The cost of a homebuyer survey in London depends on the property type, size and value. A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report for a typical flat or terraced house generally starts from a few hundred pounds, while larger or more complex properties cost more. We provide a quote within 24 hours based on the specific property details you give us. Call us on 0800 00 16 422 for a free estimate.

A RICS Level 2 survey, sometimes called a Homebuyer Report, is suited to conventional properties in reasonable condition. It uses a traffic light system to flag issues. A Level 3 Building Survey is a more detailed inspection for older, larger or non-standard properties. It includes in-depth analysis of defects, construction methods and potential repair costs. We advise which level suits your property when you get in touch.

A mortgage valuation only confirms the property is worth the loan amount. It does not check for damp, subsidence, structural movement or hidden defects. A proper RICS survey gives you an independent assessment of the property’s condition before you commit. It can also give you grounds to renegotiate the price if problems are found. Skipping a survey to save a few hundred pounds can end up costing thousands.

The on-site inspection for a Level 2 survey typically takes two to three hours. A full Level 3 Building Survey can take three to five hours depending on the property size and complexity. After the inspection, the written report is usually delivered within three to five working days. We often turn reports around faster than that, and we keep you updated throughout the process.

We are based in Forest Hill in South East London and cover all London boroughs. We also serve the Home Counties and can take on projects anywhere in the South of England. Whether your property is in Greenwich, Lewisham, Bromley, Croydon, Westminster or further afield, we can arrange an inspection at short notice. Call us to confirm availability for your area.

Look for RICS membership as a minimum. RICS stands for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and it means the surveyor is regulated, insured and bound by professional standards. CABE membership (Chartered Association of Building Engineers) is another strong indicator of technical competence. Corinthian Surveyors holds both RICS and CABE accreditation, and we are insured and underwritten by Royal Sun Alliance.

Yes. We are fully regulated and approved by the RICS and are members of the RICS Valuers Registration Scheme. We are also members of CABE, the Chartered Association of Building Engineers. This means our work meets strict professional and ethical standards, and clients have access to RICS dispute resolution services if anything goes wrong.

A RICS Homebuyer Report covers the overall condition of the property using a clear traffic light rating system. It identifies significant defects such as damp, subsidence, timber decay and roofing issues. It also flags areas that need further specialist investigation. Our reports include practical advice on repairs, an assessment of any legal issues that could affect the property and, if requested, a market valuation.

Absolutely. If the survey identifies defects that will require repair or remediation, that gives you documented evidence to go back to the seller with a revised offer. Clients regularly use our reports to negotiate reductions of several thousand pounds. The cost of the survey often pays for itself many times over in what you save on the purchase price.

A probate valuation establishes the market value of a property at the date of the owner’s death. It is required by HMRC for inheritance tax purposes and by the probate court to settle the estate. An accurate RICS valuation ensures you are not overpaying inheritance tax and provides a defensible figure should HMRC query it. We produce probate valuations that meet all HMRC requirements.

Valuation fees depend on the property type, size and the purpose of the valuation. Market valuations, probate valuations and matrimonial separation valuations each have different requirements and therefore different fee levels. We provide a fixed fee quote upfront so there are no surprises. Get in touch with the property details and we will have a quote back to you within 24 hours.

A lender-appointed surveyor works for the mortgage company, not for you. Their job is to confirm the property is adequate security for the loan. An independent surveyor works solely in your interest and carries out a thorough inspection of the property’s condition. We are independent and have no ties to any lender, estate agent or developer. Our reports are written for you and protect your interests.

Yes, and this catches many people out. New build properties can have snagging issues, poor finishes and sometimes more serious defects hidden behind fresh plaster. The NHBC warranty does not cover everything. A professional snagging inspection or building survey gives you an independent check before you complete the purchase. It is far easier to get a developer to fix problems before you move in than after.

If you or your neighbour are planning building work that affects a shared wall, boundary or structure, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply. A party wall survey records the condition of the relevant parts of both properties before work begins. This protects both sides and provides clear evidence if a dispute arises later. We can advise whether the Act applies to your situation and handle the process from start to finish.

We can usually arrange an inspection within a few days of receiving your instruction. In urgent cases, same week bookings are often possible. The written report follows within three to five working days of the inspection, though we frequently deliver sooner. If you are working to a tight exchange deadline, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate it.

When a couple separates or divorces, the family home usually needs to be valued to determine each party’s share of the assets. A RICS matrimonial valuation provides an independent, professionally prepared figure that both solicitors and the courts will accept. We produce these valuations regularly and understand the sensitivity involved. The process is straightforward and we handle it with discretion.

Building reinstatement cost is the amount it would cost to rebuild your property from scratch if it were completely destroyed. This figure is what your buildings insurance should be based on. It is not the same as the market value. If your insurance is based on the wrong figure, you could be underinsured or paying too much. We calculate reinstatement costs using BCIS indices, which is the industry standard method accepted by insurers.

Yes. If you own a shared ownership property and want to buy a larger share (known as staircasing), you need a RICS valuation to determine the current market value. The housing association will only accept a valuation from an RICS registered valuer. We are members of the RICS Valuers Registration Scheme and produce staircasing valuations that meet all housing association requirements.

If we find serious defects, we flag them clearly in the report with guidance on what further investigation or specialist advice may be needed. We can recommend trusted specialists where appropriate, such as structural engineers or damp experts. We also talk you through the findings so you understand the implications before making any decisions about the purchase. Knowledge is power when you are spending this kind of money.

We have over 30 years of experience working in the built environment. The firm is run by Clive Thompson, who is both RICS and CABE qualified. That depth of experience means we have seen most property defects many times over and can give you clear, practical advice rather than generic observations. We are a genuinely independent practice with no ties to estate agents, developers or mortgage lenders.

Yes. We survey all types of residential property including flats, maisonettes, houses and bungalows. London has a particularly diverse housing stock, from purpose-built blocks to Victorian and Edwardian conversions, and each type comes with its own set of potential issues. We tailor the survey to the property type so nothing gets overlooked.

When you sell a property that is not your main residence, you may owe capital gains tax on the increase in value since you acquired it. If you inherited or were gifted the property, HMRC needs a valuation at the date of acquisition to calculate the gain. A RICS valuation provides an independently assessed figure that HMRC will accept. We produce retrospective valuations for properties at any historic date.

You are welcome to attend, though it is not required. Some clients prefer to meet the surveyor at the property to ask questions and see things first hand. Others prefer to wait for the written report. If you do attend, we are happy to walk you through what we find as we go. Either way, you will receive a thorough written report and we are always available to discuss it afterwards.

The RICS Home Condition Report, also known as a Level 1 survey, is the most basic level of property survey. It gives a general overview of the condition using a traffic light rating but does not go into detail about defects or repairs. It is best suited to newer, conventional properties in good condition. For most London properties, particularly older stock, we would recommend a Level 2 or Level 3 survey for a more useful assessment.

You can call us on 0800 00 16 422 or fill in the quote form on our contact page. Give us the property address, type, approximate size and the type of survey you need, and we will come back to you with a fixed fee quote within 24 hours. There is no obligation and we are happy to advise on which survey type is right for your situation before you commit to anything.