RICS Residential Building and Homebuyer Surveys

We take time to understand our clients' requirements and develop appropriate and cost-effective solutions. Our specialist knowledge and technical expertise combine to provide a first-class service. You can discuss your requirements with one of our RICS approved Chartered Surveyors who will be happy to assist.

Types of House Surveys

RICS surveys are essentially property health checks. They are detailed inspections that check a property’s condition and structure. If you are buying a home, you can choose between 3 levels of survey: a Full Building Survey (also known as a Level 3, or ‘Full Structural’ survey) a HomeBuyer Survey (Level 2) or a Condition Survey (Level 1).

Knowing what you are buying can even save you money. Your report can be used to negotiate the price of the property and will help you decide whether to proceed with the purchase. These surveys can also be helpful if you are selling, so that you are aware of any issues. This could help prevent difficult negotiations or a sale falling through at the last minute.

In a Nutshell:

A Level 3 Full Building Survey will provide a comprehensive assessment of the structure and condition of the property. It also includes estimated costs of any repairs that are required. The detail provided in this type of survey will give you a thorough understanding of what you are buying. Industry guidelines recommend Full Building Surveys if your property is old, run-down, large or has unusual features. This type of survey is also recommended if you plan to do any significant work to the property.

A Level 2 HomeBuyer survey provides a visual inspection of areas that are reasonably accessible. The survey looks for serious problems that are readily evident, but does not go into detail on the structural integrity of the property. If your property is fairly new, conventionally built and appears to be in good condition, then guidelines recommend a HomeBuyer survey.

Level 1 Condition reports are also available from some surveying firms. These provide a brief assessment of the property’s condition to give you an overview of its current state. These are very concise and so are really only suited to modern properties that appear to be in good condition.

The choice is yours. But for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property inside out, we advise that you have a Full Building Survey, whatever your property type.

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Can We Help With Your Project?

Established in 2018, NI Surveys is a firm of Chartered Surveyors that is based in Belfast. We provide services to the residential, commercial & industrial sectors throughout Northern Ireland and East London. If you're in need of a property survey then we can help.

Customer Testimonials

We needed a homebuyer's report and NI Surveys did a fantastic job. The report produced was very thorough and comprehensive. The response time was very quick, NI Surveys were very helpful and answered all the questions we had.

Paula S

NI Surveys produced a very comprehensive and detailed house buyer report, containing practical suggestions for potential works required. Communication after was good and I was confident that any future questions that I may have, would be answered. Definitely recommend.

Eoin Q

NI Surveys provided us with an excellent, well-detailed survey full of illustrations, pictures and helpful advice. The communication from the company was excellent, they were always at hand for a quick phonecall or to help clarify anything I didn't understand, and they were competitively priced. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a home report or full survey in Belfast (and beyond!). Thank you very much.

Semeon O

NI Surveys was very accomodating to me, needing a survey done at shorter notice. Excellent service by way of communicating, answering my questions and keeping me updated at each stage of the process. Should I need a surveyor again I would absolutely use NI Surveys.

Sophie G

Excellent service from NI Surveys. Their structural survey report was very comprehensive whilst also being very reader-friendly and was completed in a very quick-turnaround. They were very helpful with additional questions I had regarding the report and responded within less than 24 hours too, which was a huge help. Would certainly highly recommend.

Gerard S

NI Surveys were brilliant. They completed a comprehensive homebuyer survey for us and turned it around really quickly. So polite and helpful. Would highly recommend. Thank you.

Claire K

We required a building survey for our new home and NI Surveys were fantastic. They were very fast response time and our survey report was extensive, easy to read and understand.

Aaron & Jessica R