Accurate, reliable, and RICS-Regulated surveys to protect your best interests.

RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey)

“The RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey) is ideal for buyers of older, listed and non-standard construction properties.”

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RICS Home Survey Level 3

Previously known as a Building Survey or Structural Survey

Previously called a ‘Structural Survey’ and later a ‘Building Survey’, the RICS Home Survey Level 3 is essential for older, listed and non-standard construction properties, or if you’re planning major works.

The RICS Home Survey Level 3 is the most comprehensive pre-purchase report that will provide you with an in-depth analysis of the property's condition.

The RICS Home Survey Level 3 will:

  • Help you make a reasoned and informed decision when purchasing the property, or when planning for repairs, maintenance, or upgrading the property

  • Provide detailed advice on the condition

  • Describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects

  • Where possible and previously agreed, provide an estimate of costs for identified repairs, and

  • Make recommendations as to any further actions or advice which needs to be obtained before committing to purchase.

An RICS Home Survey Level 3 doesn't include a market valuation as standard, however, this, as well as a reinstatement cost assessment, can usually be provided if required.

If you would like to see a sample report, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Brick house with chimney, hedges, and parked Mini Cooper Countryman

Why choose the RICS Home Survey Level 3?

  • Detailed insight where it matters most.

    An RICS Home Survey Level 3 provides a comprehensive analysis of a property’s structure and condition. It is particularly suited to older, extended or non-standard homes, where greater technical depth is required. Defects, structural movement and long-term risks are examined carefully.

  • Clear advice on defects and next steps.

    Beyond identifying issues, the report explains their implications. You will receive practical guidance on repairs, maintenance and likely future works, enabling informed planning rather than reactive decisions.

  • Confidence in complex properties.

    When a property presents age, alteration or uncertainty, clarity becomes critical. An RICS Home Survey Level 3 equips you with the information needed to proceed, renegotiate or reconsider before you commit.

Example properties inspected:

Charming stone cottage with red tiled roof, surrounded by lush green foliage and blooming flowers. The entrance has a white door with a brick archway. A parked car is partially visible in the foreground.
Old brick house with moss-covered roof and ivy on walls
Row of parked cars in front of a red brick residential building with bay windows and a tiled roof, cloudy sky overhead, street sign and greenery in front.
A pink cottage with a thatched roof and multiple chimneys, surrounded by a low green hedge and a gravel driveway, with a cloudy sky overhead.
An aerial view of a residential neighborhood with houses, trees, and greenery, including a backyard with a playset and patio.
A brick house with a pointed roof and a tall, narrow window with diamond-shaped panes. There is a small plant and garden in front of the house, and a cloudy sky overhead.

Why choose Navah Consulting?

  • Expertise you can trust

    Our RICS-qualified surveyors have extensive experience with a broad range of property types and their associated defects.

  • Clear, actionable insights

    Our reports are clear, jargon-free and easy to follow, giving you the information you need to act confidently.

  • Tailored solutions

    Every property is unique, and so is our approach. We adapt to your specific concerns and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, our FAQs may assist, or you are welcome to contact us directly using our contact form below or by calling 01279 755486.

  • An RICS Home Survey Level 3 is the most detailed residential survey available under the RICS Home Survey standard. It provides an in-depth assessment of a property’s structure, fabric and overall condition. It is designed for properties where greater technical analysis is required, including older homes, altered buildings or those of non-standard construction.

  • An RICS Home Survey Level 3 is typically recommended where a property is older (particularly pre-1930 or period homes), has been extended or significantly altered, is of non-standard construction, appears neglected or in poor condition, or is large, complex or architecturally unusual. Where there is uncertainty or complexity, a more detailed survey provides clarity and reduces risk.

  • An RICS Home Survey Level 3 includes a thorough visual inspection of all reasonably accessible parts of the property, with detailed commentary on structural movement and building defects, roofing, walls, floors and structural elements, dampness and timber issues, services (visually inspected), and risks, implications and likely causes. The report goes beyond simply identifying issues, it explains their significance and provides clear guidance on repairs, maintenance and future management.

  • An RICS Home Survey Level 2 is suited to conventional properties in reasonable condition and focuses on identifying significant defects using a traffic light system. An RICS Home Survey Level 3 provides more detailed technical analysis, deeper explanation of defects, and more extensive advice on remedial works. It is intended for properties where risk, age or alteration warrants a more comprehensive assessment. If you are unsure which survey is appropriate, we will advise you.

  • Yes. A mortgage valuation is carried out for the lender’s purposes and is not a detailed condition survey. It does not provide comprehensive advice on defects, structural issues or long-term risks. An RICS Home Survey Level 3 is commissioned by you and focuses entirely on protecting your interests.

  • The inspection typically takes several hours on site, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Reports are normally issued within a few working days following the inspection.

  • Yes. We are happy to provide a redacted sample report so you can understand the structure, depth and clarity of the advice provided.

  • At Navah Consulting, our RICS Home Survey Level 3 reports are clear, thorough and practical. We focus on explaining risk and implication not simply listing defects. We remain available to discuss the findings with you, ensuring you understand what matters and how best to proceed.

  • Simply contact us with the property address and basic details, and we will confirm suitability, provide a fixed quotation and arrange the inspection at a convenient time.