Residential Property Surveys You Can Rely On

Independent RICS-qualified surveyors providing trusted residential property surveys across London and the South East.

What Is a Residential Property Survey?

Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll ever make.

A residential property survey gives you independent insight into a property’s condition — helping you avoid unexpected repair costs and make confident choices before exchange.

At Sterlingworth Surveyors, our RICS surveyors inspect all areas that are safely accessible and provide jargon-free reports following the RICS Home Survey Standards 2019.

We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and trusted by homeowners, buyers, and investors throughout London and the South East.

Residential Property Surveys London | RICS Level 2 & 3 Experts

Which Survey Do I Need?

Choosing the right survey depends on the type, age, and condition of your property.

modern homes

RICS Level 2

Ideal for:

What you’ll get:

A clear overview of visible issues, maintenance advice, and colour-coded (traffic-light) ratings so you can quickly see what needs attention.

older, larger or altered properties

RICS Level 3

Ideal for:

What you’ll get:

The most detailed report available including photographs, diagrams, and recommendations for repairs, further investigations, or budgeting future works.

new-builds or recent renovations

Snagging List Inspection

Ideal for:

What you’ll get:

A detailed list of construction or finishing defects your developer or builder should correct before handover or final payment.

Compare Our Residential Survey Options

Survey TypeBest ForWhat’s Included
RICS Level 2 (Home Survey)Conventional homes and flats in reasonable conditionVisual inspection, damp & movement check, services overview, traffic-light ratings
RICS Level 3 (Building Survey)Older, larger, or altered properties, or where major works are plannedFull structural review, photographs, repair guidance, and follow-up consultation
Snagging List InspectionNew-build or recently renovated propertiesIdentifies cosmetic and construction defects before completion or exchange

What’s Included in Our Surveys

Every inspection we carry out is detailed yet non-invasive, focusing on all areas of a property that are safe and reasonably accessible.

Structural Elements

Walls, roofs, floors, ceilings, windows, and doors are assessed for condition, stability, and visible defects.

Damp, Movement & Structural Issues

Identification of any signs of moisture, cracks, settlement, or structural movement throughout the property.

Services Overview

A visual review of heating, plumbing, and electrical systems to comment on their general state and any visible concerns.

Roof Voids & Loft Areas

Inspection of accessible roof spaces to review structure, insulation, ventilation, and signs of leaks or decay.

External Areas & Boundaries

Assessment of visible issues with outbuildings, fences, paving, drainage, or surrounding land that may affect the property.

Energy & Efficiency Notes

Observations on insulation, ventilation, and energy efficiency features influencing the property’s performance.
Services for Solicitors

Services for Solicitors

We also provide Solicitor Summary Reports, concise extracts highlighting key findings, serious defects, and legal matters needing further checks.

Whether you’re handling a straightforward purchase or a more complex transaction involving historic alterations, planning permissions or warranties, our reports are designed to support your work and minimise risk. We deliver a top-level overview of the property, pinpoint serious defects or occupant safety concerns, and set out any matters needing further investigation.

Residential Survey FAQs

What’s the difference between RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys?

Level 2 is a standard inspection for conventional properties; Level 3 is more comprehensive, covering structure, materials, and maintenance advice.

Yes. A professional snagging inspection ensures your developer corrects defects before completion or warranty deadlines.
Most Level 2 surveys are completed in a few hours; Level 3 can take a full day depending on property size and complexity.
Yes—Level 3 reports include photographs and diagrams to clarify issues. Level 2 and snagging reports may include photos where relevant.
We serve clients throughout London and the South East, including Greater London, Surrey, Kent, and surrounding regions.

Get a Residential Survey Quote

Ready to move forward with confidence?
Let our experts help you understand your property before you commit.