RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

RICS Homebuyer Surveys

Independent RICS Home Surveys – Clear, Practical Advice Before You Buy

Buying a property is one of the most significant financial commitments you will ever make.

Whether you are purchasing your first flat, moving home, or acquiring a high-value London property, you need reliable, independent advice before you exchange contracts.

At BN Surveyors, we provide comprehensive RICS Home Surveys designed to give you clarity, confidence and commercial leverage. Our reports are prepared in accordance with the latest RICS Home Survey Standards, ensuring consistency, transparency and professional compliance.

We act solely in your interests — independent of estate agents, lenders and brokers — delivering straightforward, jargon-free reporting supported by practical guidance and direct access to the surveyor who inspected the property.

Survey Types

We offer two principal survey levels, depending on the age, type and complexity of the property.

Level 2 (RICS Homebuyer Report)

The Level 2 Survey is suitable for:

  • Conventional flats and houses

  • Modern or relatively standard construction

  • Properties built from around 1900 onwards

  • Homes in reasonable apparent condition

This survey focuses on identifying significant defects, urgent repairs and issues that may materially affect value. It does not provide exhaustive structural analysis, but it offers an excellent balance of cost and protection for typical residential purchases. The report includes condition ratings, commentary on services (visual inspection only), and clear recommendations on next steps.

Level 3 (RICS Building Survey)

The Level 3 Survey is the most comprehensive inspection available and is recommended for:

  • Older properties (Victorian, Edwardian and earlier)

  • Period mansion blocks in Prime Central London

  • Properties that have been altered or extended

  • High-value homes

  • Buildings of non-standard construction

  • Homes requiring renovation or refurbishment

This survey provides a far more detailed assessment of construction, structural condition and potential defects. It includes advice on repair options, likely causes of movement or dampness, and ongoing maintenance requirements. In Prime Central London and surrounding areas, we frequently advise on mansion block flats, stucco-fronted terraces, converted buildings and properties within conservation areas.

What You Receive

Every report is designed to be commercially useful, not simply technically accurate. You will receive:

  • Clear traffic-light condition ratings (RICS format)

  • Detailed explanation of defects

  • Practical repair guidance

  • Estimated cost guidance (where appropriate)

  • High-resolution photographic evidence

  • Advice on further specialist investigations

  • Market value (where instructed)

  • Insurance reinstatement figure (where required)

  • Direct follow-up discussion with the surveyor

Our aim is not simply to identify defects, but to help you make an informed decision whether that means proceeding, renegotiating, or withdrawing. Many clients use our reports to successfully renegotiate purchase prices.

Our Approach

  • We understand that buying property in London and the Southeast can be fast-moving and competitive. We therefore prioritise:

  • Fast inspection booking (often within 3–5 working days)

  • Prompt turnaround (typically 3–5 working days post inspection)

  • Clear communication throughout

  • Direct access to a Director-led firm

  • You will speak to the surveyor who inspected the property, not a call centre

Coverage Area

We undertake surveys across:

  • Prime Central London

  • Greater London

If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please contact us.

Why Choose BN Surveyors?

  • Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

  • Registered RICS Valuer

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance

  • Experience across Prime Central London and the Southeast

  • Director-led inspections

  • Clear, commercially minded reporting

Helpful Information

  • Our fees reflect property value, size and complexity.

    • Level 2 (Homebuyer)
      From £750 + VAT

    • Level 3 (Building Survey)
      From £1,200 + VAT

    We provide a fixed quotation once we know the property address and agreed purchase price. There are no hidden extras.

    • Do I need a survey if the lender is carrying out a valuation?
      Yes. A lender’s valuation is for mortgage security purposes only and does not provide detailed advice on condition.

    • How long does the survey take
      Inspections typically take 2–4 hours depending on property size and complexity.

    • Can you advise before I exchange contracts?
      Yes, we aim to ensure you have your report and post-report discussion well before exchange deadlines.

    • Will you discuss the findings with me?
      Absolutely. We encourage clients to call us after reading the report to ensure complete understanding.

Independent Survey Advice Across London

020 7101 3382info@bnsurveyors.com

Arrange a RICS Survey and receive practical, commercially focused guidance to support your decision or renegotiation.

Contact Us Today