How much does a house survey cost?
Survey costs depend on the level, the property's value and size. Here's what RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys typically cost, and how to compare fairly.
The cost of a house survey depends mainly on the survey level you choose and the value and size of the property. As a rough guide:
- RICS Level 1 (Condition Report), the cheapest on paper — but it tells you the least, and because the surveyor still has to visit and write a report, it doesn’t cost much less than a Level 2. That poor value is why we don’t offer it.
- RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer Report), mid-range, and the most common choice; a little more with a market valuation added.
- RICS Level 3 (Building Survey), the most detailed and the most expensive, reflecting the extra time on site and depth of reporting.
Larger and higher-value properties cost more to survey because they take longer to inspect and report on.
What’s included in the fee
A survey quote is normally an all-in fixed fee covering the surveyor’s inspection, their time preparing the report, and VAT. Unlike conveyancing, there are no third-party disbursements — you’re paying for the surveyor’s expertise and report.
Comparing fairly
Don’t choose on price alone. Check that the surveyor is RICS-regulated, read their reviews, and make sure the quote is for the level of survey your property actually needs — a Level 2 on a run-down period cottage is a false economy if it misses the defects a Level 3 would have found.
Compare fixed-fee survey quotes from RICS-regulated surveyors near you.