"Competitively priced service, the agent I dealt with was very helpful. On the day of the survey itself I received a call from the surveyor to run through his initial findings. The quality of the report produced was excellent, very detailed and thorough. If needed I will be using SAM Conveyancing's services again in the future for sure."
Local Building Survey South East London
Our Building Surveyors specialise in the local area and have completed house surveys in Dulwich, Greenwich, Crystal Palace, Peckham, Bromley, Orpington and Woolwich.
We work with specialist RICS Building Surveyors to undertake Home Buyers Surveys in South East London. Whether you are buying an old run down 'doer upper' or standard construction freehold house, our RICS surveyors have seen them all.
With a vast number of years of experience completing building surveys on properties in South East London we'll be able to give you the detailed South East London HomeBuyers report that you will need to know and what defects there are with your property.
Defects flagged in a South East London Home Buyers Survey
Local Tip: Subsidence
In South East London, all of Dulwich is in an area where flood alerts are issued from time to time, not least because of the potential of flooding to come from the Ravensbourne River, to its east.
If you are concerned that a property you are looking to buy is in a flood risk area, you should consider getting a flood risk report.
Local Tip: Damp
According to the UK Health Security Agency, some parts of Orpington in South East London, including streets such as Novar Close and Sequoia Gardens, are in a raised radon area, with properties built there having a higher probability than average of experiencing ground Radon emissions.
The raised Radon area has a maximum radon potential of 1-3% (the percentage is the chance of a property being built where Radon emissions might measure above the action level).
If you are concerned that a property you are buying is in an area of raised Radon, please click to visit UK Health Security Agency's UK Radon Map. Click also to find out more about Radon, Radon property searches and much more.
Local Tip: Asbestos
Some properties in Greenwich in South East London may be located in an area which is subject to a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
A recent local authority search for a property in Duke of Wellington Avenue, London SE18 6GP revealed that it was within a CIL area.
The Community Infrastructure Levy is a planning charge, introduced by the Planning Act 2008 as a tool for local authorities in England and Wales to help deliver infrastructure to support the development of their area. It came into force on 6 April 2010 through the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010. Development may be liable for a charge under the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), if your local planning authority has chosen to set a charge in its area.
Click to find out more about the Community Infrastructure Levy(CIL)
Types of property in South East London?
South East London covers a relatively large area and has considerable history, so the type of housing and construction to be found there is incredibly architecturally diverse. Greenwich has many impressive buildings from various periods, particularly the Georgian and Victorian, such as the Royal Naval College and also houses the Dome, which is a well-known centre for various concerts etc.
More modern areas with standard construction 20th century properties, including council estates, include places like Orpington, whereas Dulwich has many Victorian properties of various sizes, ranging from classic terraces to very large detached mansions.
There are a fair few areas where modern apartments have been or are being built, some of which offer shared ownership terms.
Why Choose SAM Conveyancing for your Home Survey?
In helping over 15,339 survey clients since 2014, we've learned a lot about surveys in South East London using our panel of over 100 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Your South East London surveyor will be local to your property, so whether you're worried about subsidence, damp, infestations, extensions, or even just for peace of mind, we've got you covered.
Our HomeBuyers Survey costs are fixed and competitive, as you'll see from all our Excellent reviews on Trustpilot. This means you don't have to break the bank to get a full health check on your new home. Get a Home Buyer Survey Quote today, or if you're not sure which survey to choose and want to know the difference between a Level 2 Home Survey and a Level 3 Building Survey, then give us a cal,l and we'll happily tell you what you need - 0207 112 5388 (local call charges apply).
What defects are flagged in a Homebuyer's Survey?
Cracks are inspected and in the report will confirm if you need a structural engineer as there are signs of historical or current movement.
The RICS surveyor will use a moisture meter in the rooms and report any high levels along with any mould or damp causing damage to the walls/windows.
The wooden door frames and windows will be inspected for rotting and wood worm.
The surveyor looks for signs of infestations through droppings, damage to piping/flooring and in some cases finding where the nest is.
The surveyor will check the grounds of the property and, where possible, check over the fences to neighbouring plots to identify if there is a risk of Japanese knotweed.
The surveyor lifts up accessible man hole covers to check if the drains are blocked. You may need to get your drains inspected with CCTV.
The surveyor will enter into the roof/loft space if there is a safe and accessible ladder. They'll look for insulation, signs of leaking and and damage.
Average Cost of Building Surveyor in 2026 in South East London
The cost varies depending on the size and condition of the property, with the average cost of our HomeBuyers Survey starting at £375 EXC VAT. The average cost of a Building Survey is higher. Our fixed fees start at £499 EXC VAT.
To ensure accuracy, we utilise Rightmove or Zoopla to assess the property type, guaranteeing a fixed quote tailored to your needs. For guidance on choosing the right survey, contact our survey specialists at 0207 112 5388.
Thinking of moving to South East London?
All of South East London is regarded as being south of the River Thames. It extends from areas in Zone 1 on the tube (Southwark) to, for example, Orpington, on the borders of Kent.
It's a very mixed and cosmopolitan area, with densely-populated inner city areas such as Peckham and comparatively sparsely populated areas further out, such as Knockholt.
There are many landmarks and attractions, such as the Dome in Greenwich, which itself is full of historical buildings such as the Naval College or Crystal Palace Park. The latter has elements of Victoriana, such as its maze and its dinosaur park, while being one of the homes of British athletes, with a functioning stadium. Dulwich has a villagey feel, whereas Woolwich has been extensively redeveloped and has many upmarket flats while keeping some of the features of the original Royal Armoury works.
Frequently Asked Questions: Homebuyers Survey South East London
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RICS Level 2 Home Survey with a Valuation
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, which used to be called the HomeBuyer Report or a Home Buyer Survey, is generally suitable for:
- Bungalows
- Flats
- Standard construction houses
The majority of South East London's leasehold flats require only a RICS HomeBuyer Report but for any Victorian conversions, a Building Survey may well be required.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
A Level 3 Home Survey, also known as a Building Survey or a full structural, is the most comprehensive visual inspection a RICS surveyor can provide on a property in South East London. It is suitable for:
- complex buildings, for example those that have been extensively extended and altered
- unique or older historic properties
- properties in poor condition; or
- those where the client is planning to carry out extensive repair and refurbishment work.
Speak to one of our team on 0207 112 5388 to find out if your property suits a RICS Building Survey, or read our article Which Home Buyers Survey suits your property .
