Summary
For a Level 3 Building Survey in the UK, expect to pay in the region of £562 - £945, with an average of £629. Costs will vary depending on the age, size, value, and location of the home. Make sure you compare house survey quotes from local RICS surveyors to find a survey that meets both your needs and budget.
Purchasing a home is both exciting and daunting. You'll want to know the home is right for you, especially with an older or unusual home, which may have hidden defects or issues.
A RICS Level 3 survey, previously called a Building Survey. It is designed for properties that are older, unconventional or in poor condition. It is also suitable for homes which have undergone extensions and renovations. This way any concerns can be highlight before you commit to the purchase. This is not to be confused with a Structural Survey which is an even more detailed inspection. Read more on our guide on Structural Survey Costs.
When you compare quotes from local RICS-regulated surveyors, you could cut the cost of your survey by up to 70%, allowing you to confidently move ahead with your purchase.
What is a RICS Level 3 Survey?
A RICS Level 3 survey, also known as a Building Survey, is a visual inspection carried out by a RICS-regulated surveyor. RICS recommends a Level 3 survey for homes that are older, altered, built with non-standard materials, showing signs of damage or in visibly poor condition.
The survey consists of a detailed inspection of the property's structure, condition and construction. Following the survey, you will receive a report outlining defects, potential risks and ongoing maintenance advice. The report will include pictures of areas referenced, giving you an insight into the home and its true condition.
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Level 3 Survey Cost
On average, a Level 3 Building Survey in the UK costs around £629, with most homeowners paying between £562 and £945. The exact price will depend on factors such as property value, size, and location.
Based on Compare My Move data, the tables below break down average costs by property price and property size, along with the lowest and highest quotes our users received.
Level 3 Survey Cost by Property Price
Here we review the average cost of a house survey according to Compare My Move users, based on the property price. We have also included a range of costs based on the lowest and highest quotes received by our users.
| Property Price | Average Survey Cost | Survey Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £200,000 | £461 | £445 - £695 |
| £200,000 - £300,000 | £547 | £497 - £792 |
| £300,000 - £400,000 | £579 | £500 - £792 |
| £400,000 - £500,000 | £570 | £539 - £888 |
| £500,000+ | £853 | £739 - £1,353 |
As shown in the table above, Level 3 survey costs increase with property value. Homes priced above £500,000 average £853 and could be as high as £1,353, compared with £461 for properties costing under £200,000.
This is because higher-value homes often take longer to inspect, plus surveyors also take on greater responsibility when assessing higher-value properties, which is reflected in their fee.
Use our House Survey Cost Calculator for an estimate of what you might pay.
Level 3 Survey Cost by Property Size
Larger homes usually cost more to survey because they take longer to inspect and report on. The table below shows the average survey costs for different property sizes, along with the lowest and highest quotes received by Compare My Move users.
| Property Size | Average Survey Cost | Survey Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom property | £518 | £494 - £782 |
| 2-bedroom property | £559 | £499 - £847 |
| 3-bedroom property | £554 | £502 - £787 |
| 4-bedroom property | £713 | £666 - £1058 |
| 5-bedroom property | £1,181 | £866 - £2,084 |
As our unique data shows, a survey is likely to cost more for larger home, especially those with 4 or 5 bedrooms. Our users found a 5-bedroom property cost over £1,000 to survey, compared with a 1-bedroom property which cost less than half this amount.
This is because it takes the surveyor longer to conduct the survey and write the report, and there will be more to investigate.
Prices are based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
What Influences the Cost of a Survey?
A Level 3 house survey cost can be influenced by several factors, including:
Age of the home
Older homes may cost more to survey as there will be more to review and may have ill-advised updates and renovations, largely due to a high number of owners making changes over the years.
Home type and condition
Large or unconventional homes may result in a higher cost for the survey, while more standard and conventional homes will likely cost less. If the property is in poor condition, this may also contribute to the cost.
Property value
The value of the home can impact the price of a survey, with more expensive homes resulting in higher costs for a Level 3 survey.
Property size
Larger homes will likely result in more expensive surveys, as it will take longer for the surveyor to complete both the survey and report.
Location of the home
Surveys are likely to cost more in large cities such as London. The survey may also cost more if the property is difficult to reach, for example, in the countryside.
The surveyor
Prices can vary between surveyors, which is why comparing quotes is vital to find the best price for your Level 3 survey.
What is included in a Level 3 Building Survey?
A Level 3 survey is also a good choice if you want:
- A clear overview of the home’s main elements and an assessment of its condition
- A non-intrusive inspection that is more thorough than the Level 1 and 2 surveys
- Inspections of both internal and external areas, including lofts and outhouses.
- A visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds
- Pictures of areas highlighted in the report
- Details of required repairs and maintenance
If your property doesn’t need this level of detail, a Level 2 survey is usually a cheaper choice. If you're unsure, ask your surveyor which survey is most appropriate for your home.
Does a Level 3 Survey Include a Valuation?
No, a RICS Level 3 survey does not automatically include a valuation of the property. You can ask your surveyor to add one, but it will usually come at an additional cost. If you need a valuation for your mortgage or for peace of mind when buying, let your surveyor know before booking so it can be included in the quote.
If you’re buying with a mortgage, the lender will arrange its own valuation for lending purposes. This is separate from a survey, and lenders typically won’t accept a buyer-commissioned valuation as a replacement.
Depending on your mortgage product, you may need to pay for the lender’s valuation, though some lenders include a free valuation. As a result, it is only worth adding a valuation to your survey if you want to pay for your own independent valuation.
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Is a Level 3 Survey Worth the Cost?
Yes, the cost of a Level 3 survey can be a small price upfront to pay, as it can potentially save you thousands of pounds down the line.
A RICS Level 3 building survey can provide valuable information about the condition of the home, any concerns or issues, required repairs and recommendations for further investigation.
Using your survey report, you could negotiate the price of the property to cover the cost of repairs. Alternatively, you could save yourself from buying a problematic home by pulling out of the transaction.
As a home is often one of the biggest purchases someone will make in their lifetime, ensuring it is in good condition and worth the cost is paramount.
That said, newer or well-maintained homes are usually better suited for a Level 2 survey where level 2 survey costs are lower compared to a level 3 survey. In such cases, paying extra for a Level 3 may not be necessary. If in doubt, we recommend asking your surveyor which survey level is suited to your home.
How to Save on a Level 3 Survey
There are a few ways to ensure you get the best price for your Level 3 Building survey:
Compare surveyors
One of the best ways to get a great price for your Level 3 survey is to compare surveyors. This way, you can find the company that suits both your needs and your budget.
Choose a local surveyor
A Level 3 survey may cost more if your surveyor has to travel far to complete the survey. Opting for a local surveyor could mean a lower price, and they may also have insight into homes in the local area.
Ensure property access
Try to check with the seller or estate agent that the property is easily accessible for the surveyor, as they may charge more if there is difficulty accessing the property or completing the survey.
Negotiate
You could try to negotiate the price of your survey, especially if you have compared a few quotes and the surveyor is willing to be flexible on price.
How to Find a Surveyor
Finding the right surveyor can matter as much as the survey itself. A good surveyor will provide a clear and jargon-free report, providing reliable advice that could save you both money and stress later on.
The best way to get started is to compare quotes from local RICS-regulated surveyors. Compare My Move can connect you with up to 5 qualified surveyors in your local area and save you up to 70% on your Level 3 survey costs.
Every surveyor in our network is verified by our dedicated team before joining and are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), so you know you’re in safe hands.
FAQs
When should I get a Level 3 survey?
Buyers usually arrange a survey once their offer has been accepted, and it’s the buyer who organises and pays for it.
How long does a Level 3 survey take?
A Level 3 Home Survey will take 4-8 hours to complete. It can take longer if there are any areas your surveyor is having trouble accessing.
Is a Level 3 survey legally required?
No, there is no legal obligation to get a survey when buying a property. It is, however, highly recommended as part of the house-buying process.
Do I need a Level 3 survey in Scotland?
In Scotland, it is the seller who arranges a Home Report, which includes a Single Survey. This is a legal requirement when selling the home. Buyers can choose to have their own survey if they wish.
