Property survey and valuation advice

Practical guidance from Sterlingworth’s RICS chartered surveyors on choosing a survey, understanding what a report tells you, and the defects that cost buyers money. Written by the surveyors who carry out the work, and kept up to date. Sterlingworth Surveyors is RICS-regulated, Firm Registration Number 850747.

The questions buyers ask us most

Four guides covering the decisions that cost the most money: what a survey costs, which level you need, what your lender’s valuation leaves out, and how to compare quotes properly.
helping you make a decision

How Much Does a House Survey Cost?

A RICS Level 2 home survey from Sterlingworth starts from £425, and a RICS Level 3 building survey from £650,

Surveyor Measuring a New-Build Living Room

Level 2 vs Level 3 Survey: Which Do You Need?

Choose a RICS Level 2 survey for a conventional house or flat in reasonable condition. Choose a RICS Level 3

Helping you make an informed Decision

Compare Survey Quotes Without Accidentally Buying the Wrong Survey

Looking for a house survey quote? If you’re buying a property, comparing survey quotes is a sensible place to start.

More property advice

Practical advice on defects, surveys and the buying process, based on what we find on site.

Aerial view of London at dusk, with Tower Bridge and the Thames

Who Is Responsible for the Roof in a Leasehold Flat?

It depends on the lease. In most blocks of flats the landlord, or a management company, is responsible for repairing

An illustration of a surveyor using a level on a London street

Do I Need a Survey on a Leasehold Flat?

Yes. A survey matters as much for a leasehold flat as for a house, and in some ways more, because

A person using a calculator

How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?

The cost of a party wall surveyor depends on the work you are doing, how many neighbours are affected and

A person signing a lease agreement

How Much Does a Lease Extension Cost?

The cost of a lease extension is made up of the premium you pay the landlord for the longer lease,

A surveyor with a clipboard inspecting the front of a house

Survey or Valuation: Which Do You Need?

A survey tells you about a property’s condition: its defects, the repairs it needs and the risks to look out

Two neighbours arguing over building work at a party wall

What Is a Party Wall Award? A Step-by-Step Guide

A party wall award is a legal document, made by one or more party wall surveyors under the Party Wall

A couple discussing a property valuation with an adviser at a dining table

What Is a Red Book Valuation? A Plain-English Guide

A Red Book valuation is a formal opinion of a property’s value, prepared by a RICS Registered Valuer in line

Damp and Mould in Social Housing: Causes and What to Do

Damp and mould in social housing can leave residents asking the same questions: where is the moisture coming from, why

Buying first home image

What to Look for When Buying a House: First-Time Buyer Guide

Buying Your First Home? How to Spot Problems Before They Become Your Problems You’ve found a house you love. The

A house fire beside a reinstatement cost assessment checklist and calculator

Imagine Standing Outside Your House Watching It Burn.

Your House Could Burn Down Tomorrow. The Biggest Mistake Wouldn’t Be The Fire. It would be the paperwork. Seriously. Most

An illustration contrasting a mortgage valuation with a full RICS survey

Mortgage Survey vs RICS Survey: The Mistake That Costs Home Buyers Thousands

You’ve found the one. The photos looked amazing. The viewing went well. You’ve already mentally decided where the sofa is

Two neighbours arguing over building work at a party wall

Party Wall Surveyors: The Legal Headache You Don’t Want to Discover Halfway Through Your Extension

You’re finally doing it. The extension you’ve wanted for years. Pinterest is open. The builder’s booked. You’ve already picked the

An illustration of house keys being handed to a buyer

Buying a House? Don’t Let Excitement Cost You Thousands

Buying a house is weird. You’ll spend three weeks arguing over whether the sofa should be grey or “greige.” You’ll

Concerned about cracks

Concerned About Cracks? Before You Panic, Read this…

Cracks have terrible PR. See a crack in your phone? Bad. See a crack in your windscreen? Also bad. So

An illustration of a blindfolded woman reaching towards a damp-damaged room

Does Damp Reduce House Value? What Every Home Buyer Should Know

Let’s play a game. You’re viewing a house. The kitchen’s gorgeous. The garden’s big enough for a barbecue you’ll probably

An illustration of a surveyor using a level on a London street

Hiring a Surveying Services in London: Is an RICS Level 2 Survey Worth It?

Let’s be entirely real about the London property market: it is an absolute circus. You spend months scrolling through Rightmove,

negotiating house

How to Negotiate a House Price After a Survey

When you are buying a house, shaking hands on an agreed price feels like the end of the battle. But

The Step-by-Step UK House Buying Guide

The Step-by-Step UK House Buying Guide: How to Buy Property with Confidence

Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor buying property, navigating the UK housing market can feel like

A surveyor with a clipboard inspecting the front of a house

Who Organises a Home Survey When Buying a House?

The buyer organises the home survey. Once your offer is accepted, you choose, book and pay for an independent RICS

An alarm clock on a desk

How Long Does a House Survey Take?

When you are in the middle of a property purchase, everything feels like a race against time. You want to

Aerial view of London at dusk, with Tower Bridge and the Thames

What Does a Building Surveyor Do?

A building surveyor inspects a property and reports on its condition: the structure, roof, walls, damp, timbers, services and anything

Tables set for the SME Surrey Business Awards ceremony

We won Business of the Year (less than 50 employees)

Last night our name was called for Business of the Year, less than 50 employees. We cheered, hugged, and then

A damp proof course in the mortar joint of a block wall

A Property Surveyor’s Guide to Damp Proof Courses: Types and How to Spot Them

When it comes to protecting a property’s value and ensuring its structural integrity, damp proofing is a cornerstone of effective

Spray foam insulation applied between the roof timbers of a loft

Spray Foam Insulation: The Benefits, Risks, and What Homeowners Need to Know

Spray Foam Insulation: The Benefits, Risks, and What Homeowners Need to Know Spray foam insulation has grown in popularity as

The Emotional Toll of Skipping a Home Survey: A Guide to Informed Property Decisions

The Emotional Toll of Skipping a Home Survey: A Guide to Informed Property Decisions

Buying a home is a monumental decision, but it’s one that should never be rushed. Sadly, many individuals overlook one

A street of modern brick houses at sunset

Types of Surveyor: Which One Do You Need?

The surveyor you need depends on what you are doing. Buying a home, you need a RICS residential surveyor for

Unlocking the Potential of Residential Surveys: Your Guide to Informed Property Transactions

Unlocking the Potential of Residential Surveys: Your Guide to Informed Property Transactions

Unlocking the Potential of Residential Surveys: Your Guide to Informed Property Transactions When it comes to making informed decisions in

Understanding the Link between Interest Rates and House Prices

Understanding the Link between Interest Rates and House Prices

Interest rates and house prices are two critical factors that significantly impact the housing market. The relationship between these two

Our London Survey

Sterlingworth Surveyors has been serving London and the South East since 2020, providing tailored property surveying solutions. We recognise that every property is unique, so we take a custom approach to inspections, listening to individual requirements to deliver relevant, effective services. This commitment has built our strong reputation as a trusted name in property surveying across London.