Frequently asked questions

A Level 2 (formerly the HomeBuyer Report) uses condition ratings and is suited to conventional properties in reasonable condition. A Level 2 Plus follows the same RICS Level 2 format with more explanation of construction and context, and suits converted, period or higher-value flats. A Level 3 (formerly the Building Survey) is more detailed and investigative, suited to older, larger or altered properties. See our full comparison page for more detail.

Inspection time varies with the survey level, size, condition and complexity of the property. We confirm the target report date with your quote and terms of engagement.

Many significant issues are not visible to the untrained eye. A professional survey identifies problems that could affect the property value, safety and your future costs, even in properties that appear to be in good condition.

Yes. We survey all types of residential property across London, including purpose-built flats, converted flats, mansion blocks and houses of all eras.

No. A mortgage valuation is carried out for the lender and is not designed to protect you. It is a brief assessment of value, not a condition report. A survey is a detailed inspection of the property carried out for your benefit.

We provide formal RICS (Red Book) valuations for probate, shared ownership, Help to Buy, matrimonial, inheritance tax and capital gains tax purposes. We also provide private market valuations for personal decision-making.

A valuation is a professional opinion of the property market value. A survey is a physical inspection of the property condition. They serve different purposes and can be instructed separately or together.

Valuation reports are typically issued within 5 working days of the inspection. Desktop valuations are typically issued within 5 working days of instruction and payment. We confirm availability and the target report date before you instruct us.

We cover London, with particular depth in North, North West and West London, including Queens Park, Kilburn, Maida Vale, West Hampstead, Hampstead, Camden, Kentish Town, Finchley, Hendon, Golders Green, Willesden and Ealing. We also take instructions across the rest of London: E, EC, N, NW, SE, SW, W and WC postcodes, and outer London postcodes BR, CR, DA, EN, HA, IG, KT, RM (except RM9), SM, TW and UB.

No. We cover London only. This allows us to maintain deep knowledge of the local housing stock, ground conditions and property market. If your property is outside London, we can point you to a local RICS-regulated surveyor.

Fees depend on the service and the property value. For properties valued up to £500,000, a Level 2 survey is from £499, a Level 2 Plus from £599, a Level 3 from £699 and a market valuation from £349, including all taxes and fees. Fees rise in steps with property value and can be higher for large, listed, altered or non-standard properties. Every quote is confirmed in writing before you instruct.

Contact us by phone, email or through our online form with the property details. We will confirm the right service, provide a quote, and once you instruct us we handle the rest, including arranging access with the estate agent.

Availability depends on location, scope and property access. Tell us your deadline when requesting a quote and we will confirm the earliest suitable inspection date before you instruct us.

Payment is due on instruction, before the inspection takes place. We accept bank transfer and card payments.

Level 2 and Level 2 Plus reports are typically issued within 5 working days of the inspection, and Level 3 reports typically within 7 working days. Your target report date is confirmed with the quote and terms of engagement. If you have a transaction deadline, tell us before instruction so the timetable can be agreed.

Yes. Our sample reports page shows one fictional London flat written up as a Level 2, Level 2 Plus and Level 3 survey, element by element and side by side, so you can see the difference in depth before you choose. Each sample can be downloaded as a PDF produced by the same report generator we use for client reports. The property is fictional and not a real client's home.

Yes. Our reports are written in plain English. We avoid unnecessary jargon and where technical terms are needed, we explain them. The report is designed to be genuinely useful to you, not to other surveyors.

Yes, and we encourage it. Every survey includes a call with Joe to go through the findings, booked in a weekday slot between 4pm and 6pm. We will answer your questions and help you understand what the results mean for your decision.