RICS Homebuyer Report In London

A Homebuyer’s Survey is designed to help you make a well-informed decision about purchasing a property in London. It is sometimes also referred two as a Level Two survey. It can help you to assess whether you’re paying a fair price as well as minimise the risk of unexpected issues and costs arising in the future.

Homebuyers Report

Is a RICS Homebuyer Report Right For Me?

We recommend the RICS Homebuyer’s Survey if:

  • The property appears to be in reasonable condition
  • It’s less than 100 years old
  • It hasn’t already been significantly altered
  • It’s built in a common style with conventional materials
  • You don’t want to make major alterations

If you aren’t sure if the RICS Homebuyer’s Survey is right for you, visit our RICS Property Survey Comparison here.

Why Do I Need A RICS Homebuyer Report?

Buying a property in London can be stressful, but the RICS Homebuyer’s Survey helps to reduce the risks associated with purchasing your new home.

A number of standard-setting and consumer protection organisations (including Which? and The Council of Mortgage Lenders) recommend seeking an independent home survey before committing to a property purchase.

What Does A RICS Homebuyer Report Contain?

The RICS Homebuyer’s Survey identifies any serious defects or problems with the property, and any potential legal issues that you may want your solicitor to investigate. It also advises on any future maintenance issues that may arise, so that you can make informed financial planning decisions.

After conversations with our Survey advisors, one of our Chartered Surveyors will inspect the property and compile a RICS Homebuyer’s Survey Report. The Report systematically covers the key elements of the building, flagging any issues that may require further investigation, and follows best practice guidelines issued by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). You can find a RICS Homebuyer’s Survey Report Sample here.

The RICS Homebuyer’s Survey can also include a market valuation, to determine if you’re paying a reasonable price, and a reinstatement value that you’ll need for insurance purposes. Reinstatement value is the cost it would take to rebuild your property if necessary. A market valuation and reinstatement cost assessment can be added to your survey for a small, additional fee. 

What Does A RICS Homebuyer Report Cost?

The full inspection and production of the RICS Homebuyer’s Survey Report starts from £750 + VAT. The final cost depends largely on the size of the property and its location.

How Long Does A RICS Homebuyer Report Take?

After a full inspection of your property by one of our Chartered Surveyors, our RICS Homebuyer’s Survey Report is usually available for your consideration within a week of the inspection.

Why Choose Barnes & Barnes For Your RICS Homebuyer Report?

As independent, RICS-accredited surveyors, we’re committed to always providing clear, impartial and expert advice. If you have any particular concerns about the property prior to our survey, we will address these fully, and you can discuss any questions you have about the RICS Homebuyer’s Survey Report after you receive it.

At every stage, you’ll deal with a friendly, efficient and impartial team, who are here to help reduce the pressures and stress of buying a home.

Our aim throughout the process is to provide you with the information you need to make the best possible decision about buying a new home, and to make this part of the buying process as smooth, straightforward and stress-free as possible.

Call us now for a free no-obligations quote:

0207 737 7243

I engaged Barnes and Barnes for a probate valuation for a property in Highbury. Grant was very thorough, extremely helpful on the day and very considerate. Highly recommend.

G Sutton 5 Stars - Feb 2023
G Sutton

We were impressed by the professionalism and quality of our survey. Our Market Value report was comprehensive and delivered in a short time frame. We would definitely recommend.

T Taylor 5 Stars - March 2023
T Taylor

You get what you pay for – the sampler Barnes report was very much more thorough than sampler reports from other practices, and for that reason, we chose Barnes over other, less expensive practices.

S Legg 5 Stars - March 2023
S Legg

As a firm of architects, we rely on the highest standard of our consultants and I warmly recommend this approachable firm for their professional services.

Bernhard Blauel Feb 2023 - 5 Stars
Bernhard Blauel

Excellent, efficient. A detailed and very thorough report provided at a value-for-money cost. Would highly recommend.

M Horsey  5 Stars - Feb 2023
M Horsey

Report of the surveys was clear and thorough. The report was delivered on time as well.

J Guntoro - July 2022 4 Stars
J Guntoro - July 2022

Thorough, efficient, and extremely helpful. I would highly recommend Barnes and Barnes, the process was effortless.

K Shah - August 2022 5 Stars
K Shah - August 2022

If you have any doubts get a professional eye involved. Important issues were highlighted which could have been quite costly. Very detailed report containing pictures. Great service.

A C - July 2022 5 stars
A C - July 2022

Grant highlighted that there are serious issues with a property that we were not aware of. Had we proceeded with the transaction, it would have had a huge financial impact on us.

C Harrison - July 2022 5 Stars
C Harrison - July 2022

Great service and quality, very informed response. With reporting. Prompt at carrying out the survey. Good response times when calling or emailing.

M Rahman - July 2022 4.5 Stars
M Rahman - July 2022
Buying a home in London? Barnes & Barnes provide you with impartial, independent and accurate surveys of your property.
Mon–Fri 9.00am–5.00pm

Email Us

Get A Quote

Not Sure Which Property Survey Is Best For You?

Take a look at our RICS Property Survey Comparison chart, or get in touch to discuss.

Checking everything from the ground up
RICS HomeBuyer Report 1
Click image to enlarge