RICS Homebuyers Surveys in London

Learn the true condition of a property and avoid unnecessary costs and heartache further down the road with a RICS Homebuyer Survey from Crest Surveyors in London and the home counties.

A Homebuyer Survey is a standard report, designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to highlight vital information about the condition of a property.

The survey includes the assessment of all parts of the property, with the aim of evaluating its condition and helping potential buyers to make an informed decision. A RICS Homebuyer Survey includes the assessment of accessible parts of the property, the inspection of paving, and other additional structures within the property boundary.

However, if the property is more than 50 years old, unconventional, has been altered, or requires significant alteration, a comprehensive building survey would be more suitable. A homebuyer report is, generally, most suitable for conventional properties and buildings that are built with common materials. It is also ideal for properties that appear to be in good condition but do not fully meet building regulations.

Do I Need a RICS Homebuyer Survey For My Property?

There are a number of instances when you should conduct a RICS Homebuyer Survey, including:

For the purchase of homes built within the last 50 years
For the purchase of standard construction homes
When you’re not sure of the condition of a property
To assess the extent of renovation needed
To negotiate a lower price

What is Included in a RICS Homebuyer Survey?

A RICS Homebuyer Survey includes the assessment of the condition of accessible parts of the property, both inside and outside. This includes any additional structures within the property boundary.

Assessment of the property condition beyond what can be seen physically
Assessment of hidden defects, such as timber decay and damp that may not be easily identified

How Much Does a RICS Homebuyer Survey Cost?

Our RICS Homebuyer Survey service starts from just £649, depending on the size of the property:

House / Bungalow

Prices start from:

£699 for up to a 2-bed property
£749 for a 3-bed property
£799 for a 4-bed property
£849 for a 5-bed property
Properties over £1million are charged at a higher fee.

* Include a Property Valuation for an additional £99.

All prices include VAT.

Flat / Apartment

Prices start from:

£649 for up to a 2-bed property
£699 for a 3-bed property
£749 for a 4-bed property
£799 for a 5-bed property
Properties over £1million are charged at a higher fee.

* Include a Property Valuation for an additional £99.

All prices include VAT.

Areas We Cover

If you’re living in or around London and in need of a homebuyers survey, we cover all areas of Greater London, including Bromley, Romford, Sutton, Bexley, Croydon, Harrow, and many more.

We also provide our services across the whole of South East England. If you’re living further afield and need our help, get in touch with a member of our team. We can provide homebuyers surveys in:

Luton
Chelmsford
Reading
Guildford
Peterborough
Cambridge
Milton Keynes
Oxford
St Albans
And everywhere in between!

Choosing Crest Surveyors for Your Homebuyer Surveys in London and Surrey

At Crest Surveyors, we specialise in property valuations and homebuyer surveys in London and our neighbouring county, Surrey, but we can also service any of the home counties! With years of industry experience and in-depth knowledge of our local area, we work to provide you with the highest quality of service to let you know if there are any issues or defects with your property or potential new purchase.

London and Surrey are both affluent and expanding areas in the south-east of England. Properties for rent or purchase in these areas are in high demand, with a growing market for family homes, first-time buyer properties and apartments for convenient city-centre living.

Specific concerns relating to Surrey include flood risk areas, radon areas, or issues with timber in homes such as dry rot or woodworm. We will leave no aspect of the property uninvestigated in our Homebuyer Survey to ensure that every detail has been carefully examined. If you are concerned about any of these issues, our expert team is available to help you with advice and guidance.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced mover, you’ll need a Homebuyer Survey to provide you with a full understanding of the building’s current condition. Our local and affordable services are here to help you make the process simple and easy. Contact our RICS-qualified specialists today to book your survey.

London Homebuyer Survey FAQs

What is Included in a RICS Homebuyer Survey?

RICS homebuyer surveys involve a visual assessment of all major indoor and outdoor features of the property, with a particular focus on the property’s condition beyond what can be seen physically, such as hidden defects, decay, and dampness. The assessment will look at ceilings, roofs, walls, bathrooms, and kitchens, as well as any permanent outdoor structures and features, such as outbuildings, roofing, pipes and guttering.

Is it Worth Getting a RICS Homebuyer Survey?

Although not a legal requirement, it is strongly recommended to have a homebuyer survey conducted on a property you wish to purchase. A homebuyer survey details any issues, defects, and potential problems you may not have been aware of by simply viewing the property. If any potential problems are identified, you could use the survey to renegotiate the price of the property.

When Should I Book a RICS Homebuyer Survey?

You should book a homebuyer survey as soon as possible after your offer on the property has been accepted, but before contracts are exchanged. Exchanging contracts makes the purchase legally binding, and any defects or problems found after this time cannot undo the purchase.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Homebuyer Survey?

For any homebuyer survey it depends on the size of the property. Typically for an average-sized property in London, it can take around two hours to complete the inspection. We would then need to create the report in our office, which we would create within 4-6 days.

Should I Use a Surveyor Recommended by My Lender or Estate Agent?

We would always recommend seeking an independent surveyor of your choosing for your RICS homebuyer survey. It is best to choose a surveyor that has knowledge of the local area.

Can I Discuss the Report With My Surveyor Once Completed?

We trust that the contents of our reports are satisfactory for your purposes, however, our homebuyer surveyors are happy to discuss any queries you should have regarding the results of the report and will happily share any guidance you may need.

Book a RICS Homebuyer Survey in London & Home Counties Today

Crest Chartered Surveyors offers RICS Homebuyer Surveys in London & Home Counties. Fill in the form below, and one of our RICS Registered Surveyors will call you back to discuss your requirements and to schedule an appointment.

Alternatively, you can call us on 020 3940 1118 to make your booking.