You are planning to make major
    alterations
Visual Inspection
to assess the condition of all elements of the property		Property Surveys in London 5Property Surveys in London 7Property Surveys in London 7Property Surveys in London 5Property Surveys in London 5
Identifies urgent issues, potential dangers or serious defectsProperty Surveys in London 5Property Surveys in London 5Property Surveys in London 5
Advises on potential maintenance requirements in the futureProperty Surveys in London 21Property Surveys in London 5Property Surveys in London 5
Includes a visual inspection of the roof space & underground drainageProperty Surveys in London 21small tickProperty Surveys in London 5
Advises on any further professional advice you should seek before purchasing the propertyProperty Surveys in London 21Property Surveys in London 5Property Surveys in London 5
Technical details of the structure, materials and construction of the propertyProperty Surveys in London 21Property Surveys in London 21Property Surveys in London 5
Detailed visual inspection to identify any hidden defectsProperty Surveys in London 21Property Surveys in London 21Property Surveys in London 5
Technical advice on repair options availableProperty Surveys in London 21Property Surveys in London 21Property Surveys in London 5
Identifies potential legal issues with the propertyProperty Surveys in London 5Property Surveys in London 5Property Surveys in London 5
 More Information about Condition ReportsMore Information about HomeBuyer ReportsMore Information about Building Surveys

We can provide you with a market valuation or reinstatement cost assessment, if you need one with your building survey and homebuyer report, at additional cost. 

Still not sure which Property Survey you need? Our Chartered Surveyors are here to help.
Give us a call today to discuss your needs: 0207 737 7243

Buying a home in London? Barnes & Barnes provide you with impartial, independent and accurate surveys of your property.
0207 737 7243
Mon–Fri 9.00am–5.00pm

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RICS Property Surveys available from Barnes & Barnes:

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