Is a Survey Necessary When Buying a Property?

Holly Hamer
Jul 30
2 min read

When you're buying a home, costs add up fast. So it’s no surprise many buyers ask, “Do I really need to pay for a property survey?”

The short answer? Yes, if you want peace of mind and to potentially save thousands in unexpected repairs. Let’s break it down.

A property survey is a professional inspection of the condition of the home you’re buying. It’s done after your offer is accepted and before you exchange contracts.

Think of it as your chance to really know what you’re buying, beyond what you see on a Rightmove listing or during a 15-minute viewing.

What Types of Surveys Are There?

There are three main types of surveys in the UK:

RICS Level 1 – Condition Report
- The most basic survey
- Suitable for newer homes in good condition
- Gives a simple overview of the property’s state
- Cost: £250–£400
RICS Level 2 – HomeBuyer Report
- The most popular option
- Suitable for standard homes in reasonable condition
- Highlights issues like damp, subsidence, roof damage
- May or may not include a property valuation
- Cost: £400–£700
RICS Level 3 – Building Survey (Full Structural Survey)
- The most detailed survey
- Ideal for older properties, renovations, or unusual builds
- Goes deep into the structure and fabric of the building
- Includes advice on repairs and maintenance
- Cost: £700–£1,200+

What could go wrong without one?

You might think the property looks fine. But issues like:

Hidden damp
Roof problems
Subsidence
Faulty wiring
Timber decay...can cost £5,000–£30,000+ to fix, and may not be obvious at first glance.

Skipping a survey is like buying a second-hand car without checking under the bonnet.

But what if your lender has already conducted a survey? Your mortgage lender’s valuation is not a proper survey. It’s just to confirm the property is worth what you’re paying, mainly for their sake, not yours.

If you want to know the actual condition of the property, you need your own independent surveyor.

So, is there ever a time you may skip one?

The only time skipping a survey might make sense is:

You’re a cash buyer who’s prepared to take the risk
The property is very new (and still under warranty)
You’re buying from a family member and know the building well But even in these circumstances, it's still a gamble.

A survey isn’t just a box to tick, it’s your insurance against nasty surprises. It gives you the chance to renegotiate the price, pull out, or just plan repairs with eyes wide open.

So before you finalise your purchase, ask yourself: Do I want to find problems now or after I’ve moved in and emptied my savings?

At PropBubble, we always recommend getting a survey, especially if: