For many buyers, yes—a Level 3 Survey is worth the cost, particularly when the property is older, altered, unusual, or shows warning signs (damp, cracking, roof concerns, patch repairs). The value isn’t just in spotting defects; it’s in reducing uncertainty, helping...

A Level 3 Survey (often referred to as a Building Survey) is the most detailed type of RICS home survey. It’s designed for situations where you need deeper technical insight into the structure and fabric of the building—especially where the risk of expensive surprises...

In most everyday conversations, yes — what many people still call a “HomeBuyer Report” is now commonly referred to as the RICS Home Survey – Level 2. RICS’ own consumer guidance explains that a Level 2 survey was previously called a “Home Buyer Report” / “Home Buyers’...

Yes — in most cases, a snagging list is a very good idea after construction work, whether that work is a new build, extension, loft conversion, refurbishment, or a large internal remodel. Post-construction snagging is one of the simplest ways to make sure you receive...

In most cases, no. A Level 2 Survey (typically the RICS Home Survey – Level 2) is designed to be a visual, non-intrusive inspection. In RICS’ own description of the service, the surveyor “does not force or open up the fabric of the building.” That means it is carried...

Yes—a Level 2 Survey is often a good fit for flats, particularly if the flat is conventional in construction (standard materials) and appears to be in reasonable condition. RICS’ own consumer guidance explicitly includes flats within the typical “best suited” category...

If you are commissioning a RICS Home Survey – Level 2, then yes—by definition it is produced by a RICS-qualified surveyor. RICS’ own “Description of the RICS Home Survey Level 2” states that the service is provided by an AssocRICS, MRICS or FRICS member with the...

Not necessarily—at least not in the way most people mean it. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the word “dispute” is often a technical/legal label rather than a sign of a falling-out. In everyday life, a dispute sounds like an argument. Under the Act, it usually...

Here’s a practical way to choose the right party wall surveyor (and avoid the common traps). I’ll keep it focused on what actually makes a difference to cost, speed, and neighbour relations. 1) Decide what you need: Agreed Surveyor vs two surveyors Agreed Surveyor...

Securing consent to a Party Wall Notice is rarely about “persuasion”. In most cases, adjoining owners consent when they feel three things are in place: Clarity — they understand what you’re doing and why Reassurance — their property will be protected and any issues...

Obtaining Licence for Alterations consent is mainly about doing two things well: Understanding what your lease and building rules require, and Submitting a clear, complete “decision-ready” application pack that addresses the risks the freeholder is responsible for...

Receiving a Party Wall Notice after builders have already started on site can feel like the process has been done backwards. Sometimes the notice is genuinely late (the notifiable works have already begun). In other cases, the works you can see are non-notifiable...

Here’s a solid, no-nonsense way to compare party wall surveyor quotes so you’re comparing like-for-like, not just the cheapest headline number. 1) First, work out what you’re actually comparing Two quotes can look similar but include totally different scope. Before...

The level of detail in a Schedule of Condition (SoC) report is one of the most important factors in whether it will actually protect you later. Too little detail and it becomes vague and arguable. Too much irrelevant detail and it becomes expensive, unwieldy, and hard...

There isn’t a single “standard” response rate, because adjoining owners’ decisions vary widely depending on the works, the relationship between neighbours, and how clearly the proposals are explained. What can be said with confidence is that dissent is very common in...