Surveys
A house survey provides an expert account of the property’s condition, and highlights any problems in a clear and easy-to-understand way. Your home is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you make, so you need to know as much as you can about the property before you buy it, live in it and perhaps sell it.
During an RICS Home Survey, an RICS professional conducts an in-depth visual inspection of the property and provides you with a written report. Home Surveys are carried out by RICS members in accordance with the RICS Home Survey Standard, which sets out the professional standards we require.
Why does RICS say ‘home survey’ instead of ‘house survey’?
An RICS Home Survey is a specific service offered by RICS firms and members, carried out in accordance with the RICS Home Survey Standard. We use the term ‘home’ rather than ‘house’ to describe this service because ‘home’ includes flats, studios, duplexes, maisonettes, bungalows, houses and any other types of residential property that might require a survey. If you are purchasing any of these, an RICS Home Survey is for you.
Types of Home Survey
Different properties require different types of survey. RICS introduced a new Home Survey Standard on 1 March 2021 to increase consistency and transparency across residential surveying in the UK. This introduced the three different levels of RICS Home Survey.
The appropriate level of survey will in most cases depend on the age, size, condition, complexity and originality of the property. An RICS member can advise on the type that’s right for you.
Disrepair Surveys
A disrepair survey, also known as a housing disrepair survey or a damp and mould survey, is a detailed assessment of a property's condition, focusing on identifying issues that affect its safety, habitability, or structural integrity. These surveys are crucial for tenants, landlords, and property managers to address property defects and ensure safe living conditions. Surveys help ensure the property meets safety standards and legal requirements, such as those outlined in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.