RICS survey services
RICS surveys and valuation advice for homebuyers
Aspect Surveying provides clear, independent residential survey advice to help buyers understand property condition, defects, risks, repair considerations and survey options before purchase.
Start here
Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.
Age, condition, alterations and visible defects.
Get advice on the most suitable survey route.
Survey options
Choose the right RICS survey
The right survey depends on the property’s age, type, construction, condition, alterations and any visible defects. Use the summaries below to compare the main options.
RICS Level 1 Home Survey
A basic condition overview for newer, conventional properties that appear to be in good condition. It is the most limited RICS survey level.
View Level 1 Survey →RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Suitable for many conventional houses and flats that appear to be in reasonable condition. Includes RICS condition ratings and comments on significant visible defects.
View Level 2 Survey →RICS Level 3 Building Survey
More detailed survey advice for older, altered, extended, larger or visibly defective properties, with detailed commentary on defects, risks and repair priorities.
View Level 3 Survey →RICS Valuation
An independent opinion of market value. A valuation is not the same as a building survey and does not provide detailed defect advice.
View Valuation Service →Not sure?
Which survey is right for the property?
Many buyers are unsure whether they need Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. The survey level should reflect the property’s complexity and the level of advice needed.
Level 1 may be suitable where:
- The property is modern or newer
- The construction is conventional
- The property appears to be in good condition
- You only need a basic condition overview
Level 2 may be suitable where:
- The property is conventional
- The property appears to be in reasonable condition
- You want RICS condition ratings
- You need comments on significant visible defects
Level 3 may be suitable where:
- The property is older, altered or extended
- There are visible defects or repair concerns
- The property is larger or more complex
- You need more detailed repair and maintenance advice
Survey pricing
Request a survey quote
Survey fees depend on the property type, size, age, location, complexity, survey level and any visible concerns raised before inspection.
Use the survey pricing page to request a quote and provide details about the property, purchase stage and any concerns.
What can affect the fee?
- Survey level required
- Property size and type
- Age and construction
- Alterations or extensions
- Visible defects or complexity
- Location and access arrangements
Buyer tools
Useful tools before you instruct a survey
These tools can help you understand survey choice, visible property defects and wider property risk considerations.
Which Survey Do I Need?
Answer a few questions about the property to understand which survey level may be more suitable.
Use Survey Tool →Property Defect Checker
Select visible concerns such as damp, cracks, roof defects or timber decay and receive general guidance.
Check Defects →Homebuyer Risk Snapshot
Review EPC, long-term flood risk guidance, radon, coal mining and conservation area considerations.
View Risk Snapshot →Property condition
Common issues a survey can help identify
Depending on the property and survey level, a survey may comment on visible defects, condition concerns, repair priorities and matters that require further investigation.
Damp and moisture
Rising damp, penetrating damp, condensation, ventilation issues and timber decay.
View damp guides →Cracking and movement
Structural cracks, subsidence, heave, distortion and possible movement.
View structural guides →Roofs and external fabric
Roof coverings, chimneys, rainwater goods, external walls and weathering.
View property guides →Older or altered homes
Extensions, previous alterations, removed walls and maintenance-related risks.
View Level 3 Surveys →How it works
A simple survey process
Request a quote
Tell us about the property and the survey you are considering.
Receive advice
We respond with a quote and can advise if Level 2 or Level 3 appears more suitable.
Confirm and book
If you are happy to proceed, you complete the booking form and terms.
Access arranged
We arrange access with the estate agent, vendor or access contact.
Inspection completed
The survey is carried out and the report is prepared.
Follow-up support
You can ask questions about the findings and next steps.
Need help choosing the right survey?
Tell us about the property and we will respond with a suitable survey quote.
