# What is a Home Survey (and Do I Need One)?
Published: 2021-07-20
Category: Finance
Category URL: https://business.express/category/finance/
Meta Title: What Is A Home Survey And Do I Need One
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Organising a home survey is a standard part of the home purchase process.  But with a number of different types of home surveys available, it is important to understand how they work and which is the right choice for you.

**What is a Home Survey?**

When planning to purchase a property through funds such as [bridging loans](https://www.bridgingloans.co.uk), a home survey is performed to assess its condition, its state of repair and the extent to which any essential repairs/work may be needed. Some home surveys include a valuation of the property, but not all.

Subsequently, a home survey can help ensure you have a full and accurate picture of the property you intend to buy, presented and explained by a qualified professional.

**Do I Need a Home Survey?**

Technically speaking, the answer is no, it is not a legal requirement for a home survey to be conducted. Nevertheless, purchasing a home without a professional survey being performed can be risky.

It is therefore advisable to consider a home survey mandatory, even though it is not. Though there are different rules in Scotland, where a ‘Home Report’ must be produced by an appropriately qualified professional, prior to a home being listed on the market for sale.

**RICS Surveys**

Members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors perform four different types of evaluations, with different levels of scrutiny and intensiveness:

- **RICS Home Survey Level 1 –** the cheapest RICS survey,suitable for newer homes and conventional properties
- **RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Survey) –** a more detailed survey that looks more intensively at potential issues and maintenance/repair requirements
- **RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Survey and Valuation)**– the same as the above, but including a formal valuation of the property
- **RICS Home Survey Level 4 –** the most comprehensive survey, providing in-depth analysis of the property’s state of repair in its entirety
  ![](https://prod.superblogcdn.com/site_cuid_cm5qsmfaw001wwirgq3ggueqg/images/bridging-loans-1737030951638-compressed.jpg)


**RPSA Surveys**

Members of the Residential Property Surveyors Association also offer a variety of different types of home surveys, as follows:

- **Home Condition Survey (HCS) –** suitable for all property types, including a full inspection and comprehensive report.

- **Building Survey (Full or Structural Survey) –** the most intensive survey conducted by RPSA members, suitable for all types of properties but aimed at non-standard buildings and those clearly in need of repairs/maintenance.

- **Buy-to-Let Survey –** aimed at [Buy to Let](https://www.ukpropertyfinance.co.uk/mortgages/types/buy-to-let/) investors, assessing whether properties adhere to the terms and conditions of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act.

**Other Types of Surveys Available**

Some of the other types of surveys available from a variety of providers include:

- **Valuation Surveys and Mortgage Surveys –** a simple valuation of the property to determine its market value and the subsequent size of the mortgage needed to purchase it.
- **Snagging Surveys –** conducted to check for any potential defects with a newly constructed property or with new building work.

**Home Survey Costs**

The cost of a home survey will be determined by the nature and intensiveness of the survey carried out, varying from around £300 for a basic survey to more than £1,500 for a more detailed survey.

_For more information on how to choose the right type of survey or to discuss any aspect of the home purchase process in more detail, contact a member of the team at UK Property Finance today._

**This is a Sponsored Feature**


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