The average house survey in the UK costs £445 in 2026, based on thousands of quotes from RICS surveyors. For most buyers, that means paying £380–£629.
Your survey choice matters when it comes to cost. A Level 1 is the cheapest but only gives a basic overview, Level 2 is what most buyers go for, and Level 3 is the priciest because it provides the most detailed inspection, usually only needed for older or more complex properties.
Use our house survey cost calculator below to get your personalised survey price estimate.
Average UK House Survey Costs
Here’s what people actually paid for RICS surveys on average:
- RICS Level 1 Survey: £380
- RICS Level 2 Survey: £445
- RICS Level 3 Survey: £629
Level 1 is rarely chosen as it only covers the basics. Most people choose a Level 2 survey, while Level 3 is recommended for older or complex properties that need a more detailed inspection.
Your actual cost will also depend on factors such as the property’s value, size, location, and whether you add extras like a valuation or specialist checks.
Unlike other guides that rely on broad estimates, this data comes directly from thousands of Compare My Move customers, making it the most accurate source for UK house survey costs today.
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What Is a House Survey?
A house survey is a detailed inspection carried out by a qualified surveyor to assess a property’s condition. It highlights potential concerns and advises on the next steps in your purchase.
Different types of survey offer varying levels of detail, but all include a physical inspection and a written report with any issues and recommended repairs.
Home buyers usually arrange a survey once their offer has been accepted, and it’s the buyer who organises and pays for it.
House Survey Costs by Type
Here is a breakdown of the survey types and their costs:
| Survey Type | Average Cost | What It Covers | Suitable Properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICS Level 1 Home Survey | £380 | A basic check, ideal for newer builds | New, standard-build homes with no visible problems |
| RICS Level 2 Home Survey | £445 | The most popular choice for typical homes | Most conventional homes in decent condition |
| RICS Level 3 Home Survey | £629 | A detailed inspection for properties with age, complexity, or concerns | Older, altered, unusual or poor-condition homes |
| Snagging Survey | £377 | Ensures your new build is finished to standard before moving in | New build properties (pre- or shortly after completion) |
RICS Level 1 House Survey Cost
Costs for a Level 1 Survey start at around £290 for properties up to £200,000 and gradually rise to about £560 for homes valued at £1 million.
- Simplest and most affordable RICS survey
- Provides a brief overview of the property’s condition
- Flags common and visible issues
- Notes any legal matters to address before purchase
- Outlines details on the local environment and energy efficiency
- Takes around 2 hours to complete
- Excludes repair advice, cost estimates, and a valuation
RICS Level 2 House Survey Cost
Costs for a Level 2 Survey are dependent on property value, starting from around £376 for homes under £200,000 and up to £930 for properties over £600,000.
- Most popular choice for conventional homes
- Includes a visual inspection of accessible internal and external areas
- Checks for issues such as damp, rot, subsidence, insulation, and drainage
- Highlights significant problems using a traffic-light rating system
- Offers maintenance and repair advice with priorities
- Takes 2–4 hours to complete
- Provides a clear written report
- Option to include a valuation and insurance reinstatement value for an extra fee
RICS Level 3 House Survey Cost
Costs for a Level 3 Survey start from £450 for properties under £200,000 and can reach up to £1,436 for homes valued over £600,000, with prices increasing with property value.
- Most detailed RICS survey
- Covers everything in a Level 2 Home Survey
- Includes a full structural check and in-depth defect analysis with causes and repair options
- Provides estimated repair costs and timelines
- Assesses construction materials used in the property
- May include a repair schedule or rebuild cost
- Takes 4–8 hours to complete
- Provides a detailed, fully written report
- Excludes a valuation unless added for an additional fee
Unless otherwise stated, all cost data is taken from real quotes received by thousands of Compare My Move users.
Costs of Other Survey Types
There are also a number of other surveys in the UK that are less common or apply only in specific circumstances. We’ve outlined these below:
New Build Snagging Survey Cost
The cost of a snagging survey start at around £320 for a 1-2 bed apartment and increase to about £573 for a 6-bedroom house, with prices rising alongside property size.
What is included in a snagging survey?
- Ensures the work meets building regulations and warranty standards.
- Highlights defects or unfinished work.
- Can also flag other issues for the developer to resolve.
- Suggestions on how the issues can be made right to pass on to the developer.
Surveyors can take up to 6 hours inspecting the new property, but this varies based on the size of the home.
RPSA Home Condition Survey Cost
Compare My Move research finds that costs range from £400 to £900 for an RPSA Home Condition Survey.
This survey closely resembles the previously mentioned Level 2 Home Survey, but with some key differences. The RPSA survey is more user-friendly, includes photos, provides more detailed descriptions, and offers additional practical information such as broadband availability.
Mortgage Valuation Survey Cost
Our research finds that the average cost of a mortgage valuation survey is £326, though this fee can often be waived as part of the mortgage deal. A mortgage valuation survey is carried out on behalf of the mortgage lender.
What is included in a mortgage valuation survey?
- Issues that could impact the property's value, such as structural damage.
- Information, including short leases or missing building regulation certificates.
- Comparable evidence around similar properties in the area.
- How much would it cost to rebuild, optional for insurance purposes.
If major problems are found, the lender may refuse the mortgage or require further specialist surveys before proceeding.
Home Report Cost for Sellers in Scotland
A Home Report is only required in Scotland, and it comes at the cost of the seller who arranges the survey for prospective buyers. The average costs for a Home Report range between £337 to £703.
What is included in a Home Report?
- Provides a condition rating of the interior and exterior of the property.
- Energy rating from A-G, which states how energy efficient the property is.
- Property details such as previous extensions, council tax, parking, etc.
- Provides market valuation information stating how much the property is worth.
While the Home Report technically has no expiry date, it cannot be older than 12 weeks at the time the property goes on the market.
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What Factors Affect House Survey Cost?
The cost of a house survey isn’t fixed. It varies depending on your property and the type of survey you choose. Below are the main factors that affect the price, with tips to help you know what to expect:
Survey type
The more detailed the survey, the higher the cost. A Level 1 survey is the most basic and affordable, while a Level 3 survey includes a full structural assessment and costs more due to the time, expertise, and detail required. A specalist strucutral survey costs will be higher than a level 3 survey.
Property size and complexity
Larger homes naturally take longer to inspect. Features such as loft conversions, basements, extensions, or unusual designs add complexity and increase the surveyor’s time, which pushes up the price.
Location
Where the property is located matters. Surveys are often more expensive in London and South West England, where fees and travel costs are higher. In remote areas, limited surveyor availability can also raise prices.
Property value
Survey fees often scale with property value. Homes over £1 million are more costly to survey, partly because surveyors carry higher insurance liability. If your home falls into this bracket, expect an uplift in fees.
Property age
Older homes usually take more time to assess. They may hide defects, structural risks, or outdated materials that need closer examination. A Victorian terrace, for example, is more likely to need a detailed survey than a 10-year-old semi.
Should I Get A House Survey?
Yes. A home survey is one of the best ways to protect yourself from unexpected costs. It can uncover issues that may otherwise leave you paying thousands in repairs.
Compare My Move surveyed over 2,000 homeowners and found that 35% of those who hired a surveyor were able to negotiate a lower purchase price, saving an average of £6,390.
If you want to compare surveyors, you can use our House Survey Cost Calculator to receive an estimated cost dependent on the type of house survey you need.
Get a survey before you lose negotiating power
If the survey uncovers issues, you'll have the evidence to renegotiate or ask the seller to fix problems before completion. Comparing local RICS surveyors helps you find one who knows your property type and can flag concerns before you exchange.
Getting Value for Money from Your Survey
A house survey is an investment, so it’s worth making sure you get the most out of it. Here’s how:
Choose the Right Survey
Different surveys offer different levels of detail. Always check a sample report before booking so you know what’s covered and what kinds of issues may be highlighted.
Compare Surveyors
Don’t just go with the first surveyor you find. Compare experience, customer reviews, and service levels.
Always choose an RICS-regulated surveyor for peace of mind and industry-standard quality.
Make the Survey Work for You
Share any concerns you already have about the property so the surveyor can pay closer attention to those areas.
If possible, attend the inspection, even briefly. This way, you can see potential issues first-hand and ask questions to the surveyor directly.
Look Beyond Cost
Cheaper surveys may give a basic overview, but they can miss bigger problems. A more detailed survey may cost more upfront, but it could save you thousands by uncovering serious issues or reassure you that the property is sound.
How to Find a Surveyor
With Compare My Move, you can compare up to 5 quotes from trusted local surveyors. Fill out our surveying comparison form and you can save up to 70% on your surveying fees.
All partners have passed our verification process. Firms offering home surveys or Valuation Reports are RICS-registered. Those specialising in Snagging may be regulated by RICS or the RPSA.
