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House Survey Cost

By Kane

Last updated 22nd October 2024 - Reading time: 7 mins

At a Glance

The average house survey costs around £500 in the UK.
Surveying a home will take approximately 2 - 6 hours to complete

In this property survey cost guide, you'll find:

A complete pricing breakdown which includes how much different types of house surveys cost in the UK, along with how long house surveys take to complete.
What you need to consider when getting a home survey.
How to easily find and hire a house surveyor.

How much does a house survey cost in the UK?

In 2024, the average building survey cost is around £500. However, the cost of house surveys are impacted by how extensive the survey is, the size of the property, your location in the UK, and a few other important factors.

We cover everything you need to know about house survey costs in this guide. In addition, we go through things you need to know about property surveys, whether you can do this type of job yourself, and FAQs.

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surveyor pointing out a feature on a house to a potential buyer in the UK

Average House Survey Cost:

Depending on the size of the property, home surveys can take between 2 – 6 hours

£500

How Much Is a House Survey?
- Cost of House Survey
What To Consider When Having Property Surveyed
Can You Do Property Surveys Yourself?
Checklist: Hiring a House Surveyor in the UK
FAQs
Sources

How Much Is a House Survey?

Property and building surveys are extremely informative — they're the starting point for learning about structural and other property issues.

If there are issues with structure or foundation, the surveyor will include this in their notes. If there are areas which need repair, you will receive a detailed inspection report. Basically, any and all property or structural issues will be dictated in the surveyor's report you receive.

Property surveys can be requested in the event of a property sale. If you are selling a building (commercial or residential), the buyer may request a home buyer's survey prior to agreeing to and signing the purchase agreement. You can also be required to do a survey by local municipality or code enforcement to see if local rules have changed after the building was constructed.

Whether it is requested/required, or if you simply want to learn of defects in the property, a building survey is the starting point to learn what is wrong. And, a surveyor is going to visit the building and property, to give you a full detailed report, of issues, changes, or other code regulations you need to comply with, in the event you are not in compliance.

Let's see what goes into the survey, and just how much it is going to cost, if you are required, or simply want to do a survey, to modify or update a dated building.

Cost of House Survey

Job Description	Duration	Material Cost	Labour Cost
Building and land survey.	1 – 6 hours	£100 – £250 survey equipment.	£400 – £750, flat rate for surveyor to inspect the property.
Commercial evaluations.	1 – 8 hours	£100 – £250 equipment cost.	£250 – £400 per surveyor, to find issues with the land and property.
Residential evaluation of property and land.	1 – 4 hours	£100 – £250 equipment cost.	£400 – £500 is the average cost for a residential property in need of survey.
Reports/data.	1 – 4 hours to write up/assess land and building.	–	Including in labour costs for surveyor doing survey of your land.

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What To Consider When Having Property Surveyed

A building and land survey is the ideal way to find out what is wrong with your property.

Here's what to consider when hiring a surveyor:

How long they’ve been surveyors – Find out if they do residential or commercial surveys, and what you can expect in their reports upon completion.
What they include – Are you simply paying for the survey, or do you get a full report and included repair/upgrades.
Learn about coding enforcement – When hiring a surveyor, make sure they are familiar with code and municipal land ordinances, to ensure they check property for compliance.

There are many questions you can ask when having a building surveyed; and, each company will take on a different approach when doing the survey.

So, when the time comes to hire a surveyor, make sure you are aware of these factors, as well as any additional questions you may have, as it relates to what they do, what their report indicates, and what you are going to pay for their surveys.

Can You Do Property Surveys Yourself?

You cannot survey a property yourself, as surveyors should be fully licensed, insured, and bonded. In many cases, there is a stipulation in a contract as to which surveyor or company you can hire to do the land and building surveyor.

So, even if you know how to do a survey, if you are not licensed, you are not able to do it, prior to the sale of a building or property. You have to comply with the coding and local regulations in place, when hiring a surveyor.

We've heard lots of scare stories about new-build homes not being built to good standards. What should we be looking out for and what questions should we be asking before we part with any money?

"I’ve recently finished one site for a new build home and I don’t want to put you off, but they are very very poor quality.

First off all, inspect the brick work — ones I’ve been on have a massive blug in them. Also, check the air vent bricks are on ground level (i.e., in the grass or stone, they should be 75mm above ground level). I like them 150mm personally, otherwise your get damp issues.

Another issue I found on these sites are fascias and sofets. Make sure they are square and not damaged. Check to see how many joins there are, too. If you can also get in the loft, inspect the ventalation pipe and the insulation. Ones I’ve been on are not connected or the insulation is just thrown down.

Really go through it with a keen eye. Ideally get someone in the trade to come along and help inspect. It may be worth the money in the long run."

JC Construction and Steel Works

Checklist: Hiring a House Surveyor in the UK

Find out the type of property surveys they do.
Learn how they do surveys and what the report indicates.
Learn about how long it takes, and what they will do to the building and land.
Learn about costs associated with different types of surveys.

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FAQs

Do I have to hire a surveyor?

Yes; it is often something you have to do in a sale transaction, or for regulation or ordinance issues. If there are property issues, or regulations your property isn't in compliance with, a surveyor will learn of them, and let you know what has to be done to remedy the issues.

How often do I have to survey the building?

It really depends. Usually, only if there is a sale agreement; however, there are instances when a local municipality may require it as well, so you have to comply with these regulations also.

How much are surveys?

Survey costs depend on type of surveyer you're hiring, the scope of the job, and the company you're using. On average, expect to pay anywhere from £400 – £1,000 for commercial or larger jobs.