How Long Does a House Survey Take?
Key Summary
- A Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey typically takes between two and three hours on site.
- A Level 3 Building Survey usually takes between three and five hours, sometimes longer for larger or more complex properties.
- The written report is typically delivered within three to five working days of the inspection.
- The size of the property, its age, and the level of survey chosen all affect how long the inspection will take.
- You do not need to be present during the survey, but access to all areas of the property must be arranged in advance.
How Long Does a Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey Take?
A RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey on a typical semi-detached or terraced home will generally take between two and three hours on site. For a larger detached property, you should allow a little longer. During this time, the surveyor will systematically work through the exterior and interior of the property, assessing the visible and accessible condition of every key element. They are looking at everything from the roof covering and chimney stacks to internal walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and the services visible within the property. A Level 2 survey is designed to be thorough but focused. It works to the RICS Home Surveys Standard and follows a consistent inspection process that allows an experienced surveyor to work efficiently without cutting corners.How Long Does a Level 3 Building Survey Take?
A Level 3 Building Survey is a much more detailed investigation of the property. It goes beyond the visual inspection of a HomeBuyer Survey and examines the construction, materials, and condition of the building in significantly more depth. For a standard three or four bedroom property, a Level 3 survey will typically take between three and five hours. For a larger detached home, a period property, a listed building, or a property with significant outbuildings or land, the inspection could take considerably longer. At Skylark Surveyors, we use the latest inspection technology, including drones where appropriate, to ensure that areas like roof slopes and high-level external elements are properly assessed. This approach takes a little more time on site, but it gives our clients a far more complete picture of what they are buying.
What Factors Affect How Long a Survey Takes?
Several things can influence the duration of a property survey:Size of the property
A one bedroom flat will take less time to survey than a five bedroom detached house with a garage, outbuildings, and a large garden. More rooms, more roof space, and more external elements all add time to the inspection.Age and construction type
Older properties, period homes, and buildings with non-standard construction generally require more detailed scrutiny. A Victorian terrace is likely to take longer to survey than a 1990s new-build of equivalent size because there is more variation in materials and more history to unpick.Condition of the property
If the surveyor encounters areas of concern, they will spend more time examining them carefully and recording their findings. A property in poor condition or with a history of alterations will typically require a longer inspection than a well-maintained modern home.Access
The surveyor needs unobstructed access to all areas of the property, including the roof space, any cellar or undercroft, outbuildings, and the grounds. Blocked access to any of these areas will limit what can be inspected and could mean that a follow-up visit is required. Our guide on how to prepare your house for a Level 3 survey covers how to ensure the inspection goes smoothly and that nothing is missed.How Long Does It Take to Receive the Survey Report?
Once the on-site inspection is complete, the surveyor will return to their office to write up the report. For a Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey, most firms will aim to deliver the report within three to five working days of the inspection. For a Level 3 Building Survey, the report writing process is more involved. You should typically expect a turnaround of around five to seven working days, though this can vary depending on the complexity of the property and the findings. At Skylark Surveyors, we aim to deliver reports promptly without compromising on quality. We know that buyers are often working to legal deadlines, and we do our best to accommodate those timelines wherever possible.Do I Need to Be at the Property During the Survey?
You do not need to be present at the property while the survey is being carried out. In most cases, the surveyor will attend the property while the current owner or their agent is present to grant access. However, some buyers prefer to attend at the end of the inspection to have a brief conversation with the surveyor while the findings are still fresh. This can be a useful opportunity to ask questions directly before the written report lands. If you would like to arrange this, simply let us know when you book.
How Does Survey Timing Fit Into the Buying Process?
Most buyers commission their survey after their offer has been accepted and their mortgage application is underway. At that point, you will typically be waiting on searches, legal enquiries, and the mortgage offer. The survey usually runs in parallel with these other steps rather than adding extra time to the overall process. It is worth instructing your survey as early as possible once your offer is accepted. If the report raises issues that require further investigation, having that information early gives you more time to obtain specialist reports and decide how to proceed before you are too far through the conveyancing process. Understanding the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey before you book is also important. Our guide on the differences between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey can help you choose the right option for your property. You can also get an instant quote from Skylark Surveyors to get the process started. The Which? guide to home survey types is also a helpful independent resource if you want to read more about the options before committing.Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a building survey take on a house?
A Level 3 Building Survey typically takes between three and five hours on site for a standard three or four bedroom property. Larger homes, period properties, or buildings in poor condition may take longer. The report is usually delivered within five to seven working days of the inspection.How long does a HomeBuyer Survey take?
A Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey generally takes between two and three hours on site, depending on the size and condition of the property. The written report is usually delivered within three to five working days.Can a house survey be done in one day?
Yes. The on-site inspection for both a Level 2 and Level 3 survey is completed in a single visit. The surveyor then writes up the report separately, which takes additional time before you receive the final document.Do I need to be at the property for a house survey?
No. You do not need to be present during the survey. Access to the property is usually arranged through the seller or their estate agent. Some buyers choose to attend at the end of the inspection to speak with the surveyor directly, which can be a useful opportunity to ask questions before the report is issued. [
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