Building Survey and Homebuyer Reports

At Collier Stevens, our Kent surveyors and London chartered surveyors bring decades of experience in providing thorough building surveys and reports. We specialise exclusively in pre-purchase building surveys, homebuyer reports, party wall matters and single defect investigations, ensuring our advice is always independent and buyer-focused.

The right survey can highlight hidden defects or reveal the seriousness of issues you may not have considered, giving you the insight to make a well-informed and objective decision. Take a look at our Buyers Guide to Surveys and Reports for the types of surveys we offer.

With Collier Stevens, you can move forward with confidence, supported by professional, regulated advice. Our building survey services are tailored to residential and commercial purchasers across London and Kent. Contact us for a free survey quote.

Our building survey case studies

ISVA Homebuyer Survey – Victorian Flat Conversion in Kent

Collier Stevens was asked to undertake an ISVA Level 2 Building Survey for a buy-to-let purchaser of a Victorian ground floor conversion flat in Kent.

Ground Floor Victorian Conversion Flat in Kent

Collier Stevens were asked to undertake an ISVA (Independent Surveyors & Valuers Association) level 2 survey of a ground floor conversion flat in a Victorian house. Our client was particularly interested in the suitability of the property for use as a buy-to-let investment. Our survey revealed extensive dampness and condensation as well as issues relating to sound separation and fire separation. They decided not to proceed with this acquisition.

For more information on how we can help you, get in contact.

Full Building Survey of Edwardian House in Kent

Our client wished to return this Edwardian property of three self contained flats to a single dwelling.

Full building survey – Edwardian House, Kent

This substantial Edwardian house was converted to three self-contained flats during the 1950s and had not been the subject of any modernisation for at least 30 years. Our client wished to return the house to a single dwelling.

They required a building survey to identify the current structural condition, the scope of structural work necessary to reinstate the property and an assessment of the potential cost of all of the work, including reinstatement to a single dwelling. Our survey identified concerns with the roof, water penetration, the services and asbestos.

Need a building survey in Folkestone? Get in touch with our local experts today.

Book Your Building Survey or Homebuyer Report

For reliable, independent, RICS-regulated Chartered Building Surveyors in London and Kent:
Call: 020 8295 1200 (London) or 01303 239 000 (Kent)
Email: info@collier-stevens.co.uk
Or request a London or Kent building survey quote online.

Buying a property to live or work in is the biggest financial commitment most people ever make. As many as 80% of buyers do not commission independent building surveys, homebuyer reports or other property inspections. This often includes failing to arrange a professional building survey, homebuyer report, or specialist property inspection such as a party wall survey or defect report.

Why commission a professional building survey?

You may have carried out some Google research about your future home, but there’s nothing like proper expert advice by a Chartered Surveyor. An independent RICS building survey or homebuyer report provides a level of detail that online research, valuations or estate agent information doesn’t offer.

Uncover hidden defects before you commit

The right survey, by finding the right surveyor, will almost certainly draw your attention to defects that you didn’t know existed, or the seriousness of which you may not have appreciated. This can include structural movement, damp issues, roof defects, boundary concerns or potential party wall matters affecting adjoining properties.

Our expertise will help you understand and enable you to make an informed, objective and considered decision – and, in many cases, to renegotiate your purchase price or avoid costly mistakes. Any defects identified on a property survey may mean you have considerable immediate or future expenditure to consider — in some cases, you may decide not to buy at all. We can advise on the right survey, and how long a house survey takes.

Which survey do you need?

Whilst there are many different types of survey, the two most common are — the homebuyer report and the building survey — although if you need just a specific defect looked at in detail then you can ask for a single defect report. We also advise on party wall surveying where works or shared structures may affect neighbouring properties.

If you’d like to see what a survey or homebuyers report looks like then take a look at examples of our Building Surveys & Homesurvey Reports throughout London and Kent.

Homebuyers Report vs Building Survey

Homebuyer Report (Level 2 Survey)

The Homebuyer Report is a level 2 survey. This is most suitable for conventional properties built in the last 50 years or so and which are in reasonable condition. The report will describe the condition of the property, identify any risks and potential legal issues and highlights any urgent defects. It also includes advice on defects that may affect the value of the property with repairs. This is a lower-priced service, the inspection and report are less detailed and briefer than a building survey.

Building Survey (Level 3 Survey)

The Building Survey is a level 3 report and is recommended for larger or older properties, or if you’re planning major works. This is the most comprehensive report and includes an in-depth analysis of the property’s condition, including advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options.

When is a defect report more appropriate?

A defect report concentrates on one particular defect, specified by you. For instance, evidence of movement, dampness or structural failure. It will report upon the cause of the defect and any remedial works necessary, but will NOT report any other shortcoming in the home you are looking at buying.

Contact Collier Stevens to speak to our Chartered Building Surveyors in London and Kent.

How much does a house survey cost?

RICS research estimates that one in five buyers who did not commission a survey find they need to spend an average of £5,750 dealing with defects that they did not know about. Suddenly a modest investment which is usually between £350 and £1000 in a building survey or homebuyer report becomes money well spent in protecting your money and your biggest asset.

Our homebuyer reports in building surveys in London are designed to give you the information you need to make an informed and sensible offer on your future home. The publishers of Which? Magazine and The Council of Mortgage Lenders advise you to arrange an independent building survey (sometimes called a structural survey) or homebuyer report before buying a property.

Case Studies: Real examples of savings achieved in Bromley and Hythe through our building surveys:

• Blog — best £500 I’ve spent
• Blog — is a survey worth it?

Valuation vs. Building Survey – Knowing the difference

Do not be confused by the valuation survey your bank or mortgage lender provides. This is an inspection carried out on behalf of your mortgage lender to determine the amount and terms of a mortgage offer. Your mortgage lender will probably ask you to pay for the valuation and may not send you a copy of the report. A valuation is not a detailed survey and you should not rely on it. It does not assess defects, maintenance issues, structural risks or party wall implications.

If you have a low loan to value, the surveyor may simply undertake a drive-by inspection. Collier Stevens does not undertake valuation work and specialises in pre-purchase building surveys specifically for purchasers. This clear separation ensures our advice is completely independent and unbiased. Read our RICS Consumer Guidance Note.

Speak to an experienced Building Surveyor in London or Kent

Take a look at our most commonly asked property survey questions, visit our Advice Hub, or take a look at one of our case studies. Our team is always happy to discuss which survey is right for your London property or London flat, and whether you may need additional services such as party wall surveying, advice on party wall matters or targeted defect reports.

You can get a free quote from our website or, give us a call — London 020 8295 1200, Kent 01303 239000 — and you can discuss the best option for your prospective home.

If you’d prefer to make a quick enquiry, complete the form below and we’ll get back to you.