How Long Does It Take to Survey a House

A house survey is a crucial step in the home buying process, providing a detailed inspection of a property's condition. It helps identify structural problems, hidden defects and potential repair costs before a sale is completed. The time it takes to carry out a survey and receive the results can vary depending on the type of survey, the size and age of the property, and how busy the surveyor is at the time.

Understanding the timeframe involved can help buyers plan more effectively and avoid unnecessary delays in the conveyancing process.

Types of House Surveys and Their Duration

In the UK, the most common types of residential property surveys are the RICS Level 1 Survey (Condition Report), the RICS Level 2 Survey (HomeBuyer Report) and the RICS Level 3 Survey (Building Survey). Each has a different level of detail and therefore takes a different amount of time to carry out.

A basic Level 1 Condition Report for a modern, small property can take as little as one to two hours to complete on-site. A Level 2 HomeBuyer Report usually takes two to four hours depending on the size and complexity of the property. A full Level 3 Building Survey, which includes a thorough inspection of all accessible parts of the house, often takes four to eight hours or more on site, especially for larger or older buildings.

How Long to Receive the Survey Report

While the physical inspection might take a few hours, receiving the actual written survey report typically takes longer. For a Level 1 or Level 2 survey, the report is usually delivered within three to five working days after the visit. For a Level 3 Building Survey, especially on older or unusual properties, it might take up to a week or slightly longer for the surveyor to prepare a detailed report.

This timeframe can be affected by how busy the surveyor is, whether additional investigations are needed, or if they need to consult specialists for certain defects like subsidence or damp.

What Might Cause Delays

A delay in accessing the property can be a common issue, particularly if the seller or estate agent is slow to respond to appointment requests. Poor weather conditions or limited daylight during winter can also slow down inspections, particularly for surveys that require external roof and drainage checks.

Further delays may occur if the surveyor identifies significant problems that require more investigation. In such cases, the buyer may need to arrange for a specialist survey, such as a structural engineer’s report, a timber and damp survey or a CCTV drain survey.

Can You Speed Up the Process

While you cannot rush a thorough survey, you can reduce the waiting time by choosing a reputable surveyor with good availability. Booking early and making sure the seller or agent is ready to give access to the property can help avoid administrative delays. If the sale is time sensitive, some surveyors may offer express services for an additional fee, though this depends on location and workload.

You can also make the most of the survey by reviewing the report with your solicitor and using any findings to renegotiate the purchase price or ask the seller to carry out repairs before exchange.

Why the Survey Timeline Matters

The results of the house survey can influence whether you go ahead with the purchase, ask for repairs, or decide to walk away. Since other steps in the conveyancing process often depend on the survey outcome, knowing how long it takes helps buyers manage expectations and maintain momentum.

If issues are found, further negotiation or additional surveys can extend the process by several weeks, so it is important to allow time in your schedule for this.

Conclusion

The time it takes to survey a house typically ranges from a few hours on site to a week or more to receive the final report. The duration depends on the type of survey, the complexity of the property and how quickly the surveyor can access the home and prepare the documentation. Buyers should factor in up to ten days for the full process and communicate clearly with all parties involved to keep things on track.