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Survey costs

What should a survey fee quote include before you compare two surveyors?

The level, the address, whether a valuation and reinstatement figure are included, which outbuildings are included, what will not be opened or tested, when the report will be delivered, and the fee. If any of those are missing, you are not comparing like with like.

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?

RICS home surveys can be Level 2 survey-only or Level 2 with valuation. Level 3 is not automatically valued. Drains, the loft and the garage should be mentioned if access might fail. The terms are the place these limits appear. A one-line email that says “Level 2, £X” is not a scope. Ask for the missing lines before you pay.

Extras such as CCTV, a drone, or a return visit are separate. Ask if they are available and what they cost. Do not assume they are bundled because the brochure shows a drone. Delivery time matters if you are near exchange. A report that arrives after you are bound is a poor bargain whatever it cost. Ask the solicitor about that date.

What should you ask your surveyor?

  • Please confirm the level and whether a valuation is included.
  • What will you not test?
  • When will I have the report, in calendar days, not “shortly”?

What are the typical next steps?

  1. Line the quotes up on those points.
  2. Query any quote that will not say what is excluded.
  3. Book the one whose scope matches the house, not automatically the cheapest.

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 a higher fee mean a better surveyor?

Not by itself. It may mean a more thorough scope, a busier firm, or a valuation included. Read the scope.

Should the quote say who will visit?

Yes, you should ask. The person who inspects should be the person competent to do that level. Ask the firm who is coming. A name on the quote is better than “one of the team” if you need to know.

Sources