What is the Cost of a House Survey? A Quickstart Guide for Homebuyers
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by Dave Sayce
Managing Director and Founder of Compare My Move, a comparison website dedicated to helping customers save money on house moving services.
What is the Cost of a House Survey?
The average cost of a house survey in the UK is currently £470, based on the average UK house price of £285,000.
A Home Survey is an essential part of the house-buying process. It can provide you with crucial details about the home such as the materials it is built from, its estimated age and the condition it is in. Most importantly it can highlight potential issues and defects that aren’t obvious during viewings.
The house survey cost will depend on various factors such as the size, value and location of the home. It will also depend on the surveyor you opt for.
However, the cost will be largely influenced by the type of survey you need. The RICS Home Survey Level 2 is arguably the most popular survey type, costing an average of £424.
The most thorough survey is the RICS Home Survey Level 3, with an average cost of £578. Keep in mind that these costs will vary, with surveys costing more in areas such as London or for unusually built homes.
What are the Different Types of Surveys?
Below we’ve looked at the average costs for different surveys in the UK:
| Survey Type | Brief Overview | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Snagging Survey | Designed to find “snags” or defects in new-build properties, this survey will ensure the home has been finished to the required standards. | £390 |
| RICS Home Survey Level 1 | The most basic survey provides a general overview of the condition of the home. It will highlight any major issues. | £380 |
| RICS Home Survey Level 2 | Formerly known as a Homebuyer Survey, this is suited to most homes in good condition and built within the last 50 years. It highlights defects and required repair work, in addition to details about the construction of the property. | £424 |
| RICS Home Survey Level 3 | Previously called a Building Survey, this is the most thorough survey. It will highlight all potential issues, problems and concerns throughout the home and grounds. It also provides essential information about the fixtures and fittings in the property. | £578 |
| Home Report (Scotland only) | Arranged by the seller, this is made of three parts including the Single Survey. This is essentially a RICS Level 2 survey, giving potential buyers an overview of the condition of the home and any defects. | £703 |
Who Pays for a Survey?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it is the buyer who arranges and pays for a property survey. It is up to the buyer which survey they opt for and the surveyor they use. In Scotland, it is the seller who must pay for a Home Report. A copy of the Home Report must legally be provided to every potential buyer.
Why Do I Need a House Survey?
A survey on the home you are looking to buy can provide essential information which could influence the sale.
As we’ve mentioned, a Home Report is required by law in Scotland. However, in the rest of the UK, buyers are not legally obliged to arrange a property survey. It may be tempting to skip the cost if it is not a legal requirement, especially in the current climate. However, the cost of a survey will almost certainly outweigh the expense if there are hidden defects.
Surveys can expose developing problems and required repairs throughout the home. The results of the survey could influence a buyer’s decision to continue with the transaction.
Your survey report can also be used to negotiate the selling price, depending on what is found and what it would cost to remedy.
What Survey Do I Need?
The survey you need will depend on the home you are looking to buy. Just as it may be tempting to skip a survey altogether, as we’ve said above, some may be tempted to opt for a cheaper survey to save some money.
For example, many buyers opt for a RICS Home Survey Level 2 when the home they are buying is better suited to Level 3. Not getting the right survey on the home could mean essential details are missed, costing you time and money further down the line.
How to Find a Surveyor
One of the best ways to find a professional to conduct a survey on a home is by comparing surveyors. This allows you to not only find the best price but also to find the right specialist for the type of home you are buying.
You should ensure the surveyor you instruct is RICS-registered. If you are buying a new build and need a snagging survey, the surveyor can also be RPSA-approved.
Another way of finding the right surveyor for you is by asking friends, family and colleagues. The RICS website is also a great source for reliable and trusted surveyors.