The Good Surveyor

25/05/2026

In 2026, the average cost of a house survey in the UK typically ranges from £300 to over £1,500.
Prices have increased due to inflation and tighter reporting expectations, though they remain a small fraction of your total purchase cost and often result in renegotiations that assist in your covering the cot of the survey indirectly.
Typical Survey Costs by Level (2026)
Level 1 (Condition Report) £300 – £600 Modern, simple homes 2000 onwards.
Level 2 (Homebuyer Report) £450 – £1000 Conventional properties in reasonable condition.
Level 3 (Building Survey) £750 – £1,500+ Older, altered, or complex properties.
Key Factors Influencing Cost
Property Value: High-value homes (e.g., £500k+) carry more liability, so surveyors charge more to cover increased insurance.
Property Age: Homes built before 1900 can add 20–40% to the basic fee due to increased structural complexity.
Extras: Adding a formal market valuation to a Level 2 report typically adds £200+
📍 Note: For properties worth over £1 million, expect to pay upwards of £1,500 for a full Level 3 survey.
Specialist Add-On Costs
If your main survey flags specific concerns, you might need:
Damp Survey: £150 – £400.
CCTV Drainage Survey: £100 – £300.
Structural Engineer Report: £300 – £800 (for specific movement issues).
And if the property is brand new a new Build Snagging Survey may be more appropriate: £300 – £600.
At The Good Surveyor we are never the cheapest, and never the soonest! We are popular and offer a quality service with an in-depth report and a lot of after-care! Our Level 1 starts at £500, our level 2 at £600 and our level 3 at £1200, all including VAT. If you want a quote just drop us a message or email at [email protected]

22/05/2026

Level 1 vs. Level 2: The "Health Check" vs. The "Deep Dive"
When you are buying a relatively new, standard home, you might wonder if you need a full inspection or just a basic overview. This is where the choice between a Level 1 and Level 2 report comes in.
The RICS Level 1: Condition Report
Think of this as a basic "traffic light" summary. It is the most affordable and concise option.
Best for: Very modern properties in excellent condition built since 2000.
What you get: A snapshot of the property’s condition. It uses a red/amber/green rating system to highlight urgent defects.
The downside: It is very high-level. It won't give you advice on repairs or maintenance, nor will it look deep into the "bones" of the building.
The RICS Level 2: HomeBuyer Report
This is the most popular choice for the average UK house hunter. It is much more detailed than a Level 1.
Best for: Mid-aged properties (1930s onwards) that are in reasonable condition and haven't been heavily modified.
What you get: Everything in Level 1, plus an assessment of maintenance and more detail on construction.
The Key Difference: While Level 1 just tells you something is broken, Level 2 tells you how it might affect the property and what needs to be done.
The Verdict: Unless you are buying a house built in the last 25 years, most experts recommend skipping Level 1 and going straight to Level 2 for peace of mind.

19/05/2026

The "DIY" Extension
Found an extension or loft conversion that doesn’t have building regulations or planning approval? 🧐 This is a classic "red flag" that can be hard to mortgage. I always recommend asking before a survey for confirmation changes have received approval, especially big changes such as extensions and lofts. If not the rooms are not "habitable" meaning that 4 bed home could now effectively be a 2 bed and this can drastically reduce values without even considering the structural changes that may cause problems longer term, many of which are hidden within the construction so can not be inspected.
The Takeaway: ask the seller to get a retroactive building regulations certificate or provide proof of compliance.

15/05/2026

The Hidden Energy Killer: Poor Insulation
If the survey highlights cold spots, condensation, or inadequate insulation in the loft/walls, your energy bills are going to be high.
The Takeaway: Get a builder or specialist insulation company to check insulation thickness. This is an easy fix that adds value to your new home! ❄️➡️🔥 It is even within the realms of a DIYer to the loft. See this buying guide from Wickes. Don't forget even uneven insulation can cause issues with condensation so ensure it is lovely and even throughout your loft spaces.

Discover Step-by-step DIY guides and expert advice to help you save on energy costs when insulating your loft, and make your home more comfortable with Wickes.

15/05/2026

Japenese knotweed in Japan - fancy that!

12/05/2026

Japanese Knotweed: The Garden Menace
Seeing this on a report can be terrifying, but the key is identifying how close it is to the structure.
The Takeaway: It can affect your mortgage, so you need a professional management plan and a specialist survey. If it’s near the house, it can damage foundations, so ensure you have a treatment guarantee in place before swapping contracts.

Spot Japanese Knotweed with Expert Guidance. Identify this invasive plant and tackle the problem confidently with our specialist insights.

08/05/2026

The Dreaded "Damp" Report
Just got your survey back and it’s screaming “damp”? 🏠 Damp is incredibly common in older UK homes, ranging from rising damp to condensation.
The Takeaway: Don't panic! It's rarely a deal-breaker, but it is a negotiating tool. Get a specialist quote for a damp proof course or better ventilation and most importantly follow the guidance in your survey. The Good Surveyor we never leave you with no idea of what to do next!

21/04/2026

What an opportunity for a competent developer - this could be amazing

Plot for sale in 17th Century Manor Restoration Opportunity – Canon Pyon, Hereford, HR4 for £150,000. Marketed by Glasshouse Estates and Properties LLP, Hereford

20/04/2026

A thorough inspection of Sophie’s new home this weekend by the head of security and our new staff member Jeep Dog. Jeep is Sophie’s assistant. Most of you will have not heard of Sophie but she works tirelessly behind the scenes creating the files, desktop researching for us and preparing the reports. Jeep ensures she is never alone! It was wonderful to drop in on her new home and the team and clients of The Good Surveyor wish you so much luck in your new, beautiful home! X

06/04/2026

It is rare we get a review for a valuation and this review has nearly as many words in it! Thank you ROSS we love you too!

They're just very good...

I really don't often leave reviews, but I felt I wanted to in this instance, as my experience with Toni, and Andy (I don't know them personally but feel like I do a bit now if that makes sense) has been so positive and easy.

This is the second time I've used The Good Surveyor, both times have been for a RICS valuation. (Homes England are so incompetent). The Good Surveyor on the other hand have been anything but, they have surpassed expectations. Toni and Andy have always been quick to respond to my queries whether by phone or email. They are genuinely nice people and really accommodating when it comes to scheduling a valuation. Andy visited our house on the Tuesday, and we had the complete report the next day. Super efficient, and he even took his shoes off without being asked, the little things mean a lot.

Their pricing is very competitive as well, I got two other quotes, and The Good Surveyor was by far the best. Unless you have an unrealistic view of your property, you will not be disappointed. They are now my go to for valuations. I know this sounds a bit like the sun shines.... but remortgaging, moving house is stressful, and these guys take that away with their positivity, enthusiasm, and dedication. If only more people were like Toni and Andy, the process wouldn't be such a slog.

If only my conveyancer was as good.

04/04/2026

We love getting 5* reviews on Google!
I had an excellent experience with The Good Surveyor Limited from start to finish. The team was professional, thorough, and very knowledgeable. They explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and made the whole surveying process stress-free. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and high-quality surveying services.