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RICS Regulated • Liverpool & the North West

Residential Building Survey Types

Q: Can I use a survey to renegotiate on price?

Yes. If a survey identifies significant defects, the cost of remediation provides a strong basis for renegotiating the agreed purchase price. In many cases, the money saved through renegotiation more than covers the cost of the survey.

Q: Do I need a survey on a new build property?

Yes. New build properties frequently contain defects at the point of completion. A Snagging Survey documents all defects and unfinished work so you can require the developer to fix them before or after you move in.

Not sure which property survey is right for you? JGL Associates explain every type of residential building survey — from Level 2 Homebuyer Surveys to full Level 3 Building Surveys, snagging, buy-to-let and expert witness reports.

Get a Free Quote Call 07421 997067

✓ RICS Regulated Firm✓ RPSA Member✓ Chartered Building Engineer✓ RICS Expert Witness Certificate✓ Independent & Impartial✓ Liverpool-Based Surveyor

Your options explained

Which Property Survey Do You Need?

There is no single "standard" property survey — different surveys exist for different needs. Whether you're buying a home, investing in a rental, taking over a new build, or dealing with a dispute, the right survey gives you the information you need. JGL Associates offer the full range of residential surveys, all carried out by a RICS regulated surveyor based in Liverpool.

💡 Not sure which survey you need? Call us on 07421 997067 or send us a message — we're happy to advise at no charge before you book.

Side by side

Survey Comparison at a Glance

Use this table to quickly compare what each survey covers and who it suits.

Survey Type	Structural Condition	Defect Causes & Advice	Landlord Compliance	Legal/Court Use	Typical Property
Level 3 Building Survey	✓ Full	✓ Detailed	—	—	Older / complex
Level 2 Homebuyer Survey	✓ Standard	◯ Summary	—	—	Post-1900 standard
Buy-to-Let Survey	✓ Standard	◯ Summary	✓ Full	—	Rental / investment
Snagging Survey	◯ Defects	✓ Snagging list	—	—	New build only
Housing Disrepair Survey	✓ Disrepair focus	✓ Evidence report	—	◯ Supports claim	Rented / disputed
Expert Witness	✓ As required	✓ Expert opinion	—	✓ CPR Part 35	Any / dispute

Quick guide

Which Survey Is Right for Your Situation?

Your circumstances will usually point clearly to one survey type. Here are the most common scenarios.

Buying a standard Liverpool home built after 1900

For a conventionally built semi-detached, terraced or detached property in reasonable condition, a Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is usually the right choice. It covers the key condition risks and defects without unnecessary cost. →

Buying an older, pre-1900 or unusual property

Victorian terraces, Edwardian homes, properties with extensions or conversions, or anything in visibly poor condition warrant a Level 3 Building Survey. You need the fullest possible picture before committing to purchase. →

Buying a property to let or invest in

As a landlord, your obligations go beyond condition — you need to know about HHSRS hazards, fire safety, EPC compliance and Section 11 responsibilities. The Buy-to-Let Homebuyer Survey is designed specifically for you. →

Taking ownership of a new build home

New build homes often contain defects the developer won't tell you about. A Snagging Survey before or shortly after legal completion gives you a documented list of defects to put to your developer for remediation. →

Tenant dealing with damp, mould or disrepair

If your landlord is failing to address disrepair, a Housing Disrepair Survey documents the condition of your home independently and professionally — providing evidence to support a compensation claim or legal action. →

Involved in a property or construction dispute

For civil litigation involving property or construction — whether defects, damage or breach of contract — an Expert Witness report from a RICS certified expert witness is what the courts require. →

The process

How to Book a Survey with JGL Associates

From first contact to receiving your report, the process is straightforward and hassle-free.

Get in touch

Call or email us with the property address and details. We'll advise which survey suits your situation and give you a no-obligation fee quote, usually within one working day.

Survey carried out

We arrange a convenient inspection date with you and the vendor or landlord. Our surveyor carries out a thorough on-site inspection of all accessible parts of the property.

Report delivered

You receive a clear, professionally produced report with findings, condition ratings and practical recommendations — everything you need to make a confident decision or take action.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey?+

A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is designed for conventionally built properties in reasonable condition, typically post-1900. It identifies defects and risks using RICS traffic-light condition ratings but does not provide as much detail on causes or remediation. A Level 3 Building Survey is more thorough — it covers all accessible parts of the structure, explains causes of defects in depth, and provides detailed remediation advice. It is recommended for older, larger, or more complex properties.

Is a mortgage valuation the same as a survey?+

No. A mortgage valuation is carried out by the lender for their own purposes — it simply confirms the property is adequate security for the loan. It does not protect you as a buyer and may not involve a physical visit to the property at all. An independent survey from a RICS regulated firm is a separate instruction that works entirely in your interest.

Can I use a survey to renegotiate on price?+

Yes — and this is one of the most common reasons buyers commission surveys. If a survey identifies significant defects, the cost of remediation provides a strong basis for renegotiating the agreed purchase price. In many cases, the money saved through renegotiation more than covers the cost of the survey itself.

Do I need a survey on a new build property?+

Yes — new build properties are not exempt from defects. In fact, research consistently shows that the vast majority of new builds have defects at the point of completion. A Snagging Survey is the appropriate survey for new build homes. It documents all defects and unfinished work so you can require the developer to fix them before or shortly after you move in.

How long does a survey take and when will I receive my report?+

On-site inspections typically take 2–4 hours for a Level 2 Homebuyer Survey, and may take longer for a Level 3 Building Survey on a larger property. Reports are usually delivered within 3–5 working days for a Homebuyer Survey and 5–10 working days for a Building Survey. We will give you a clear timeframe when you book.

Do JGL Associates cover areas outside Liverpool?+

Yes. JGL Associates cover Liverpool and the wider Merseyside region. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please get in touch and we will be happy to confirm.

Get in touch

Not Sure Which Survey You Need?

We're happy to advise before you book — at no charge. Call us or send a message with the property details and we'll point you in the right direction.

07421 997067 office@jgla.co.uk

Get a Free Quote

Residential Building Survey Types

Which Property Survey Do You Need?

Homebuyer SurveyRICS Level 2 · Most Popular

Building SurveyRICS Level 3

Buy-to-Let Homebuyer SurveyRPSA Exclusive

Snagging SurveyNew Build

Housing Disrepair SurveyDispute & Legal

Expert Witness ServicesCPR Part 35

Survey Comparison at a Glance

Which Survey Is Right for Your Situation?

Buying a standard Liverpool home built after 1900

Buying an older, pre-1900 or unusual property

Buying a property to let or invest in

Taking ownership of a new build home

Tenant dealing with damp, mould or disrepair

Involved in a property or construction dispute

How to Book a Survey with JGL Associates

Get in touch

Survey carried out

Report delivered

Frequently Asked Questions

Not Sure Which Survey You Need?