Frequently asked questions

A Level 2 (formerly the HomeBuyer Report) uses a traffic-light rating system and is suited to conventional properties in reasonable condition. A Level 3 (formerly the Building Survey) is more detailed and investigative, suited to older, larger or altered properties. See our full comparison page for more detail.

A Level 2 inspection typically takes 1 to 2 hours on site. A Level 3 typically takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Reports are delivered within 3 to 5 working days.

Many significant issues are not visible to the untrained eye. A professional survey identifies problems that could affect the property value, safety and your future costs, even in properties that appear to be in good condition.

Yes. We survey all types of residential property across London, including purpose-built flats, converted flats, mansion blocks and houses of all eras.

No. A mortgage valuation is carried out for the lender and is not designed to protect you. It is a brief assessment of value, not a condition report. A survey is a detailed inspection of the property carried out for your benefit.

We provide formal RICS (Red Book) valuations for probate, shared ownership, Help to Buy, matrimonial, inheritance tax and capital gains tax purposes. We also provide private market valuations for personal decision-making.

A valuation is a professional opinion of the property market value. A survey is a physical inspection of the property condition. They serve different purposes and can be instructed separately or together.

A valuation inspection typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour on site. The report is usually delivered within 3 to 5 working days.

We operate across London, with particular depth in West, South West, North West and Central London. We cover areas including Kensington, Chelsea, Fulham, Hammersmith, Chiswick, Notting Hill, Islington, Clapham, Putney, Wimbledon and Richmond, among others.

Our focus is exclusively on London. This allows us to maintain deep knowledge of the local housing stock, ground conditions and property market. We do not operate outside the Greater London area.

Fees vary depending on the property type, size and the service required. We provide fixed-fee quotes with no hidden charges. Contact us with your property details for a quote.

Contact us by phone, email or through our online form with the property details. We will confirm the right service, provide a quote, and once you instruct us we handle the rest, including arranging access with the estate agent.

We can usually arrange an inspection within 3 to 5 working days of instruction, subject to property access. If you have an urgent timeline, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate it.

Payment is due on instruction, before the inspection takes place. We accept bank transfer and card payments.

Reports are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days of the inspection. If you need a faster turnaround, please discuss this with us at the time of instruction.

Yes. Our reports are written in plain English. We avoid unnecessary jargon and where technical terms are needed, we explain them. The report is designed to be genuinely useful to you, not to other surveyors.

Absolutely. We encourage it. After you have read your report, we are available to talk through the findings, answer questions and help you understand what the results mean for your decision.