A deeper understanding of the property, its condition and its risks.
The RICS Level 3 Home Survey is the most detailed RICS home survey level. It helps you make a reasoned and informed decision when purchasing a property, or when planning repairs, maintenance or upgrading.
What the Level 3 survey is designed to do
This survey provides detailed advice on condition, describes identifiable risks of potential or hidden defects, and explains the most probable causes of defects based on the inspection.
- Helps you understand the property before legal commitment
- Explains defects, risks and likely causes
- Highlights serious or urgent repair matters
- Supports repair planning and informed decision making
How the inspection works
The surveyor carefully and thoroughly inspects the inside and outside of the main building and permanent outbuildings, recording construction and defects that are evident and accessible.
- Inspection covers as much as is physically accessible
- Limitations are explained where access is restricted
- The building fabric is not forced open or damaged
- Roof spaces are visually inspected where safe and reasonable
What you can expect
Clear, practical reporting that helps you understand what matters, why it matters and what further steps may be sensible before exchange of contracts.
Thorough inspection
The inspection covers the main building, permanent outbuildings, roof areas, grounds and visible services, subject to safe and reasonable access.
Detailed report
The report provides a detailed understanding of the property’s condition, including serious or urgent repairs and wider maintenance issues.
Repair guidance
Where appropriate, the report explains defects, likely causes, risks and practical next steps, including further investigation where needed.
Clear condition ratings
Condition ratings help separate serious or urgent matters from routine repairs and normal maintenance items.
Especially recommended for
Older or period properties
Extended or altered homes
Non-standard construction
Homes showing signs of defects
Buyers planning works
Drone roof inspection included where suitable
Roof inspections form part of every survey. Where suitable, safe and weather permitting, drone support may be used to help inspect roofs, chimneys and high level areas more clearly.
Get a fixed fee for a Level 3 Home Survey
Send the property postcode and a few details. We will confirm whether a Level 3 Home Survey is suitable and provide a fixed fee.
Level 3 survey cost guidance
For typical fee guidance, see our page explaining how much a Level 3 survey costs and what can affect the price.
Comparing survey levels
If you are unsure whether this is the right survey, our survey comparison guide explains the differences between Level 2 and Level 3 surveys.
Using survey findings
If significant defects are identified, our guide to negotiating after a survey explains how buyers often use survey results before exchange.
Frequently asked questions
A Level 3 Home Survey is often selected where a buyer wants a more detailed understanding of condition, construction, defects and future maintenance requirements.
Is a Level 3 survey only for old houses?
No. It is commonly chosen for older homes, but it can also be appropriate for extended, altered, unusual or defective properties, or where you want more detailed advice before purchase.
Does the survey include roof inspection?
The roof is inspected as far as safe and reasonably accessible. Where suitable and weather permitting, drone support may be used to help review high level areas such as roofs and chimneys.
Level 3 House Survey and Building Survey advice
A Level 3 Survey, often called a Building Survey or Level 3 House Survey, is designed for properties where a more detailed inspection and report is needed.
It is commonly recommended for older homes, listed or period properties, buildings that have been extended or altered, properties in poor condition and homes where significant defects are suspected.
Level 3 Survey FAQs
When should I choose a Level 3 Survey?
Choose a Level 3 Survey where the property is older, non-standard, significantly altered, visibly defective or where you want more detailed technical advice than a Level 2 Survey provides.
How much does a Level 3 Survey cost?
The cost depends on the property size, age, complexity and location. See our house survey cost guide for Level 2 and Level 3 survey cost guidance.
What is a Level 3 house survey?
A Level 3 house survey, often called a Building Survey or residential building survey, is a detailed inspection for older, altered, larger or more complex properties.
When a Level 3 Survey is useful
A Level 3 Survey is often recommended where a property has visible defects, historic movement, dampness, roof issues, extensions, non-standard construction or where you want more detailed repair advice.
Level 3 Survey or Building Survey?
The terms Level 3 Survey, RICS Level 3 Survey and Building Survey are often used by buyers looking for a more detailed residential survey before purchase.
Unsure which survey you need? Read our guide to HomeBuyer Survey vs Building Survey.