Every answer, from the people who inspect
78 guides written by RICS surveyors: what a survey covers, what we find, and what it means for the price you pay.
I'm buying a house
Which survey, what it costs, what happens next
I've had my report
Making sense of it, and what to do about the price
Something looks wrong
Damp, cracks, movement — how serious is it?
I need a valuation
Red Book, probate, Help to Buy and matrimonial
All 78 guides
Chimney Breast Removal: What Buyers and Surveyors Check
What chimney breast removal involves, why the stack above needs support, the correct process, costs, and what to check if a home already has one removed.
Court of Protection Valuation: A Deputy's Guide
What a Court of Protection valuation is, why deputies need one, and how the RICS report supports your duty to account to the Office of the Public Guardian.
Plants Mistaken for Japanese Knotweed
Several common garden plants look like Japanese knotweed but are harmless. Here is how to tell the difference, and when to get a specialist to be sure.
Property Valuation for Probate: What HMRC Expects
What a property valuation for probate is, when HMRC needs a formal RICS figure rather than an agent estimate, and the risks of getting the number wrong.
Dampness Survey Cost: What You Pay and What You Get
What a dampness survey typically costs, what drives the fee, what it should include, and when a damp investigation is worth commissioning.
What Does a Capital Gains Tax Valuation Involve?
What a Capital Gains Tax valuation is, when HMRC expects one, and what an RICS surveyor assesses to establish market value at a given date.
A Bad House Survey Report: What To Do Next
A bad house survey report is information, not a dead end. Here is how to read it, get quotes, and use the findings to renegotiate or walk away.
Asbestos Demolition Survey and Management Survey: What You Need
What an asbestos management survey is, how it differs from an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey, and how it fits alongside a RICS Home Survey when buying.
Measured Building Survey: What It Records, When You Need One and Cost
What a measured building survey records, how it differs from a condition survey, measured building survey cost, and the drawings you receive at the end.
Energy Rating D: What It Means for Your Home
An energy rating D is where most homes in England and Wales sit. Here is what band D means for buyers, sellers and anyone planning improvements.
The Help to Buy Scheme Explained
The Help to Buy scheme explained in plain terms: how the equity loan worked, who qualified, the application steps and what repaying it means when you sell.
Soil Types and Their Impact on Foundation Design
Understanding the Impact of Soil Types on Foundation Design in the UK When it comes to constructing a building, one of the most critical aspects to consider is the type of soil on which the structure will be built.
How Much Does a House Survey Cost?
A house survey is one of the smartest investments you can make when buying a property, but costs vary widely depending on the type of survey and the property itself.
10 Red Flags on a House Survey You Might Miss on a Viewing
When viewing a property, it is easy to be swept up by its charm. A fresh coat of paint and clever staging can hide problems a survey brings to light.
Is My Surveyor Qualified?
How to tell if your surveyor is qualified: check the RICS chartered surveyor register, understand the qualifications and spot the red flags.
Settlement
What settlement is, how settlements differ from subsidence, and how to tell a cosmetic crack from one that needs investigating before you buy.
How Much Does it Cost to Buy a House?
Buying a house is a significant financial commitment, and a property valuation can depend on a variety of factors. These include the location, size and condition of the house, and the current state of the housing market.
What are the Pros and Cons of the Help to Buy Scheme?
The pros and cons of Help to Buy, from lower deposits and equity loans to the risk of negative equity and why the repayment matters.
How Much Does a Probate Valuation Cost?
A clear guide to probate costs, including how much a probate valuation costs and the other fees you should expect along the way.
Types of Damp
An RICS surveyor explains the three types of damp in houses, how to tell them apart, and when the standard remedy is the wrong one.
Subsidence
Recognising subsidence: the word every buyer dreads. What it actually is, how to tell it from settlement, and what happens next if a survey finds it.
10 Steps to Buying a Home for First Time
Buying a house for the first time is an important milestone. It should also be an exciting one, yet the reality is that many first time buyers feel overwhelmed with knowing where to start.
Complete Guide to RICS Valuations
Table of Contents Trust me, I’m a RICS Registered Valuer! Hi, I’m Chris Bloor, founder of CJ Bloor Property Consultants.
Pest Infestations in Buildings: Causes, Signs and Prevention
What a pest infestation does to a building, how to spot one early, and the practical steps that keep rats, insects and birds out.
Homebuyer Report vs Building Survey: Which Do You Really Need?
Not sure whether you need a homebuyer report or a building survey report? We explain what each covers, which properties suit them, and how to choose.
What Is a Homebuyers Report?
A homebuyers report is a RICS Level 2 survey that sets out the condition of a property so you can decide whether to buy, and on what terms.
What is Comparable Evidence?
Comparable evidence is used to calculate and estimate valuations for properties that are due to go on the market. If you are a homeowner, and you want to sell your property, you may be interested in how a valuer produces their valuation.
The Ins and Outs of RICS Valuations
Property valuations provide buyers and sellers with an accurate estimate of the value of properties. If you are selling your home, there are two main options to choose from in terms of valuations.
How To Renegotiate An Offer After A Home Survey
For most people, buying a house is the most significant financial move they will make. When you are spending a lot of money on a property, it is natural to want to know if it’s up to scratch.
What is a Chartered Surveyor?
What a chartered surveyor is, how RICS accreditation works, and why it matters when you have a property surveyed before you buy.
Cavity Wall Tie Failure
Cavity wall tie failure is concealed, gradual and common in a band of 1920s to 1970s housing. Here is how a surveyor spots it, how it is confirmed and what repair involves.
Help to Buy Valuation Cost
What a RICS Help to Buy valuation costs, what affects the price, and why an independent RICS surveyor is required before you repay or sell.
Tips To Get Your Home Ready For A Survey
When your home is on the market, and you attract buyers, it is common for them to arrange a building survey.
How to Prepare for a Home Valuation
A home valuation is an important step in the process of selling your property, going through a divorce, paying off a Help to Buy government loan, and more.
Things to Consider When Buying a House
The main things to consider when buying a house, from budget and location to the condition of the property and what a survey tells you before you commit.
How to Estimate Property Value: Tips for Buyers
For the vast majority of people, buying a house marks the most significant and expensive investment they will make in their lives. If you are hoping to buy, it’s understandable to want to ensure you pay a fair price.
Do I Need a Valuation Survey or a Home Survey?
A valuation survey tells you what a property is worth. A home survey tells you its condition. Here is how they differ and which you need.
What is ‘gazumping’ and how to avoid it?
What gazumping is, whether it is legal, why it happens, and the steps buyers and sellers can take to avoid being gazumped.
Complete Guide to RICS Home Surveys
Table of Contents Trust me, I’m a Surveyor! Hi, I’m Chris Bloor, founder of CJ Bloor Property Consultants.
Spray Foam Insulation
There has been increasing attention into the use of spray foam insulation in recent months, as many people are looking for effective ways to keep their homes warm and save money on bills.
The Process of Selling a House in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selling a house in England or Wales involves a number of different steps, from preparing the property for the market through to exchanging contracts and completing the sale.
Homebuyers Survey: Is It Worth It?
Is a homebuyers survey worth it? A RICS surveyor explains what each level covers, what it costs, and when the spend pays for itself.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral, once hailed for its resistance to heat, electricity, and corrosion. For this reason it was used extensively in building materials, insulation, and various other products.
What Buyers Wish They Knew Before Completing
For most of us, buying a house is the biggest investment we will make in our lifetimes.
Foundation Movement: Understanding and Mitigating Risks
Understanding Foundation Movement and Mitigating Risks Foundation movement is a significant concern for homeowners, builders, and property consultants.
Survey vs Mortgage Valuation: What's the Difference?
A mortgage valuation and a property survey are not the same thing. Here's what each covers, who it protects, and what buyers need to know before committing.
Energy Efficiency Home Tips: Enhance Your Property’s Performance
In the age of increasing energy costs and growing concerns about our environmental footprint, making your home more energy-efficient is not only a savvy financial move but also a responsible one.
When to Arrange a Property Valuation
Property valuations provide an insight into the value of houses and apartments. Whether you are buying or selling, you may benefit from arranging a property valuation.
Japanese Knotweed
What Japanese knotweed is, how to identify it, the plants it gets confused with, and your options for removal and remediation.
Understanding Different Types of House Surveys
A plain guide to the house survey types in the UK: what Level 1, 2 and 3 cover, and how to choose the right one for the property you are buying.
Who organises a survey when buying a house
Wondering who organises a survey when buying a house? A RICS surveyor explains it is the buyer's job, not the agent's or lender's, plus when to book and which level to choose.
Seller’s Surveys: Complete Guide and What They Mean for Homebuyers
Buying a home in England and Wales could soon look very different.
Preparing for Your Home Survey: A Guide for Property Sellers
A home survey is a big step in the process of selling a property.
Drone Property Inspections: A Practical Guide for Commercial and Residential Buildings
How drone inspections work, when they suit roofs and facades, the rules that apply, and how they fit within a professional building survey.
What Can You Do After a Negative Home Survey?
A building survey is an assessment, which is carried out to provide prospective buyers with an insight into the condition of a property they’re hoping to purchase.
What is the Redemption Process in Help to Buy?
The Help to Buy scheme, introduced in the UK, has emerged as a significant avenue for numerous individuals desiring to make their way onto the property ladder.
Level 2 vs Level 3 Survey: Which Do You Need?
Not sure whether you need a Level 2 or Level 3 survey? We explain the difference and help you choose the right survey for your property.
Is Your Home Prone to Flooding? What Surveyors Look for
Table of Contents According to recent studies, as many as 1 in 6 properties in the UK are at risk of flooding. This is even more true if you live in one of the UK’s flooding hotspots (admittedly you could argue that’s the whole of the UK).
Flat Roofs
A plain guide to flat roofs on UK homes: the materials, the common defects, when repair is enough and when a flat roof replacement is due.
Should I Use an Online Estate Agent?
Buying or selling a property are usually big moments, so it’s only natural to look at your options when it comes to working with estate agents.
Top Tips for First Time Home Buyers
Are you looking to buy your first home? Do you feel overwhelmed by the process and under prepared for such a big financial commitment? Don’t worry, you are not alone!
Pitched Roof Coverings
Common Defects on Pitched Roof Coverings Pitched roofs are a defining feature of UK homes, offering charm and robust protection against the elements.
How to Navigate the Sale of Your Help to Buy Home
Selling a Help to Buy home can be a daunting task, especially with the various rules and regulations attached to this government scheme. However, with careful planning and understanding of the process, it is entirely manageable.
Risks of Buying a House Without a Survey
Buying without a survey might seem like a way to save money, but it can leave you exposed to significant costs and problems you had no way of seeing coming.
How to Choose the Right Firm for Your Home Survey
Selecting the right firm for your home survey is important to ensure you receive a detailed, high-quality report that gives you complete confidence in your property purchase.
The Secret Art of Property Negotiation
Navigating property negotiations, especially when dealing with estate agents, requires skill and understanding. This article provides insights into the key principles of negotiation tailored to home buying.
The Legal Process of Buying a House: A Plain-English Guide
A plain-English guide to the legal process of buying a house, including buying and selling at once, choosing a solicitor, and new build pitfalls.
Do I Need a House Buying Survey?
A RICS surveyor explains whether you need a house buying survey, why a mortgage valuation is not enough, and how to choose between Level 2 and Level 3.
How to Choose a Surveyor Near You
Finding out important information about your home can impact lots of decisions – whether to buy or sell, whether to upgrade and renovate, or how to fix problems. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right surveyor.
RICS Condition Ratings Explained
Your RICS survey report gives every element a Condition Rating of 1, 2, 3 or NI. Here’s what each one means and what to do when you see it.
How to Buy Your First Home: A Guide
Purchasing a home is one of the most exciting and rewarding milestones in life.
New Build Snagging Survey: What It Is and What to Do Instead Before You Buy
A new build snagging survey checks a newly completed home for defects before or after you move in. Here’s what it covers, what it typically finds, and what independent survey option makes more sense if you’re buying.
Do You Need a Valuation with Your Survey?
Do You Need a Valuation with Your Survey? When booking a home survey, it’s natural to wonder whether you should also request a valuation.
5 Ways Your Survey Report Helps Long After You Move In
Most people see a home survey as a pre-purchase tool. But your report doesn’t stop being useful the moment you get the keys. In fact, many of our clients say it becomes their go-to reference point for years to come.
Exchange and Completion Explained: A Buyer's Guide
Exchange makes the deal legally binding and completion hands you the keys. Here is what happens between them and what to have in place first.
What a "Structural Survey" Actually Is
A structural survey, a full structural survey and a building survey are all old names for the RICS Home Survey Level 3, with one exception that costs buyers money when they get it wrong.
Wet Rot and Dry Rot: Signs and Treatment
Most rot found in houses is wet rot, and most wet rot is a localised, repairable problem. How to tell wet rot from dry rot, what dry rot treatment involves, and whether to buy.
Case studies
Real inspections, anonymised. The clearest picture of what a survey actually tells you.All 9 case studies →
Damp, decayed timber and unsafe electrics: a Level 3 survey of a 19th century Manchester home
The property is considered to be a reasonable purchase although there are a number of defects which require attention, and which will require some expenditure at the outset. You should investigate the cost of these works prior to commitment to purchase. Once these works have been undertaken to a satisfactory standard, normal ongoing maintenance will be required to ensure that the property…
Every service rated 3: a Level 3 survey of a large period home in Leeds
The property is considered a reasonable purchase, although there are a number of defects which require attention and will require some expenditure at the outset. Works carried out to a satisfactory standard should not present any particular difficulty on resale in normal market conditions. The cost of works should be investigated prior to committing to purchase, and the purchase price…
How a Level 3 survey in Stockport found £23,700 to £37,000 of repairs
Older period homes can be full of character, but they often come with hidden repair liabilities that are not always obvious during a viewing. Original materials, historic alterations and long-term weathering can all create issues that only become apparent during a detailed inspection.
Chimney and roofline defects on a well-kept Bramhall bungalow: a Level 2 survey in Stockport
At first glance, this detached bungalow in Bramhall appeared to be a well-kept and straightforward purchase. However, our RICS Level 2 Home Survey showed why even tidy-looking homes can conceal costly issues beneath the surface.
What a clean survey looks like: a Level 2 survey of a modern semi in Leeds
Not every survey uncovers major structural concerns. In many cases, the real value lies in confirming that a property is broadly sound while picking up the smaller issues, checks and maintenance items a buyer still needs to know about before moving forward. For this instruction, we carried out a RICS Home Survey – Level 2 on a three-storey, three-bedroom semi-detached house in Bramhope,…
Ventilation, render and historic alterations: a Level 3 survey of a Leeds end-terrace
Older properties can be full of character, but they rarely come without compromise. Cosmetic presentation can only tell you so much, and with period housing in particular, the bigger issues are often linked to age, ventilation, maintenance, and historic alterations rather than anything immediately obvious on a viewing. In this case, we were instructed to carry out a RICS Home Survey –…
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