Old, large property, extensions, outbuildings? Get a Building Survey!
It's fully understood that there's umpteen drains on your finances when you buy a property. It's always wise to get a survey done: you want an expert on your side, who can give you critical information given the money you're about to spend.
If you've chosen to buy an older property and/or a large one, which might have extensions and outbuildings or may even be built from non-standard materials, you should always opt for a full Building Survey, not a HomeBuyer Report - it's a matter of selecting the right tool for the job.
For a simpler, smaller, more modern property, a HomeBuyer Report works fine, and you get a valuation and a reinstatement value thrown in as well. But you would be unwise to choose this survey if your property does not fit into these categories simply because a HomeBuyer Report isn't best designed for the purpose. Surveyors recognise this and often won't offer to carry out a HomeBuyer Report in the circumstance.
If you're buying a property in London and the Home Counties and are unsure which survey is right for it, a RICS surveyor can readily advise you and hope you answer the question.