The Condition Report is the most basic of all property surveys available. It highlights any risks or defects with the property and notifies you of any legal issues you may face once you take ownership. The report itself uses a traffic light system to denote the status of different parts of the property. Green means it’s in good condition, orange means something requires your attention, and red means it’s in urgent need of repair. This is as much detail as the RICS Condition Report goes into and it doesn’t offer any advice; as a result, it’s the cheapest of all property surveys.

The HomeBuyers Report is a more detailed type of property survey. It includes everything in the Condition Report and more. the biggest benefit of this survey is that it not only gives more detail on the issues found, it also includes advice on how to deal with them.

This is the same survey as LEVEL 1 but it includes a valuation. People often opt for the valuation because it shows them if the price they’re about to pay for the property is accurate. If the surveyor values the house significantly lower than the asking price, then you may be able to renegotiate with the seller. The surveyor’s report will significantly strengthen your case and it’s likely that the seller will concede.

The Building Survey from RICS is the most comprehensive property survey available, and as such, it can cost OVER £500, depending on the size of the property. It includes an analysis of the building’s structural integrity and condition, delving beyond the HomeBuyers Report to check behind walls, below floorboards and behind furniture. Additionally, it provides detailed recommendations for repairs and informs you of timings and approximate costings for these repairs. It also forecasts what is likely to happen if the suggested repairs aren’t carried out.

A mortgage valuation is a specific type of assessment done by the mortgage lender to help them confirm the property's value. It's also used to see if the property will be a suitable security for the loan you've applied for. Your lender will usually arrange a mortgage valuation and is usually free, depending on the lender and product selected.