Buying in London? Don’t Skip the Survey
With high property prices and fast-moving sales, many London buyers are tempted to skip the survey or rely on the lender’s valuation alone.
That’s a costly mistake.
A Home Buyers Survey (also called a Level 2 RICS Survey) provides an expert overview of the property’s condition — helping you make an informed purchase and avoid nasty surprises.
If you're buying in boroughs like Hackney, Islington, Camden or Lewisham, especially a Victorian or older home, this is one of the smartest investments you can make before exchange.
What Does a Home Buyers Survey Include?
When you book a Home Buyers Survey in London, you’ll receive a professional report that includes:
Visual inspection of external and internal condition
Assessment of roofing, walls, doors, windows, and joinery
Checks on drainage, insulation, and damp-proofing measures
Identification of major defects and urgent issues
Traffic light system (green/amber/red) for risk levels
Summary of potential repair costs or specialist follow-up
It’s ideal for:
Standard homes in reasonable condition
Properties built after 1900
Buyers who want peace of mind before completing
What It Doesn’t Cover — And Why That Matters
While the Home Buyers Survey is thorough, there are limitations — and many buyers misunderstand this.
It does not include:
Invasive testing (e.g. lifting floorboards or drilling into walls)
Detailed damp diagnosis
Structural calculations or load-bearing assessments
Electrical testing or plumbing inspections
Costed schedules of repair
This is why we often recommend a specialist damp survey as an add-on — especially for Victorian homes, converted flats, or properties with a history of moisture issues.
Why Add a Damp Survey to Your Home Buyers Report?
A common line in a Home Buyers Survey report is:
“High moisture readings detected – recommend specialist damp survey.”
That’s because the Level 2 report uses non-invasive testing and visual checks only. It can detect possible damp — but it can’t diagnose:
What type of damp it is
Where it’s coming from
How serious the issue is
What needs to be done
This is where a professional damp survey comes in — especially for properties in damp-prone boroughs like Peckham, Southwark, or Camden.
Why Buyers in London Trust Our Surveys
We offer both Home Buyers Surveys and specialist damp surveys — giving you complete insight before you commit to purchase.
What sets us apart:
Fully qualified and insured surveyors
Detailed, jargon-free reports accepted by mortgage lenders and solicitors
Damp reports that go beyond surface-level checks — including moisture mapping and thermal imaging
Honest advice with no upselling or hidden agendas
Buyers across London have told us our damp surveys revealed critical issues missed by £3,000 Home Buyers Reports — helping them negotiate prices or walk away from bad deals.
How the Process Works
1. Book Your Survey Choose either a Home Buyers Survey, Damp Survey — or both together.
2. Site Visit Our qualified surveyor visits the property and completes the inspection (average 2–3 hours on-site).
3. Receive Your Report You’ll receive your written report within 2–3 working days, including photos and detailed notes.
4. Post-Survey Support We’re available to explain findings, guide next steps, and answer any questions.
Book Your Home Buyers Survey in London
Whether you’re buying a flat in Islington, a terrace in Hackney, or a semi-detached in Southwark, a Home Buyers Survey is the best way to protect your investment.
Add a professional damp survey for deeper insight — especially if you're buying an older home or suspect previous moisture issues.
Book Your Survey Today Protect your future. Get peace of mind before you commit.