Building Survey in London | RICS Level 3 Report


Embarking on a property journey in London? An RICS Level 3 Building Survey is your essential companion, offering you the most comprehensive insight into your potential new home or investment with unparalleled detail and expertise. Navigating the world of London property can be a daunting experience for any home buyer, but the professional services of highly experienced RICS Chartered Surveyors can help ease your journey. Their expert knowledge of the London area, ranging from Central London to its various suburbs combined with a comprehensive building survey can provide you with a clear understanding of the condition of your potential new home along with any repair costs that may arise.

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Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors

Choosing the Right Survey for Your London Property


The type of survey you require will depend on the property's age, location, and condition. It's essential to consult with an independent chartered surveyor with relevant experience in London properties to determine which survey is right for your needs. They can offer expert advice and ensure you're well-informed about your potential new home.

Types of Building Surveys in London


The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - RICS guidance on different levels of surveys. RICS building survey reports are classified into three levels:

RICS Level 1 Condition Report


A basic, entry-level survey designed to provide an overview of a property's general condition, typically suited for relatively modern and conventional properties. Conducted by a qualified Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) surveyor, this report aims to identify any urgent defects, potential legal issues, and essential maintenance requirements. The Level 1 Condition Report utilises a traffic light system to easily categorise the findings, with green indicating no significant concerns, amber suggesting potential issues that may require attention, and red highlighting urgent defects or problems that need immediate action. Though it does not offer in-depth analysis, the RICS Level 1 Condition Report is an affordable and straightforward option for homebuyers or property owners looking to obtain a cursory understanding of their property's condition.

RICS Level 2 Homebuyers Report


A more comprehensive survey that offers a thorough assessment of a property's condition, making it suitable for a wider range of properties, including older or unconventional homes. Conducted by a qualified RICS surveyor, this report delves deeper into the property's structure and highlights any visible issues, such as dampness, subsidence, or timber decay. Additionally, the Level 2 Homebuyers Report provides advice on necessary repairs, maintenance, and potential future problems. Like the Level 1 Condition Report, it employs a traffic light system for easy interpretation of findings. Furthermore, this report typically includes a market valuation and a reinstatement cost assessment for insurance purposes. The RICS Level 2 Homebuyers Report strikes a balance between detail and affordability, making it a popular choice among property buyers seeking a more in-depth understanding of a property's condition before finalising their investment.

RICS Level 3 Building Survey


The most comprehensive and detailed property survey available, tailored to meet the needs of clients seeking an in-depth evaluation of a property's condition. Conducted by a qualified Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) surveyor, this survey is particularly suited for older, larger, or more complex properties, as well as those with known issues or planned renovations. The Level 3 Survey provides a thorough examination of the property's structure, both internally and externally, identifying any defects, potential problems, and necessary repairs. Unlike the Level 1 and Level 2 surveys, the Level 3 Building Survey offers a bespoke, narrative-style report that includes specific advice on remedial actions and their estimated costs, as well as information on the property's construction and materials used. While it is the most expensive of the three survey options, the RICS Level 3 Building Survey delivers an unmatched level of insight, equipping property buyers with the knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions and protect their investments.

Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors

Benefits of a Building Survey


  • A peek into the future
    Our detailed reports help you save money in the long run by highlighting even seemingly minor issues that could exacerbate and become costly to repair if neglected.
  • A comprehensive insight into a property’s condition
    You don’t need to risk borrowing hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of pounds to buy a home that could prove to be a poor investment because a building survey details the condition of the roof, timber defects, all internal and external areas and more.
  • A powerful bargaining chip at the negotiating table
    Not all problematic properties need to be avoided, but you need to know whether the asking price is a true reflection of the home’s value. You could secure a property for much less than its asking price by highlighting the areas which require attention.

Building Survey Cost


The cost for a building survey in London varies depending on the size of the property, but the present starting price is £750 for a level 3 building survey and £650 for a level 2 building survey (homebuyers report). Some people rely on mortgage valuations to gain an insight into a property’s condition, but these brief reports merely exist to help lenders adequately secure their loans. Unlike a comprehensive building survey, mortgage valuations don’t detail the full extent of problems within a property or provide a cost estimate for any required repairs.

Our Full Building Survey is the most comprehensive report we provide, featuring written reports, photographs and quotes for any required works. Our chartered surveyors use advanced equipment, such as Pole Cams, to inspect every accessible nook and cranny of the property and provide reports that detail:

  • Areas of Movement
  • The Structural Condition of the Building
  • Timber Defects
  • Dampness
  • Condensation
  • Insulation
  • Roof Structure
  • External Walls
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Services (Gas, Electricity, Water, Drainage, Heating

FAQs


How long does it take to complete a building survey?

The duration of a building survey depends on the property's size, type, and complexity. Typically, a site inspection takes around 2-3 hours to be completed, depending on the size of the property. However, more extensive properties or those with specific issues may require additional time.

When should I schedule a follow-up call with the surveyor?

It's a good idea to schedule a follow-up call with your surveyor within a week of receiving the survey report. This allows you to clarify any concerns, ask questions about the findings, and get expert advice on the next steps.

What happens if the survey identifies significant defects or structural issues?

If the survey uncovers significant defects or structural issues, it's essential to discuss these with your surveyor and solicitor. They can help you understand the implications, potential repair costs, and any impact on the property's value. You may use this information to renegotiate the price of the property or reconsider your purchase decision.

Building Survey vs Full Structural Survey?


A Full Structural Survey, often mistakenly used interchangeably with an RICS Level 3 Building Survey, is a term that is now considered outdated in the property surveying industry. Previously, a Full Structural Survey referred to an extensive inspection of a property's structure, focusing on detecting issues such as subsidence, dampness, and timber defects. However, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has since introduced a more standardised approach to property surveys with the three-tiered system: Level 1 Condition Report, Level 2 Homebuyers Report, and Level 3 Building Survey.

While the RICS Level 3 Building Survey shares similarities with the old Full Structural Survey in terms of thoroughness and attention to detail, it provides a more comprehensive evaluation of the property's condition. The Level 3 Building Survey not only assesses structural concerns but also includes a tailored, narrative-style report with specific advice on remedial actions, estimated costs, and information on the property's construction and materials used. In essence, the RICS Level 3 Building Survey has replaced the Full Structural Survey, offering property buyers an even more exhaustive inspection and a clearer understanding of their potential investment.

Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors

Conclusion


Navigating the process of buying a home in London can be challenging, but with the right guidance and expertise from a chartered surveyor, you can make an informed decision about your potential new home. Remember to consider the different types of building surveys, the importance of RICS chartered surveyors, and the various factors that may impact your property, such as party wall matters and structural issues. Armed with a thorough report and expert advice, you'll be well-prepared to protect your interests and secure your dream home in London.

Building Survey Example Report


Click on the button below to download an example of the typical Building Survey report that we produce.

Example Building Report

The report is excellent and was provided promptly. All aspects of the service were handled efficiently and professionally. Many thanks to Charles and the team.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
R. M.
1710518053
Seamless experience. Very swift and well organised with a thorough survey completed and report returned within less than a week of booking!
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
L P.
1709042975
Cannot recommend enough. Communication has been excellent throughout the entire process, very accommodating and fast turnaround. Everyone I have spoken to has been so helpful and kind, to make a difficult process much easier.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Tiffie D
1708099647
Excellent and professional services by Mr. Ali. I am indeed very pleased. I will recommend to my friends and others who wants to avail the services of Harding Chartered Surveyors.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Bazlur R.
1707416955
Great fast and easy to book. Great price and most of all great staff.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Tony B.
1706179054
Great experience dealing with Alaa, very helpful and informative, going above and beyond at any opportunity. Thanks!
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Mina Y.
1704533739
Very professional and diligent in their assessment. Our surveyor Alaa Ali has been very responsive and patient with all of our queries providing excellent professional advice on the matter. Will definitely recommend them.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
anirudh S.
1701978149
I would thoroughly recommend this company. The appointment for a surveyor came quickly. The surveyor was thorough and explained the items he found wrong. The report came through very promptly.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Denise B.
1701430434
Excellent and very professional work by Kate for the planning and Charlie for the valuation and report - highly recommended.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Olivier S.
1700507259
Excellent service from all the surveyor team.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Neal P.
1699545477
Very efficient professionals, quick response, I would definitely use their services again.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
David N.
1697033770
We received fantastic service from Harding Chartered Surveyors. The report by Kash was comprehensive, and his survey was thorough but unintrusive. Although our needs were not urgent, we managed to get an appointment for the survey to be carried out within a week and the report itself was delivered well within the two week period that they quote. I highly recommend them and understand why they are the surveyors of choice for so many home-owners and buyers in the area as well as banks and building societies.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Stewart M.
1695309201
Harding were professional throughout and provided the survey I wanted in good time after other companies had messed me around.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Ian F.
1694965649
Jessica came to survey my flat for a valuation. She was very fast and professional, I received the report back in under a week. I will use Hardings again.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Benjamin G.
1694534695
Alaa helped me with some structural engineering queries and calculations. I am extremely happy with the service he provided: first of all for his solid and professional advices and the high quality work delivered, secondly for the availability Alaa showed during the visit and in answering follow up questions. I was also a bit in hurry with the project and Alaa was very responsive and managed to finish everything in just a few days.
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Dario P.
1692801070
Building Survey in London | No.1 RICS Building Surveyors, Harding Chartered Surveyors