Customer FAQ

Buying a house represents one of the biggest financial commitments you’re likely to make.

Your survey report is prepared specifically for you, not your lender. It provides you with information about the condition of the property you’re thinking of buying and a clear summary of the key risks associated with your purchase before you commit to buying.

There are three types of residential survey. If you’re unsure about the right survey for you, take a look at our product comparison guide. If you are still unsure about which report to choose, call our dedicated Helpline free on 0800 169 9661.

Comparable evidence is an essential part of the valuation process, during which surveyors use their experience and knowledge to arrive at their valuation.

They will analyse recent property transactions in the local market, typically referencing three similar transactions to support their opinion of the value of the property.

The practice of a vendor accepting a higher offer for a property even though previously a lower offer had been accepted subject to contract is often referred to as ‘gazumping’. Neither gazumping nor ‘gazundering’ (when a buyer makes an off er that is accepted subject to contract then refuses to proceed shortly before exchange of contracts, except at a reduced price) is illegal.

The only way to avoid gazumping is to enter into what is known as a ‘lock out agreement’, if the seller is willing. You may also ask your agent to seek instructions from the seller as to whether they should take the property off the market, or continue to market to avoid losing time should the sale fall through.

If we’re conducting a mortgage valuation on behalf of your lender, we will not be able to discuss the content of the valuation report with you. However, if you’ve purchased an RICS Building Survey, your surveyor will talk to you either before or after your survey has been completed.

If you’ve purchased a HomePlus RICS Level 2 Survey or a RICS Level 3 Survey, your surveyor will talk to you after the report has completed if you make this request.

When purchasing a RICS Condition Report, it’s possible to add the option of speaking to your surveyor for either fifteen or thirty minutes after your report has been completed. This option is available to add to your purchase when booking online, or when calling our helpline to order your report.

Whenever a surveyor conducts a valuation of a residential property for mortgage lending, they must follow a code of practice that includes guidance on the extent of the inspection and the method of the valuation.

The report usually follows a standard format required by the lender.

A valuation is normally supported by comparable evidence – typically three recent, similar transactions to support the surveyor’s opinion of the value of the property. These ‘comparables’ may not be identical to the property being valued, but the surveyor will use them to help arrive at a valuation figure through a process of comparison and weighting.

It’s important to understand that ‘asking prices’ for similar properties on the market yet still unsold are not considered as ‘comparable evidence’ – this is often misunderstood.

No, you can instruct a survey yourself. Contact us today to book a survey.

A HomePlus RICS Level 2 Survey (HomeBuyer Report) is suitable for most conventional homes in reasonable condition and provides a clear overview of the property’s condition, highlighting defects, repair priorities, and maintenance advice.

A RICS Level 3 Survey (formerly a Building Survey) is more detailed and is recommended for older, larger, significantly altered, or non‑standard properties. It offers deeper investigation into construction, defects, and potential repair implications.

If you’re unsure which survey is right for the property you’re buying, our expert team is happy to advise. Call us on 0800 169 9661.

The HomePlus RICS Level 2 Survey is a digital, interactive report designed to make survey findings easy to understand and act on. Defects are clearly prioritised using a traffic‑light system, supported by photos, energy efficiency insights, and local area information.

You get fast online access, simple navigation, and a follow‑up call with your surveyor to talk through any concerns.

A HomePlus RICS Level 2 Survey covers a visual inspection of the property’s structure and condition, including walls, roof, floors, windows, doors and services. Your surveyor will highlight defects, prioritise repairs, and provide professional advice on maintenance. Our digital report also includes photos of findings, energy efficiency information and local neighbourhood data.

The value is far greater than the cost. The cost of an HomePlus RICS Level 2 Home Survey varies depending on factors such as size and value of the property being surveyed. However, typically the cost ranges from £499 – £800+.

It’s important to remember that this cost is an investment in your future. By having all available information about your potential new home before committing to purchasing it, you can make sure you don’t end up with costly surprises down the line.

The RICS Level 3 Survey provides a significantly more detailed inspection than a Level 2. It covers construction methods, identifies the probable causes of defects, outlines repair implications and, if required, provides an indication of likely costs.

It is recommended for older, non-standard, significantly altered or complex properties where a Level 2 may not capture the full picture.

The RICS Level 1 was formerly known as a condition report. It provides a basic inspection and report into the condition of a property. It is not as indepth as a HomePlus (RICS Level 2) Survey or RICS Level 3 survey.

Your RICS surveyor will NOT give their professional opinion or advice on issues, repairs or maintenance, as they would for higher level surveys. They will only report on the condition.

This is a paper-based/PDF report, and is not digitally interactive, unlike a HomePlus survey.

If you want the most detailed assessment available, the RICS Level 3 Survey goes significantly further than a Level 1, covering construction methods, defect causes, repair implications and cost guidance.

A RICS Level 3 Survey typically takes 3-8 hours on site, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Older or larger properties with multiple issues to assess will take longer. Your report will be prepared after the inspection and delivered within a few working days.

The cost of a RICS Level 3 Survey varies depending on the size, age, and complexity of the property.

As the most comprehensive survey available, it typically costs more than a Level 2, but for an older or non-standard property, the investment is well justified.

Use our quote tool above to get an instant estimate based on your property’s postcode and purchase price.

No, it simply means that the property has been accepted as security for the loan by the mortgage provider. It does not necessarily mean it’s worth the figure you’re paying for it, or that there are no defects that require remedial works. Only a comprehensive survey report is designed to highlight potential defects in the property you’re thinking of buying.

There is actually a very important distinction between a mortgage valuation and a survey.

A mortgage valuation report is prepared to enable your mortgage lender to decide if a property is one that it wants to lend on.

To be clear, a mortgage valuation only answers the questions the lender has as to whether the property offers suitable security for your loan. It doesn’t answer any questions that may be important to you or your own personal interests and it doesn’t tell you the condition of the property.

In comparison, a survey report prepared is for the buyer not the lender. It provides independent professional advice on the condition of the property – including defects – prior to committing to a purchase. Without a survey, a buyer should not buy.

No, your lender is not obliged to provide you with a copy of the mortgage valuation report and when we undertake a valuation on behalf of your lender, we’re generally unable to discuss the content of the report with you directly.

If you paid your lender a valuation fee, this is used so that the lender can assess whether the property can be used as security for the loan.

Adding a RICS property valuation to your survey can help confirm that you are paying a fair price for the property. In some cases, however, it may not be essential, particularly if your lender is providing a mortgage valuation and your loan covers a large proportion of the purchase price.

That said, a separate valuation may still be useful for other purposes, depending on your circumstances.

No, but e.surv is a member of the CEDR Independent Adjudication Service (RICS). Our customer care commitment includes a published e.surv Guide to Complaints and our Chartered surveyors are covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance.

If your property’s market value has increased, you will repay more than the original loan amount. If the value has decreased, the repayment amount will be less. The valuation reflects the current market conditions and affects how much you owe.

A RICS Help to Buy valuation is necessary when repaying or remortgaging your Help to Buy loan. It provides an independent market value assessment of your property, ensuring you repay the correct amount based on its current value.