A homebuyers survey is a non-intrusive visual inspection of a house or apartment carried out by a qualified surveyor. It focuses on the visible areas of a property to assess its overall condition and highlight any potential issues.

The report will highlight defects, urgent repairs and ongoing maintenance issues, helping you make a more informed decision when buying. If you choose a survey that includes a valuation, the surveyor will also estimate the property’s market value and its insurance rebuild cost.

In this blog, we explore the details of a homebuyers survey, explaining what it covers, how much it costs and whether you need one when buying a new build.

What are the different types of homebuyer survey?

There are three main types of homebuyer survey, each offering a different level of detail depending on the property and your needs.

A Level 1 Home Survey

Previously known as a Condition Report, this is the lowest level of homebuyers survey. It’s designed for conventional properties and newer homes that are in good condition and notes any defects but generally won’t provide any advice on managing them.

A Level 2 Home Survey

Previously called a Homebuyer Report, this is the most opted for type of homebuyers survey. It’s suitable for properties in reasonable condition which have a straightforward layout and don’t feature significant alterations or extensions.

It provides a detailed insight into the condition of your property, including guidance on any repairs or maintenance that needs completing in future.

With a Level 2, you can also choose to also have a market valuation.

A Level 3 Home Survey

Formerly known as a Building Survey, this is the most comprehensive homebuyers survey available. It provides an in-depth analysis of condition of the property, as well as advice on defects and necessary repairs.

It’s ideal for larger or older properties, those that have been altered, or if you are planning to complete major renovations.

What does a homebuyers survey cover?

What’s included in the homebuyers survey depends on the level you opt for, but a Level 2 Home Survey, for example, would typically include checks of the following:

Main exterior walls

Indoor walls and ceilings

Roof structure and loft accessibility

Floors

Damp-proofing, insulation and drainage

Pipes and gutters

Windows and doors, double glazing

Built-in fixtures, like kitchens and bathrooms

Fireplaces, chimney stacks and roof coverings

Woodwork, including checks for rot and woodworm

Electricity, gas/oil, water heating, and drainage

Garages, conservatories and porches

What isn’t covered by a homebuyer survey?

Homebuyer surveys are visual inspections, so they don’t check for anything that can’t be seen. This means they won’t usually cover:

Issues beneath floorboards or behind walls

Communal area in flats, such as lifts or shared corridors

Temporary outbuildings

Roof spaces in some flat blocks

Specialist testing e.g. full electrical or plumbing reports

If a more detailed investigation is required, your surveyor may recommend further specialist inspections.

What are the homebuyer survey ratings?

A homebuyers survey report will provide you with a condition rating. The levels include:

Condition Rating 1 – No repairs currently needed

Condition Rating 2 – Defects need repairing or replacing but these aren’t considered urgent or serious

Condition Rating 3 – There are serious defects that need repairing, replacing or investigating urgently

How much is a homebuyers survey?

The cost of a homebuyers survey will vary depending on the type of survey you select, as well as the size and value of the property, and the location.
As a general guide, a homebuyers survey costs:

Level 1 Home Survey: from around £300–£600

Level 2 Home Survey: from around £400–£1,000

Level 3 Home Survey: from around £700–£1,500+

While it may seem like an added expense, a homebuyers survey can save you money in the long run by uncovering issues before you complete your purchase. It can also give you leverage to renegotiate the price if significant defects are found.

How long does a homebuyers survey take?

The length of time needed to complete a homebuyers survey depends on the level you’ve selected, as well as the size and condition of the house.
Generally speaking, an inspection may take:

Level 1 Home Survey – Usually completed in 1–2 hours.

Level 2 Home Survey – Typically takes 2–4 hours for a standard property.

Level 3 Home Survey – Can take 4–8 hours or more for larger, older or more complex properties.

Once the inspection has been completed, the surveyor will compile a detailed report, which is usually provided within a few days to a week.

Do I need a homebuyers survey when buying a new build?

Even when buying a new build home, a survey can still be beneficial.

Instead of a traditional homebuyer survey, you may want to opt for a snagging survey, which identifies minor issues such as misaligned doors, poor paintwork or unfinished fittings, as well as more serious concerns like structural defects or elements not built to specification.

At Native Land, our residences, including London’s 100 George Street, are built to a high standard with a strong focus on quality and craftsmanship. Our new homes also come with the benefit of a structural warranty, giving you additional peace of mind.

Explore more about 100 George Street