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RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Full Building Survey)

The most comprehensive RICS residential survey. A Level 3 building survey, still widely called a full structural survey, gives detailed analysis of defects, their likely causes and repair implications, and is priced instantly from the property's value and size.

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Survey: RICS Home Survey Level 3

What type of property is it?

🔒 No obligationRICS regulated

RICS Home Survey Level 3

What is an RICS Home Survey Level 3?

Best for: Older, larger, altered, listed or unusual properties, or properties where renovation is planned.

  • A more thorough inspection of roof spaces, cellars and visible services
  • Condition ratings with detailed commentary on cause and effect
  • In-depth analysis of defects, including their likely causes, implications and repair options
  • A comprehensive report with photographs and clear repair priorities
  • A call with your surveyor to discuss the findings
  • Written in plain language, with serious issues clearly highlighted and routine maintenance kept in perspective.
A stucco-fronted Georgian terrace with iron railings, the kind of older, larger home a Level 3 survey suits
What's included

What a Level 3 survey covers

  • Structural movement, cracking and settlement
  • Dampness, timber decay and condensation
  • Roof coverings, roof structure, chimneys and parapets
  • External walls, cladding and pointing
  • Floors, suspended timbers, cellars and sub-floor ventilation
  • Windows, doors and joinery
  • Thermal performance, insulation and ventilation
  • Alterations, extensions and workmanship
  • Services, drainage and fire-safety observations
  • Maintenance liabilities and likely future expenditure
Front door and window detail of a rendered house
Is it right for you?

When a Level 3 survey is recommended

  • Pre-1900 and period properties, including listed buildings
  • Properties that have been extended or significantly altered
  • Non-standard construction, timber frame, thatch or complex roofs
  • Larger or higher-value homes
  • Properties in visibly poor condition
  • Homes where significant renovation works are planned

Conventional home in reasonable condition? The RICS Home Survey Level 2 may be all you need. See the differences →

Level 2 vs Level 3

Which survey do you need?

Both are carried out under the RICS Home Survey Standard by an RICS-qualified surveyor. The difference is depth.

Level 2

RICS Home Survey Level 2

Best for: Conventional houses, flats and bungalows in reasonable condition

  • Visual inspection of accessible parts, inside and out
  • Traffic-light condition ratings for each element
  • Significant defects identified, with repair and maintenance advice
  • Clear, concise report you can act on
  • Call with your surveyor to talk it through
This survey Level 3

RICS Home Survey Level 3

Best for: Older, larger, altered, listed or unusual properties, or properties where renovation is planned

  • More thorough inspection, with roof spaces, cellars and services examined in greater detail
  • Ratings plus detailed commentary on cause and effect
  • Defects analysed in depth: likely cause, implications, repair options
  • Comprehensive report with photographs, repair priorities and indicative costs
  • Call with your surveyor to talk it through

Not sure which? Call 01883 672 055 or start the questionnaire and it will suggest a level.

In detail

RICS Home Survey Level 3 explained

  • 01

    How it differs from a Level 2

    • A Level 2 suits conventional homes in reasonable condition; a Level 3 goes further
    • Roof spaces, cellars and services examined in greater detail where accessible
    • The report analyses cause and effect, not just condition
    • Repair options, priorities and where further specialist investigation is sensible
    • The comparison above sets out the differences side by side
  • 02

    Booking a Level 3 building survey

    • A full structural survey in Surrey, Kent, Sussex or London, from our offices in Oxted, Hove and London
    • Every RICS Level 3 survey is carried out by an RICS-qualified surveyor
    • Priced instantly online from the property’s value and size
    • Larger, listed or unusual buildings: we may contact you first so that the quotation properly reflects the property
  • 03

    What happens after the survey

    • Your surveyor calls to walk you through the findings, significant items first and routine ones in proportion
    • What to raise with the seller or your conveyancer, and what can wait
    • Many clients use the report to negotiate, to plan works, or to budget maintenance
    • A reference document for the life of your ownership
Where we survey: SurreyKentSussexLondon
Frequently asked

RICS Home Survey Level 3: your questions answered

When should I choose a Level 3 survey rather than a Level 2?

Choose a Level 3 for pre-1900 or period properties, listed buildings, homes that have been extended or significantly altered, non-standard construction, larger or higher-value properties, anything in visibly poor condition, or where you plan significant renovation. If in doubt, our questionnaire will suggest a level, or you can call and we will advise.

Does a Level 3 survey include repair costs?

Where we are instructed to do so, the report includes indicative repair costs to help you understand the likely scale and priority of the work and to support your planning or negotiations. Detailed quotations should then be obtained from contractors once the required scope of work has been established.

Do you survey listed and period buildings?

Yes. We survey listed, historic and period properties, with particular experience of Grade II listed buildings. We understand the traditional construction methods and materials commonly encountered in older properties and the specialist considerations that may arise.

How long does a Level 3 survey take?

A Level 3 inspection is more detailed than a Level 2 and typically takes longer. The time required depends on the size, age, construction, condition and complexity of the property. Your report will typically be prepared over the five full working days following the day of our inspection. Your surveyor will then call to talk it through.

How is the price of a Level 3 survey worked out?

Fees are based on the value, size and type of the property, which is why our online quote asks for an approximate value band and the number of bedrooms. You get an instant figure with no obligation.

Can the surveyor talk me through the report?

Always. A follow-up call is part of the service. Your surveyor will explain the significant findings, answer your questions and help you decide what to raise with the seller or your conveyancer.

Reviews

What clients say about our home surveys

4.9 from Google and Trustist reviews

  • My experience with Huxley Surveyors more than met expectations. Mathew did our Level 3 pre-purchase survey of a flat in a Grade II listed property in Hove. His very extensive report was well presented, and upon receipt Mat proactively suggested a follow up phone call to clarify any points in the report and to answer any questions. All in all, a good experience. I can highly recommend Huxley Surveyors.

    Lembit L Google review · May 2026
  • The survey itself was exceptionally detailed and comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned. The report was clear, well-structured, and easy to understand, highlighting both major concerns and smaller issues that could have easily been overlooked.

    Jay H Google review · May 2026
  • Fabulous service from Chris. We have used Huxley surveyors twice and would recommend without doubt. The service was professional, informed and really efficient. Following a survey, Chris offered follow- up calls to help with anything that wasn’t clear. A fantastic service.

    Deborah H Google review · February 2023

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Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys are priced instantly online. We aim to respond the same day.

RICS regulated · 4.9 from Google and Trustist reviews · No obligation