Every question we're asked by London homeowners and buyers, answered in full — cost, timing, access, exclusions, and what to do with the findings.
Prices depend on the property's size, age, value and complexity. As a guide, Level 1 Condition Reports start around £350, Level 2 HomeBuyer Reports around £450, and Level 3 Building Surveys around £650, rising for larger period properties or higher-value homes. See our cost breakdown by property type or get a free tailored estimate.
Typically 2–4 hours for a standard family home, longer for larger, older or more complex properties (basements, multiple extensions, outbuildings).
Usually within 5 working days of the inspection. If you're working to a tight exchange deadline, let us know when booking — we can often prioritise urgent cases.
Yes, but you'll need to arrange access with the seller or agent well in advance, since auction timelines are tight. Contact us as early as possible so we can confirm availability.
No — most surveys are arranged directly with the seller or estate agent. Many buyers do like to join towards the end for a walk-through summary; just let us know when booking if you'd like to attend.
That's normal — most properties are occupied at the time of survey. We work around furniture and belongings where possible, though this can occasionally limit access to certain areas (e.g. built-in wardrobes over the loft hatch).
Yes, wherever there is safe access. If a loft hatch is inaccessible, boarded over without a safe route, or underfloor access is sealed, this will be noted in the report as a limitation.
It will be clearly flagged as a limitation in the report, along with any implications. In some cases we can arrange a follow-up visit once access is available.
No — a Building Survey focuses on condition and construction, not market value. A Level 2 HomeBuyer Report can include an optional market valuation, or we can arrange a separate valuation.
Services are inspected visually only, not tested. Where a system looks outdated, unsafe or beyond its expected lifespan, we'll recommend a specialist electrician, gas engineer or plumber carry out a full test.
Yes, a visual check of the garden and visible boundaries is included as standard. See our full knotweed guide for what happens if it's found.
We will note any materials that could potentially contain asbestos based on their appearance and the property's age, but a Building Survey is not an asbestos survey and does not include laboratory testing. A specialist asbestos survey can be arranged separately if needed, particularly for pre-2000 properties.
We assess visible signs of past or current structural movement and comment on risk factors like nearby trees and soil type. See our subsidence & London clay guide for full detail on how this is assessed.
Focus first on anything rated urgent or significant. We're also happy to talk through the findings by phone after delivery — this follow-up call is included as standard.
Yes — it's common practice to use significant findings to renegotiate price or ask the seller to complete repairs before completion. See our guide to negotiating after a survey for tips on doing this effectively.
We'll always flag urgent or significant issues clearly and recommend next steps — whether that's a specialist inspection, a repair estimate, or in rare cases advising you reconsider the purchase entirely.
Yes, the report is prepared for your use and can be shared with your solicitor, mortgage broker or lender as needed.
Contact us directly — we're happy to discuss and clarify any finding. If you have additional evidence or a second opinion from a specialist contractor, we'll take it into account.
A mortgage valuation is carried out for your lender to confirm the property is adequate security for the loan — it is not a condition survey and should never be relied on to assess the property yourself.
Often a Level 2 is sufficient for a well-maintained purpose-built flat, but period conversions usually benefit from a Level 3. See our full guide to flats & leasehold conversions.
Yes — a dedicated snagging inspection (rather than a full Level 3) is usually the right choice. See our new-build snagging guide.
Get a free, no-obligation estimate and speak to a RICS chartered surveyor directly.
Get QuoteTell us about the property and we'll come back with the right survey level within 24 hours.
All London postcodes and the M25 corridor.
Within 1 working day. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8am–6pm.
Yes, you're welcome to join us for the end of the inspection for an informal walk-through, though your full findings are always covered in the written report and follow-up call regardless.
We'll aim to let you know as soon as possible rather than waiting for the full report, so you have time to consider your options before contracts are exchanged.
Yes, many London buyers use significant findings to renegotiate, request repairs, or get specialist quotes before proceeding, and we're happy to talk through the report to support that conversation.
No, your report is prepared for you as the buyer; a separate mortgage valuation, if required, is typically arranged directly by your lender.
Yes, we always follow up with a call once your report is ready so you can talk through the findings and ask questions directly, not just read a document.
Yes, let us know what you'd like documented and we can include additional photography of specific areas alongside the standard report.