How much does a house survey cost?

There are several types of house surveys you can get on a property.

Find out how much different house surveys cost with our guide.

The headlines

  • A house survey could cost anywhere from £300 to more than £1,500.
  • The overall cost depends on the survey level you choose and the type of property you’re buying.
  • If you’re buying a home with Lloyds, you can choose our HomePlus Survey that includes the lender valuation and a more detailed survey report.

In this guide

What impacts the cost of a home survey?

House survey costs by level

How much does a home survey cost with Lloyds?

Is a home survey worth the cost?

What happens once I receive the house survey report?

Frequently asked questions

What impacts the cost of a home survey?

Survey level

The type of survey you choose will affect the price. For example, a level 1 house survey will often cost significantly less than a level 3 building survey. This is due to the depth of the survey report and the amount of advice it includes.

Property size or structure

A survey on a 1-bedroom flat will usually cost less than a survey on a 4-bedroom house, as there’s less space to inspect. The complexity of the property, including whether there are any extensions or historic features, might also impact the home survey cost.

Surveyor

Different surveyors may also charge slightly different prices to cover their overhead business costs. You might want to get several quotes to compare your options. 

House survey costs

Many surveyors follow the RICS home survey framework and the costs associated with them.

Table to show house survey costs

Type of home survey

Other similar surveys

What it includes

Most suited to

Average cost

Type of home survey

RICS Level 1 Home Survey

Other similar surveys

N/A

What it includes

A basic inspection of the property’s condition, including any visible issues needing urgent attention.

Most suited to

New builds or modern properties.

Average cost

£300 to £900

Type of home survey

RICS Level 2 Home Survey

Other similar surveys

RPSA Home Buyer/Condition Survey.

What it includes

A more extensive inspection of the property, including the roof space and drainage chamber. Level 2 also gives advice on what maintenance or repairs may be necessary.

You can often choose whether it includes a valuation or not.

Most suited to

Modern properties in a reasonable condition – with simple layouts.

Average cost

£400 to £1,000

Type of home survey

RICS Level 3 Home Survey

Other similar surveys

RPSA Building Survey.

What it includes

A full structural survey report that covers the building’s condition and advice on repairs, defects and maintenance.

Most suited to

Older, larger or more complex properties – including those that have or will be significantly altered.

Average cost

£630 to £1,500

Type of home survey

Snagging Surveys

Other similar surveys

N/A

What it includes

An independent inspection of new build properties to highlight any issues or snags that need fixing.

Most suited to

New build homes.

Average cost

£320 and above

How much does a home survey cost with Lloyds?

If you’re buying a home with Lloyds, you can choose from a basic valuation or our more detailed HomePlus option.

Mortgage valuation (Level 1)

This is a basic property valuation for lending purposes only. 

Cost: £100 

HomePlus Survey (Level 2)

This option includes the lender valuation, but also gives a more detailed survey report in line with the RICS Level 2 Home Survey.  

Cost: £550 and above, depending on property value 

Find out more information about our valuation fees. If you want a full building survey, you’ll need to arrange this yourself. You can find an accredited surveyor through the RICS or RPSA.

Is a home survey worth the cost?

While a home survey is an extra upfront cost, it could give you peace of mind about the property you’re buying. It can make sure you’re aware of any potential issues or future costs ahead of completing. That way, you can take action to resolve them or be more prepared when you move in. 

In Scotland, the seller covers the cost of the survey rather than the buyer. In fact, it’s legally needed for the seller to arrange a Home Report before marketing a property. Find out more on MYGOV.SCOT. This report includes:

  • a home survey and valuation
  • an energy report and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
  • a property questionnaire containing information on the council tax band, any extensions, historic issues and more.

What happens once I receive the house survey report?

First things first, you should review the report and check for any issues or concerns. 

If your house survey suggests that the property is in good condition, you can proceed to the exchange of contracts with confidence. But if the survey reveals any issues with the property, you might want to weigh up your options.

Things you could do:

  • Organise further investigations. If any issues need further assessment, you may need to organise extra surveys and investigations.
  • Get quotes for repairs. You might want to get a quote for any repairs or potential maintenance. This can help you work out future costs that might be needed.
  • Follow-up with the seller. You could ask the seller to get the issues fixed before exchanging contracts.
  • Negotiate the asking price. If your seller is unable to fix them, you might be able to negotiate the asking price to factor in the future costs.

Let's look at the details

  • The time it takes to complete a house survey depends on:

    • the level of the survey
    • the size of the house
    • the complexity of the property. 

    Larger houses might take several days to survey, while smaller homes might only take a few hours.

  • It depends on where you live. In England and Wales, sellers are not legally needed to have a survey when selling their house. Although, in Scotland, it’s legally needed for homeowners to arrange a Home Report before selling. This includes a home survey, valuation, energy report and property questionnaire.

  • How in-depth a home is inspected during a survey depends on the level of the survey. Level 1 and 2 surveys generally focus on surface-level elements. No furniture is moved and carpets aren’t lifted. Level 3 surveys can include lifting loose carpets and checking subfloor areas.

  • Yes, surveyors do look in cupboards, such as those built-in and under the stairs. This allows them to assess the building’s condition and check for issues such as structural integrity, pests, and mould. If you have a water tank or boiler in a cupboard, they will check it.

  • While it’s not legally needed, getting a house survey for a new build can be useful. You can get a snagging survey that highlights any defects and cosmetic issues. New builds do come with warranties, but an independent survey can help highlight to the developer issues that you may not identify.

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Important legal information

New Lloyds mortgages are provided by Bank of Scotland plc. Lloyds Bank plc and Bank of Scotland plc are both part of Lloyds Banking Group.