Do I need a house survey?
Updated September 2026England & Wales5 min read
The short answer
A survey isn’t a legal requirement, but it’s usually worth having. Your lender’s valuation only checks the property is worth what they’re lending. A survey tells you about its condition before you’re committed.
Why?
Repairs you didn’t know about can be expensive. A survey before exchange gives you time to get quotes, ask questions or renegotiate.
What can cause problems?
- Relying on the mortgage valuation alone
- Choosing a survey too basic for an older or altered home
- Booking late, so results arrive close to exchange
- Not following up on recommendations, such as damp or electrics checks
What should you do?
- Level 1 for newer, conventional homes in good condition
- Level 2 for most homes in reasonable condition
- Level 3 for older, larger, altered or unusual homes
- Book once your offer is accepted
- Ask the surveyor to explain anything concerning
What happens next?
- 01Surveyor inspects the property
- 02You receive the report
- 03Get quotes for any issues
- 04Renegotiate if needed
- 05Carry on towards exchange
How can Properfy help?
Not sure what you need? Tell us about your move and we’ll help you work out the next step.
You might also be wondering
What’s the difference between a valuation and a survey?
A valuation is for the lender and checks value. A survey is for you and checks condition.
What if the survey finds problems?
Get repair quotes, ask the seller to fix things, renegotiate the price, or in serious cases decide not to go ahead.
Can I renegotiate after a survey?
Yes, until exchange. Base it on real repair quotes rather than a round number.
Questions this guide answers
- Do I need a house survey?
- Which survey should I get?
- What is a Level 2 survey?
- What is a Level 3 survey?
- What is a building survey?
- What is the difference between a valuation and survey?
- What happens if a survey finds problems?
- Can I renegotiate after a survey?