A home survey is one of the most important steps in the buying process, but timing it correctly can mean the difference between a smooth purchase and a costly mistake. This is why so many people are nervous about house surveys.
The best time to book and arrange a home survey is right after your offer has been accepted, well before the exchange of contracts. House survey costs vary depending on the type of property and level of detail you need, but spending this money early can save you thousands later by uncovering problems before you’re legally committed.
A house transaction is legally binding after the exchange of contracts, so it's important to have your survey completed well in advance to avoid making a last-minute decision.
Key Takeaways
In England and Wales, the buyer arranges the survey
In Scotland, it’s in the seller's Home Report
The best time to book your survey is as soon as your offer is accepted
Surveys reveal hidden issues and help you avoid costly surprises later
You can save hundreds by comparing surveyors and choosing the right survey level
What Is a Home Survey?
A home survey provides detailed information about the condition of a property for prospective buyers and consists of a property inspection and follow-up report.
Types of Home Surveys
Not all properties need the same level of inspection. RICS surveys are split into three levels, each designed for different property ages, conditions, and levels of risk. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right survey option before committing to a purchase:
RICS Level 1 Survey (Previously Condition Report)
The RICS Level 1 Home Survey is the most basic survey you can get and is a surface-level report of the condition of the property. It is only suitable for properties less than five years old with no obvious issues.
RICS Level 2 Survey (Previously Homebuyers Report)
The RICS Level 2 Home Survey is the next level and will provide a report on defects and more details around the condition of the property. This survey is well-suited for conventional properties in reasonable condition.
RICS Level 3 Survey (Previously Building Survey)
The RICS Level 3 Home Survey is the most thorough report when buying a house, and will provide details about the interior, exterior and structure of the property. It is recommended for properties older than 50 years, especially those that have been altered, are unusual in some way, or are in poor condition.
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The Best Time to Book a Home Survey
The best time to book a home survey is immediately after you have had your offer accepted. If you're the buyer, it's your responsibility to organise the home survey with a qualified surveyor.
This not only demonstrates to the seller that you're committed to the purchase, but it allows you enough time to evaluate your survey results.
Why You Should Book Your Survey Early
Having the survey carried out promptly will provide you with peace of mind that the home does not have any hidden problems that could be costly in the future. It also allows you to confirm the property is worth what you're offering before legally committing to the purchase.
When reviewing the survey results, if you have issues you want to address or you decide to renegotiate your initial offer, you will have plenty of time to do so without holding up the process.
How Long Will a Home Survey Take?
Home survey inspections usually take between 1-8 hours to complete, depending on the survey type and extent of the inspection. Once complete, you should receive your report within 3-7 working days.
When booking your home survey, discuss times and availability with your surveyor to gain a clear idea of their processes and when you can expect to receive the report.
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When Do I Get a Survey if I’m Buying a House in Scotland?
In Scotland, you don't need to book a survey yourself. The seller provides a Home Report before listing the property, so it's already available when you start viewing.
A Home Report is generally equivalent to a RICS Level 2 Home Survey. If you need a copy, you can request one from the seller, their estate agent, or solicitor, and by law you must receive it within nine days of your request.
Book Your Survey with Local Surveyors
Once you've had an offer accepted, it is strongly advised that you find a RICS surveyor and arrange a property survey. This will give you an overview of the condition of the home and flag any concerns, before you are committed to the purchase.
Looking for the best surveyor in your local area?
Compare My Move can match you with experienced local surveyors who can help you proceed with confiudence. Simply fill in our surveying comparison form to compare up to 5 quotes and save on your house survey costs.
For added peace of mind, all of our surveying partners have passed our verification process. Surveyors must be regulated by RICS if they offer home surveys and Valuation Reports. Companies specialising in Snagging Surveys can be regulated by either RICS or the RPSA.
FAQs
When do I get a survey if I am getting a mortgage?
If you have offered the asking price or under, you should get a survey done before formally arranging your mortgage, to ensure you have all the correct information.
If you offered over the asking price, you should get your mortgage approved before getting a survey.
When do I get a survey if I’m a cash buyer?
You should book your survey as soon as possible, as cash-only properties can sometimes have issues such as damage to the property, structural concerns, or invasive plants. Getting a survey done quickly helps you avoid wasting time on a property that may not be suitable and gives you the opportunity to negotiate if problems are found.
When do I get a survey if I’m buying a new build?
Many developers won’t allow a Snagging Survey until after contracts are exchanged or the purchase is complete. Booking this survey as soon as possible will allow you to have these issues addressed. Otherwise, the developer might shift responsibility onto you.
Can you exchange contracts before a house survey?
It is uncommon to have surveys at such a late stage because you are already legally committed to the transaction.
If the survey flags issues impacting the home valuation, you can withdraw from the transaction, but you will face legal and financial implications.
