Question 1

How much does a home survey cost in Surrey?

Accepted Answer

We publish our fees. A RICS Level 2 Home Survey is £400, a Level 3 Building Survey £600 and a Red Book valuation £250, all including VAT, for houses and flats of ordinary size in our core area. Snagging surveys start from £400, defect reports from £450 and drone roof surveys from £350. If a property is unusually large, listed or a long way from us we say so and agree a figure before you book.

Question 2

What's the difference between a mortgage valuation and a home survey?

Accepted Answer

A mortgage valuation is a brief check carried out for your lender - it confirms the property is suitable security for the loan, not that it's a sound purchase for you. A RICS home survey is independent, instructed by you, and reports on the property's condition, defects and risks. The two serve very different purposes, and a lender's valuation should never be relied on as a survey.

Question 3

What's the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey?

Accepted Answer

Both are produced under the same RICS Home Survey Standard. A Level 2 Home Survey is a structured visual inspection with traffic-light condition ratings - suited to conventional homes built within the last 50 years in apparently reasonable condition. A Level 3 Building Survey adds the cause, implication and remedy of every defect, with longer time on site and a substantially longer written report. It's the appropriate choice for pre-1930 properties, listed buildings, significantly altered homes and any property with visible defect concerns. See our full side-by-side guide at /which-survey-do-i-need.

Question 4

Which type of survey do I need?

Accepted Answer

For a conventional home in reasonable condition built within the last 50 years, a RICS Home Survey Level 2 is usually appropriate. For older, listed, larger, extended or unusual properties - or any home you plan to alter - a Level 3 Building Survey is the more thorough choice. We're always happy to advise informally before you instruct.

Question 5

Can you survey a flat or leasehold property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly survey Edwardian conversions, purpose-built flats and modern apartments across Putney, Richmond, Kingston, Clapham and the wider South West London area. For leasehold properties we'll also flag lease-related risks that warrant your solicitor's attention.

Question 6

Do you survey listed buildings or non-standard construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes - older, altered and non-standard properties are a core part of our practice. Listed cottages, period conversions, timber-frame, thatch and pre-1919 housing all benefit from a Level 3 Building Survey carried out by a surveyor who understands traditional construction.

Question 7

How long does a survey take?

Accepted Answer

Most inspections take between two and four hours on site, depending on the size and complexity of the property. We then aim to deliver the written report within two to three working days, and often sooner for standard Level 2 surveys.

Question 8

Do I need to attend the inspection?

Accepted Answer

It's not required, but you're very welcome to join us at the end of the inspection for an informal walkthrough. Many clients find this useful, particularly for older properties.

Question 9

Will the report include costs for repairs?

Accepted Answer

We provide indicative repair guidance and flag items requiring quotes from specialists. For more detailed costings on a specific defect, we can quote separately for a defects inspection or a focused schedule of works.

Question 10

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we hold full professional indemnity insurance, as required of every RICS-regulated firm, alongside public liability cover. Certificates are available on request.

Question 11

Are you independent of estate agents and lenders?

Accepted Answer

Yes - entirely. We act for you alone, and our reporting reflects that. We do not accept referral fees from agents.

Question 12

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Use the enquiry form below, call us on 01276 300 365, or email info@oliverjamessurveyors.com with the property address and a brief description. You'll usually have a written quote the same working day.

Question 13

Can you reduce my business rates?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Every rateable value was rebuilt for the 2026 list from records that are frequently out of date, so errors in floor areas, descriptions and valuation tone are common. We check the assessment against a measured survey and rental evidence and tell you in writing whether there is a case. If there is, we run the Check, Challenge and Appeal with the Valuation Office on your behalf.

Question 14

What does a business rates review cost?

Accepted Answer

Nothing up front. The initial review is free and usually comes back within five working days with a written view on the merits. If we take the case on, you pay a share of what we save you, or a fixed fee if you would rather know the cost in advance, agreed in writing before anything is submitted.

Question 15

Can a challenge make my business rates go up?

Accepted Answer

It can, if it is badly argued, because a Challenge puts the whole valuation back on the table. That is why we give a written view on merit before anything is submitted, and why we sometimes advise leaving an assessment alone. Getting the measurements and evidence right first is the point of using a specialist.

Chartered Surveyors in Surrey

Home surveys, valuations and business rates advice

RICS Home Survey Level 2

RICS Home Survey Level 3

Red Book Valuation

New-Build Snagging Survey

Business Rates Review

Empty Rates & Mitigation

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