Buying a house should be exciting, not terrifying.
Getting an offer accepted is a reason to celebrate. That doesn’t mean you should be anxious about what comes next. Our job is simply to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying before you commit.
A survey is an MOT for your house.
You wouldn’t buy a car without checking it over. A house costs a great deal more, and the problems are far harder to see. A survey is a qualified professional going through the building properly and telling you, in plain English, what’s actually there.
Is the property structurally sound?
Will I be paying huge sums of money fixing it up down the line?
Is the house energy efficient?
Is it worth what you think it’s worth?
Buyers who skip a survey later go on to find faults throughout their house.
The most expensive survey
is the one you didn’t have.
One in five property buyers who skip getting their property surveyed later go on to find faults throughout their house. Those faults don’t go away; they just become yours, at your cost, after completion.
Your lender’s valuation confirms the property is worth what you’re borrowing. It is not designed to find defects, and it tells you almost nothing about the condition of the building.
If we identify significant defects before exchange, you can renegotiate the price or ask the vendor to carry out the work. Plenty of our clients have saved several times the cost of the survey this way.
Reading a survey for the first time can be daunting. Call us and we’ll go through it with you line by line until it makes sense.
Which one do you need?
Most buyers need a Level 2. Older or unusual properties usually warrant a Level 3. If you’re not sure, call us, and if the cheaper option will do, we’ll tell you.
Level 2: Homebuyer Report
Right for most buyers. Properties built in roughly the last 50 years, in reasonable condition. Condition ratings throughout, advice on defects and repairs, and an optional valuation. From £500.
Level 3: Building Survey
Right for older, larger or unusual properties, listed buildings, conservation areas, or where you’re planning to extend or convert. Detailed analysis with guidance on how to proceed. From £700.
EPC: while we’re there
If the property needs an Energy Performance Certificate, we can produce it during the same visit rather than sending someone out twice. From £90.
Booking a survey
is straightforward.
Most people have never booked one before. Here’s exactly how it goes, start to finish.
Call or send the address
Tell us the property address and roughly when you need it. We’ll advise which level is right and quote you, usually within the hour.
We arrange access
We liaise with the estate agent or vendor directly to arrange access, so it’s one less thing on your list.
We inspect thoroughly
A RICS Registered Surveyor goes through the property inside and out: roof, structure, damp, timbers, services, grounds.
Report, then a conversation
Your digital report arrives promptly. Then call us and we’ll talk you through everything that matters.
“We thankfully avoided proceeding with a house purchase after Sean spotted major red flags with his keen eye for detail in the initial survey. We now have a new house to move into after a second survey from Sean and thoroughly trust his judgement!”
“Couldn’t recommend Trust Surveyors enough. Kept me up to date, easily available to chat … ultimately the survey spotted something that could have caused me a lot of issues further down the line. Massive thank you to Trust Surveyors.”
“Very prompt initial response from my first enquiry and level 3 survey undertaken a few days later. Really thorough report received and a follow-up telephone call to go through the main issues, put them in to context and answer questions. Excellent, clear & prompt communication throughout. Highly recommend.”
First-time buyer questions.
Do I need a survey if I’m getting a mortgage?
Yes. The mortgage valuation is carried out for your lender to confirm the property is worth what you’re borrowing; it isn’t designed to find defects. One in five buyers who skip a survey later go on to find faults throughout their house.
Which survey should a first-time buyer choose?
Most first-time buyers need a Level 2 survey (Homebuyer Report). If the property is older, larger, unusual or you’re planning to extend or convert, a Level 3 building survey is the safer choice. Not sure? Send us the address and we’ll tell you honestly: if the cheaper option will do, we’ll say so.
When should I book my survey?
As soon as your offer is accepted, and always before you exchange contracts. Send us the address and we’ll arrange access with the estate agent or vendor for you.
Can a survey help me negotiate on price?
Often, yes. If we find significant defects before you exchange, you can go back to the vendor to renegotiate or ask for the work to be done before completion.
Does a survey test the gas and electrics?
No. Our surveys are visual inspections, and we’re not electricians or plumbers. We note the visible condition of installations and will flag when a specialist test is worth arranging.
What happens after I get my report?
Give us a call. Reading a survey for the first time can be daunting, so we’ll talk you through any finding until you feel confident about your next step.
Had an offer accepted?
Let’s get it surveyed.
Send us the address and we’ll come back with a quote and the earliest date we can get there.