How much does a HomeBuyer survey cost in the South West?
Our Level 2 HomeBuyer surveys in the South West start from £450 inc VAT. The exact price depends on the property value — you can get an instant quote online.
How much does a Level 3 Building Survey cost?
Our Level 3 Building Survey starts from £700 including VAT for properties up to £100,000 in value, with fees rising in line with property value up to a maximum of £1,595 for properties above £1.5 million. The Level 3 is our most comprehensive survey, covering every accessible element of the property in detail. Use our instant quote tool to get your exact price.
How quickly can you do a survey in the South West?
We typically offer same-week availability across the South West, where possible. Book online and choose from the available dates.
Do you cover all of the South West?
Yes. We cover the whole region, from Bristol and Gloucestershire down to Cornwall. We run regular survey days across the South West, so enter your postcode in the booking form to see available dates.
Do you carry out probate valuations in Devon and Cornwall?
Yes. Our RICS Registered Valuers carry out Red Book probate and date-of-death valuations across Devon, Cornwall and the wider South West.
Do I need a Level 2 or Level 3 survey in the South West?
For properties built within the last 50 years in reasonable condition, a Level 2 HomeBuyer survey is usually sufficient. For older properties, listed buildings, basement conversions or any property you plan to renovate, we recommend a Level 3 Building Survey.
Does a survey cover cladding and external wall systems?
Yes. Our surveyors inspect all visible external wall surfaces including cladding, render and brickwork. If the property has composite or rainscreen cladding, the surveyor will note the type and any visible concerns. For properties affected by the cladding crisis, we recommend a Level 3 Building Survey for the most thorough assessment. An EWS1 form is a separate specialist assessment — please contact us if you need guidance.
Does the survey include the garden and external areas?
The surveyor will inspect the garden boundaries, outbuildings, paths, driveways and drainage where visible. They will note any significant issues such as subsidence risk from trees, retaining wall defects, or Japanese knotweed. However, a standard survey does not include a full land or soil survey.
How does the age of the property affect which survey I need?
For properties built within the last 50 years in conventional construction, a Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is usually appropriate. For older properties, listed buildings, thatched roofs, timber-framed buildings, properties built before 1900, or any non-standard construction, we strongly recommend a Level 3 Building Survey.
What does the surveyor check for damp?
The surveyor uses a calibrated electronic damp meter to test internal walls at ground floor level and any areas of concern. They check for rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation. If significant damp is found, the report will recommend further specialist investigation from a damp and timber specialist.
Will the survey check the roof?
The surveyor inspects the roof from ground level and from any accessible vantage point. Internal roof spaces are inspected where safely accessible.
What happens if serious problems are found?
If significant defects are identified, the report will clearly flag them with a condition rating of 3 (urgent). We recommend you use the findings to renegotiate the purchase price, request the seller makes repairs, or in some cases reconsider the purchase. Our team is available to discuss the findings and advise on next steps.
Is a survey worth it on a new build?
Yes. New build properties can have snagging issues, incomplete finishes and construction defects that a professional survey will identify. We recommend a Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey as the appropriate starting point for most new build purchasers.
