Everything you need to know before booking
General questions about how we work, plus specifics on each of our services. Can't find your answer? Get in touch and we'll help directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
How do I know which service I need?
Tell us the property’s age, type, and what you’re using the report for (buying, renovating, probate, Help to Buy), and we’ll recommend the right one. See our Which survey do I need? guide for a quick starting point, or just get in touch — we’d rather spend ten minutes helping you figure out what you actually need than have you book the wrong thing.
What's the difference between a survey and a valuation?
A survey assesses a property’s condition — what’s wrong, how serious it is, and what to do about it. A valuation is a professional opinion of what a property is worth, for a specific purpose (a sale, probate, tax, insurance, or a Help to Buy equity loan). Some buyers need one, some need the other, and some need both — we can advise once we know your situation.
Do I need a survey if I'm a cash buyer?
Yes, if anything, more so. A mortgage lender’s valuation only protects the lender’s interest, not yours — if you’re not going through a lender at all, there’s no independent check on the property’s condition unless you commission one yourself.
Can I get a quote without booking anything yet?
Yes — a quote comes with no obligation to proceed, and there’s no charge just for asking. Use our instant quote tool or get in touch directly.
Do you only cover Oxford and Cheltenham?
Our main coverage is Oxford, Cheltenham, and the surrounding villages, though we can often accommodate nearby areas — worth asking when you get in touch. See our full coverage area for the complete list. Or If you are in other Towns in England, visit Home Surveying.
Booking & Process
How soon before completion should I book a survey?
As soon as your offer is accepted. Booking early gives you the most time to act on the findings — negotiate, request repairs, or in rare cases reconsider the purchase — before you’re contractually committed.
What do you need from me to book?
The property’s full address, its approximate age, whether it’s listed or in a conservation area (your estate agent or the seller’s solicitor can usually confirm this).
How long until I get my report?
Usually 3–5 working days for a Level 2 survey, 5–7 working days for a Building Survey. Valuations can often be turned around faster, depending on the purpose.
Can I speak to my surveyor after I've read the report?
Yes — your surveyor is available afterwards to answer questions and help you understand any findings, particularly useful if something in the report needs more context than the written word alone gives you.
What happens if the survey finds a serious problem?
It doesn’t necessarily mean the purchase should fall through. Depending on what’s found, it usually means getting a specialist to look at that specific issue, using the finding to renegotiate price with the seller, or in some cases reconsidering the purchase. Your surveyor can talk you through realistic next steps either way.
RICS Level 2 Survey
Is a RICS Level 2 survey the same as a HomeBuyer Report?
Yes. HomeBuyer Report is the older name for the same product — RICS renamed it “Level 2 Survey” as part of a wider standardisation, but it’s the identical service.
Will a Level 2 survey tell me if the property is worth what I'm paying?
Not by default — it reports on condition, not value. You can add an optional market valuation at the time of booking if you want a professional opinion on price too.
Does the surveyor move furniture or lift carpets?
No — a Level 2 survey is a visual inspection of what’s reasonably accessible. If something can’t be seen, the report will say so rather than guess.
See our full RICS Level 2 Survey FAQ for more.