Do you need a RICS Level 3 Home Survey?

Our panel of local RICS Building Surveyors cover the whole of England and Wales providing the highest level home survey.

Our prices start at £500 EXC VAT with availability from 20/03/2024*. If you're not sure if it is the right survey for your property, call us and we'll tell you which survey to get - 0333 344 3234 (local call charges apply).


"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."
National Coverage for your Level 3 Home Survey

National Coverage
Panel of RICS Surveyors for your Level 3 Home Survey

Panel of RICS Surveyors
Same Week Availability for Level 3 Home Surveys

Same week availability*
Costs for a Level 3 Home Survey

Cost from £500 EXC VAT
Reports In 5 Days for Level 3 Home Surveys

Reports in 5 Days**

RICS Level 3 Home Survey

A Level 3 Home Survey, or Building Survey, is the highest visual inspection carried out by a RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Building Surveyor. The report is delivered in either a hand written report using the surveyor's own template or it is provided in the prescribed "traffic light" format. The type of survey you choose depends on the style of property you are buying and RICS state a Building Survey is suitable for:

  • larger properties;
  • older properties built around Edwardian/Victorian and older or rundown;
  • unique or altered buildings such as a cottages or thatched roofs; or
  • if you are planning major works.

There are some properties that the RICS Building Survey isn't suitable for and these include:
  • a flat; or
  • a bungalow; or;
  • a standard construction house built after 1930.

For these types of property you need to get a Level 2: HomeBuyer Report. If you aren't sure which survey you need, speak to one of our survey specialists on 0333 344 3234 (local call charges apply) or drop us a message to get a free call back.

What types of property suit a Level 3 Home Survey?
Check to see which house is like the one you are buying. If you need help on working out the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 Survey then call out survey specialists who can guide you on what to get - 0333 344 3234 (local call charges apply).

Georgian House RICS Level 3 Home Survey from SAM Conveyancing
Georgian houses are traditional English homes built principally between 1720 and 1830. Notably larger and opulent windows, doors and ceilings. The age commands a Level 3 Home Survey.
Victorian House RICS Level 3 Home Survey from SAM Conveyancing
Victorian properties are traditional English homes built between 1830 and 1901 named after Queen Victoria. Often extended to utilise the loft space. The age and size require a Level 3 Home Survey.
Edwardian House RICS Level 3 Home Survey from SAM Conveyancing
Built between 1901 and 1918, the edwardian style came along after Victorian properties and have more flare and style. They use older construction methods and materials that are over 100 years old often with extensions.
Large Property RICS Level 3 Home Survey from SAM Conveyancing
Pre-Georgian properties are traditional English homes which were built in the 17th Century, after the Tudor period ended in 1601. The age of the property, and often Grade II listing, requires a RICS Level 3 Home Survey.
Farm House RICS Level 3 Home Survey from SAM Conveyancing
Non-Commercial old farm houses with exposed timber can have subsidence, wood worm and other defects due to their age. There are often outbuildings and stables. A top level survey should be undertaken even if the property is small.
Thatched Cottage RICS Level 3 Home Survey from SAM Conveyancing
There are estimated to be 35,000 thatched roof properties in England; 24,000 are listed buildings. They require a surveyor with experience of thatch with listed buildings and require a Level 3 Building Survey.
Unique House RICS Level 3 Home Survey from SAM Conveyancing
Steel or timber frame require additional experience. Even though not old, uniquely built properties lean toward the highest visual survey and require a more experienced RICS Building Surveyor.
Rundown House RICS Level 3 Home Survey from SAM Conveyancing
Usually purchased at auction, a run down property often has a very clear defect which can mean you can't raise finance over the property. You need the most detailed survey to flag issues in the property.
Large Property with Extension RICS Level 3 Home Survey from SAM Conveyancing
No matter the age, if the property has had a number of extensions to the original fabric of the property then the property is likely better suited to the more comprehensive RICS Home Survey Level 3.


What defects are flagged in a Level 3 Home Survey?


Prev
Crack in outside wall above window flagged in a Home Building Survey
Cracks/Subsidence

Cracks are inspected and in the report will confirm if you need a structural engineer as there are signs of historical or current movement.

Find out more - What is subsidence and how do you spot it?

Damp and mould on a wall flagged in a Home Building Survey
Damp

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.

Find out more - What is rising damp?

Rotting wood on a window frame flagged in a Home Building Survey
Wood Rot

The wooden door frames and windows will be inspected for rotting and wood worm.

Find out more - What to do with a Rotten Window Frame?

Rat Infestation flagged in a Home Building Survey
Infestations

The surveyor looks for signs of infestations through droppings, damage to piping/flooring and in some cases finding where the nest is.

Find out more - Can You Sell A House With Rodents?

Japanese Knotweed in a garden flagged in a Home Building Survey
Japanese Knotweed

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.

Find out more - Do surveyors check for Japanese knotweed?

Drains and man hole covers flagged in a Home Building Survey
Drains and Manhole Covers

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.

Find out more - Should You Get a CCTV Drain Survey When Buying a House?

Roof loft space with insulation flagged in a Home Building Survey
Roof and Loft Space

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.

Find out more - What is a roof survey?

Next

Why are there so many names for the Level 3 Survey?

This level of survey has had various name changes over the years such as Full Structural Survey, Building Survey and most recently a Level 3 Home Survey. It is the most comprehensive visual inspection you can get from a RICS surveyor on a residential property.

  • 1

    How to Prepare for an RICS Building Survey

Preparation involves granting full property access and ensuring all areas are clean and clear for inspection. Review our guide on what happens during a house survey for more details.

  • 2

    Survey takes place

The surveyor carries out the inspection and provides a follow up report

  • 3

    Next Steps After a Building Survey

If the survey uncovers serious defects, you might renegotiate the price or request repairs. If you decide to proceed despite the issues, ensure you have a clear understanding of the potential estimated costs involved in addressing the defects.

What is the difference between the Level 2 and Level 3 Home Survey?

A Level 3 survey provides a more detailed analysis than a HomeBuyer Report, making it the preferred choice for run-down properties. The RICS guidelines clarify that while the HomeBuyer Report isn’t exhaustive, a Level 3 Building Survey offers a more substantial and detailed inspection, potentially revealing defects that might otherwise go unnoticed.

"The inspection is not exhaustive, and no tests are undertaken. Concealed areas, normally opened or used by the occupiers, are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces and cellar areas). There is, therefore, a risk that certain defects may not be found that would have been uncovered if a more substantial inspection had been undertaken"
Level 2 Home Survey
Level 3 Building Survey
The RICS Level 2 Home Survey with a Valuation includes:
 
  • Inspection of the roof and loft space
  • Review of drains
  • Assessment for suspicions of subsidence or asbestos
  • Inspection for signs of Damp
  • Property valuation and reinstatement value
The RICS Level 3 Home Survey includes:
 
  • Inspection of the roof and loft space
  • Review of drains
  • Assessment for suspicions of subsidence or asbestos
  • Testing for Damp
  • Detailed defect report
  • Inspects your demise and the communal area nearby
  • External review of property
  • Review of utilities (gas and electric)
  • Can include valuation, flood risks, reinstatement value and repair costs for an additional fee
  • The scope of work is detailed here: RICS Guidelines for Building Surveys


Download an Example Level 2 and Level 3 Home Survey



RICS Home Survey Level 2




RICS Home Survey Level 3



Frequently Asked Questions
STRUCTURAL
HOWLONG
WORTH
COST
VALUATION
Cover
Asbestos
Temp
DEFECTS
DIFFERENCE
LISTED
EQUIPMENT
ConveyancingProcessMobile

FREE Online Conveyancing Process For Buyers

Our conveyancing process area includes:
  • online checklists
  • videos
  • free downloads
  • useful tips
It is completely free to use - from start to finish - and saves your progress along the way.