Renegotiating or walking away
Why does RICS talk about quotations before legal commitment rather than after completion?
Because after you are committed the choice has narrowed. The “what to do now” note says to get written quotations for rating 3 matters before legal commitment, so you know the cost while you can still decide. It does not say the seller must accept the quote, and it does not rewind an exchange you have already made.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.
What is the fuller explanation?
In England and Wales that commitment is usually exchange, unless you signed something earlier, such as some reservation agreements. Your solicitor confirms the moment. In Scotland, mygov.scot talks about estimates before you proceed and about walking away at the Home Report stage without penalty. The words differ. The practical point is the same only if you are not yet bound. Do not wait until the removal van is booked and then discover the roof quote.
A quote after completion is still useful for the work. It is useless as a threat to undo the contract. There is no RICS cooling-off period sitting in the rating. Instruct the survey early enough that the PDF and the quotes can exist together before you commit. If they cannot, you are choosing to proceed with a gap. Say that to yourself honestly.
What should you ask your surveyor?
- Which items need quotes before I commit?
- What date am I being asked to treat as commitment?
- What will still be unknown if I commit this week?
What are the typical next steps?
- Book quotes as soon as the rating 3 list is clear.
- Ask your solicitor the commitment date. Do not guess it.
- If the quotes cannot arrive in time, decide whether the gap is acceptable.
Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.
Also asked about this
Does this apply to rating 2?
The note is about rating 3. You may still price a rating 2 if it would change your mind. The definition does not force it.
If you are already committed, is the survey wasted?
No. It still tells you what to repair. It does not restore a right you have signed away.