RICS Chartered Surveyors in London

“Chartered Surveyor” is a professional designation held by appropriately qualified RICS members and fellows. RICS sets professional and ethical standards for its members and regulated firms. The designation matters, but you should also check that the person you appoint has experience relevant to your particular instruction.

Surveying covers different specialisms. A condition survey, a market valuation, commercial lease advice and a structural engineering design each answer different questions. We help clarify which service is appropriate before you book.

You can check Harding’s firm registration using the RICS Firms register and read more about the team’s backgrounds on our team page.

A Level 2 Homebuyers Survey generally suits conventional homes in reasonable condition. It uses condition ratings and provides advice on significant defects, maintenance and further checks.

A Level 3 Building Survey generally suits older, larger, unusual, substantially altered or visibly defective properties. It provides a more extensive inspection and fuller analysis of construction, likely defect causes, repair options and priorities.

New-build buyers may instead need a snagging survey to record visible defects and incomplete work. A known structural concern may need a focused structural engineering instruction. Share the property details so we can advise on the fit.

Home-survey starting fees apply to properties within the M25. The final fee depends mainly on size and value; larger or higher-value properties are quoted individually. For specialist work, access, complexity and the required deliverables also affect the quotation. Your quote confirms applicable VAT and any optional additional services.

London properties range from Georgian and Victorian terraces to interwar houses, converted flats and modern developments. Original materials, later extensions, basements and loft conversions can create different inspection priorities within the same street.

Local experience helps put visible evidence in context. Cracking, moisture, roof defects or uneven floors may need further investigation; the cause cannot always be established from a single visual visit. Do not assume every crack is subsidence or every damp patch has the same remedy.

We serve London and the South East. Visit our offices for contact information and discuss the property’s location, access arrangements and any deadline when requesting a quotation.

A condition survey is generally a visual inspection of accessible parts of the building. It does not automatically include opening walls, lifting fixed floors or exposing foundations. The report records limitations and recommends further investigation where the available evidence is insufficient.

Services are visually assessed rather than specialist tested. Electrical or gas safety testing, drainage CCTV, structural calculations and other specialist work require separate instruction where appropriate. No visual survey can guarantee that every hidden defect has been found.

A survey can identify matters for your solicitor to investigate, such as documents relating to alterations. It does not replace legal enquiries, establish ownership boundaries or provide every permission needed for proposed works.

1. Explain your purpose

   Tell us what decision you need to make and provide the address, property details and any existing reports or drawings.

2. Confirm the service

   We agree the appropriate brief, fee, access requirements and deliverables before instruction.

3. Arrange the work

   Inspections are arranged with the owner or agent. Timing depends on availability, access and complexity.

4. Understand the findings

   Read the report’s findings and limitations, then discuss the recommended next steps with the relevant adviser.

Home-survey reports typically follow within around five to seven working days of inspection, depending on the circumstances. Other instructions have individually agreed timescales. Tell us about exchange dates or lease deadlines before booking.

Established in 1997, Harding is an independent, RICS-regulated firm serving London and the South East. We have no ties to lenders or estate agents. Our role is to provide practical information about the property and the implications of the findings.

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