RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Esher & Surrey

From £350 + VAT · Based on property value

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey — formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report — is the most widely chosen survey for buyers purchasing property in Esher and across Surrey. It's suitable for conventional, well-maintained properties of standard construction built after the 1930s.

Our Level 2 survey gives you a comprehensive visual inspection of every accessible part of the property, presented in a clear, colour-coded format. Each element is rated 1 (no action needed), 2 (requires attention), or 3 (urgent). So you always know exactly what you're dealing with.

One of our clients — buying a 1960s detached in Esher — got a Level 2 survey that identified a Condition 3 rating on the flat roof extension. That single finding saved them from a £7,000 replacement they hadn't budgeted for. That's the Level 2 survey doing exactly what it should.

Full visual inspection of structure, roof, walls, floors, services and grounds

RICS 1-2-3 colour-coded condition ratings for every element

Market valuation included (optional)

Insurance rebuild cost estimate

Legal and planning considerations

Free follow-up phone call with your surveyor

Report delivered within 3–5 working days

Not sure if Level 2 is right for you? If the property is older than 1930, significantly extended, or you have specific concerns, consider our Level 3 Building Survey instead.

Get a Level 2 Quote Read Our Guide

Surveyor using specialist equipment during a RICS Level 2 home survey in Surrey

Most Comprehensive

RICS Level 3 Building Survey — Esher & Surrey

From £550 + VAT · Based on property value

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey — often called a full structural survey or full building survey — is our most thorough inspection. It's the right choice for older properties, listed buildings, unusual construction types, large detached houses, and any property where you have specific concerns.

In the Esher and Elmbridge area, where a significant proportion of the housing stock dates from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, the Level 3 is often the only survey that will give you the full picture. Our surveyors lift inspection hatches, probe suspect areas, and assess concealed defects to a level that a Level 2 survey simply doesn't reach.

We recently completed a Level 3 survey on an Edwardian semi in Surbiton. The report identified substantial ongoing movement in the rear bay — likely caused by the combination of Surrey's shrinkable clay soils and a large tree root system. The clients used the report to negotiate a £22,000 price reduction and commissioned specialist structural engineers before proceeding. Without the Level 3 survey, they would never have known.

Full structural inspection of all accessible areas

Detailed description of all defects found — causes and likely consequences

Advice on urgency and priority of remedial work

Cost estimates for major defects (where possible)

Advice on hidden/concealed defects and potential future issues

Legal, planning and environmental considerations

Unlimited follow-up support by phone or email

Level 2 vs Level 3: Quick Comparison

Feature	Level 2	Level 3
Visual inspection	✓	✓
Condition ratings	✓	✓
Full defect descriptions	Limited	✓ Full
Remedial cost guidance	✗	✓
Concealed areas assessed	Limited	✓ Full
Best for older properties	✗	✓
Unlimited follow-up	1 call	Unlimited

Get a Level 3 Quote

Building surveyor inspecting inside a Victorian property during a full Level 3 building survey in Esher, Surrey

Party Wall Act 1996

Party Wall Surveyors in Esher & Surrey

From £400 + VAT · Per instruction

The Party Wall Act 1996 is one of those pieces of legislation that catches homeowners off guard. If you're planning a loft conversion, rear extension, basement excavation or any work near a shared wall or boundary, you almost certainly need to serve notice on your neighbours — and they have the right to appoint their own surveyor.

Our party wall surveyors in Esher and Surrey handle both sides of the process. We act for building owners who need to serve notices and for adjoining owners who want independent representation. Our goal is always to reach a fair party wall award efficiently — minimising delay and cost for everyone involved.

Tom Henderson, our party wall specialist, has dealt with hundreds of matters across Esher, Surbiton and Elmbridge. His no-nonsense approach means disputes are rare, and when they do arise, he resolves them quickly and professionally.

Initial free advice on whether the Act applies to your works

Preparation and service of party wall notices

Schedule of condition of adjoining owner's property

Preparation of party wall award (agreement)

Acting for both building owners and adjoining owners

Post-works inspection if required

When does the Party Wall Act apply? It covers works to shared walls, party structures, excavations within 3m or 6m of a neighbour's building, and new walls built on or at the boundary line. When in doubt, ask us — the first conversation is always free.

Speak to a Party Wall Surveyor

Detached Surrey residential property with visible party wall boundary — the type of property where party wall advice is needed

RICS Red Book

Independent Property Valuations in Esher & Surrey

From £280 + VAT · Based on property value

An independent property valuation from a RICS registered valuer is required for a range of purposes — and in every case, it needs to be thorough, impartial and professionally produced. Our valuations are carried out to RICS Red Book standards, meaning they are accepted by HM Revenue & Customs, major lenders, solicitors and the courts.

We carry out valuations across Esher, Surrey and South West London for the following purposes:

Probate: for HMRC and estate administration

Help to Buy: post-purchase RICS valuations for the scheme

Shared ownership: for staircasing transactions

Matrimonial / divorce proceedings

Capital Gains Tax calculations

Secured lending (independent of lender panel)

Lease extensions and enfranchisement

Request a Valuation

Surveyor explaining a RICS Red Book property valuation report to clients in Esher, Surrey

New Build

New Build Snag Survey — Surrey & London

From £300 + VAT · Based on property size

New build homes come with a two-year developer warranty — but that doesn't mean they're defect-free when you move in. In fact, research consistently shows that the average new build property has over 100 snags at the time of legal completion. Our snag surveys have identified everything from missing roof tiles and uneven plasterwork to non-compliant electrical installations and inadequate insulation.

Our comprehensive snag list gives you the leverage to insist the developer puts everything right before you complete — or, at the very least, before your two-year warranty expires. Rachel Morgan, our snag survey specialist, has an exceptional eye for detail and a thorough knowledge of Building Regulations.

Inspection of all accessible areas including roof space and underfloor voids

Checking against Building Regulations and NHBC standards

Full photographic snag list report

Suitable for pre-completion and post-completion inspections

Support in presenting findings to developer

Book a Snag Survey

107

Average snags found per new build survey (our 2024 data)

Common Snags We Find

Cracked or uneven plasterwork
Poor tile grout and silicone sealant
Missing or damaged roof tiles
Incomplete paintwork
Non-compliant ventilation
Drainage and gutter issues

Residential & Commercial

Schedules of Condition in Esher & Surrey

From £350 + VAT · Per instruction

A schedule of condition is a detailed photographic and written record of the state of a property at a specific moment in time. It's an essential document for any situation where the future condition of a property matters — particularly for lease negotiations, boundary disputes and dilapidations claims.

We produce schedules of condition for both residential and commercial properties across Esher and the wider Surrey area. Whether you're a tenant wanting to limit your liability at the end of a lease, a landlord protecting your property before a major works project, or a homeowner documenting condition before a neighbouring development begins, we can help.

Detailed written description of condition of all elements

Comprehensive photographic record

Suitable for lease start, boundary disputes and party wall matters

Residential and commercial properties

Legally sound and professionally presented

Book a Schedule of Condition

When Do You Need a Schedule of Condition?

Lease Negotiations

Limits your dilapidations liability at lease end by documenting pre-existing defects.

Boundary Disputes

Records the state of structures along a disputed boundary at a given date.

Party Wall Matters

Records pre-works condition to protect both building owner and neighbour.

Neighbouring Development

Documents your property's condition before nearby construction works begin.

FAQs

Common Questions About Our Surveying Services

Which survey do I need for an older property?

For most properties built before the 1930s — particularly Victorian or Edwardian houses common throughout Esher and Surrey — we recommend a Level 3 Building Survey. Older properties are more likely to have historic defects, non-standard construction materials (such as lime mortar or timber floors) and concealed problems that only a full structural inspection will reveal.

Can I use your survey to renegotiate the purchase price?

Absolutely — and many of our clients do exactly this. Your survey report is your evidence. If it identifies significant defects that were not apparent before, you are entirely within your rights to go back to the vendor and renegotiate. Our surveyors can advise you on the most appropriate way to use the report's findings in your negotiation. Internally, our data shows that clients who use Level 3 survey findings to renegotiate save an average of £11,200 on their purchase price.

Do you cover leasehold flats?

Yes. We carry out Level 2 surveys on leasehold flats across Esher, Surbiton, Claygate and the wider Surrey area. It's worth noting that for a leasehold flat, the survey will typically cover the demised premises (the flat itself) and inspect accessible communal areas. We'll also comment on any apparent issues with the building fabric that could affect the flat's value or habitability.

How quickly can you carry out a survey?

We aim to carry out most surveys within 5–7 working days of instruction — and often sooner, depending on access availability. If you're in a chain and need a quick turnaround, let us know and we'll do everything we can to accommodate you. Reports are typically delivered within 3–5 working days of the inspection.

Are you members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors?

Yes. All of our surveyors are accredited under the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), as well as holding relevant memberships with CIOB and RPSA. This means we are regulated professionals with a legal obligation to act in your best interests, maintain professional indemnity insurance, and follow RICS Valuation Global Standards. Learn more about our accreditations.

Our Surveying Services in Esher & Surrey