Structural Survey vs Homebuyer Survey: what’s the difference?
Structural Surveys and Homebuyer Surveys are vital when buying a home or checking out your existing property. They give you a professional, unbiased perspective on the building’s condition and what you should do next.
But what is a Structural Survey? Is it better or worse than a Homebuyer Survey? And when should you get one?
That’s what we’ll discuss on this page.
What are Structural Surveys and Homebuyer Surveys?
Structural Surveys and Homebuyer Surveys are both examples of RICS home surveys. Despite their names, they’re appropriate for all types of people, from buyers to sellers and owners to landlords.
RICS (the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the UK’s governing body for chartered surveyors. In fact, ‘chartered surveyor’ is a protected title in this country, and only RICS members can use it.
Most people instruct a RICS home survey (like a Homebuyer Survey or Structural Survey) when purchasing a new home, organising a date and time once their initial offer has been accepted. The survey helps the buyer clearly understand the property’s actual condition and value, with a trained pair of eyes and dedicated equipment sweeping for potential problems.
Recognising these common problems (like damp, Japanese Knotweed or subsidence) means you can be better prepared for the future. In severe cases, they might even lead to someone pulling out of a deal completely, saving hundreds of thousands of pounds.
What’s the main difference between a Structural Survey and a Homebuyer Survey?
In 2021, RICS updated the home survey titles. These days, we usually call Structural Surveys and Homebuyer Surveys as follows:
- Structural Survey – Home Survey Level 3
- Homebuyer Survey – Home Survey Level 2
This levelling system was brought in to make it clearer to customers what they were buying. At the same time, chartered surveyors are more aware of what’s expected of them.
In short, the higher the level, the greater the survey’s detail focus. For instance, a Home Survey Level 3 (Structural Survey) contains more data and recommendations than a Level 2 (Homebuyer Survey). This is, in brief, the main difference between Structural Surveys and Homebuyer Surveys.
During a Homebuyer Survey (Level 2), the chartered surveyor carefully looks for common problems, taking photographs and making notes. The same applies in a Structural Survey (Level 3), but they’ll take particular notice of the home’s structural integrity (as the name implies).
When should you get a Structural Survey?
So, when should you get a Structural Survey? Well, you’ll typically instruct one after your initial offer is accepted when buying a house. However, you could also have one completed on a home you own, including buildings you’re renting or hoping to rent out in the future.
As we said, a Structural Survey is all about a property’s structural integrity; how robust it is. As such, the chartered surveyor will especially scrutinise the following:
- Structural and supporting walls
- Brickwork or stonework
- Any signs of land movement
- Roof beams
- Supporting joists or I-beams
If problems are found here (for example, we sometimes see worrying brickwork cracks or a significant case of rot in roof timbers), the surveyor will take photos and notes. In the resulting report, they’ll include a risk factor and advice.
You could have them estimate repair costs for you as an optional extra service.
For most homes, a Homebuyer Survey (Level 2) suffices. They’re designed for standard buildings constructed with typical materials within the last few decades.
Anything that doesn’t fall into that category will likely need a more detailed Structural Survey. These could include the following:
- Historic properties
- Renovated homes
- Cottages
- Barn conversions
- DIY homes or renovations
- Houses with significant extensions
- Any building or extension without planning permission
- Farmhouses or cottages
- And more
GB Home Surveys provides Structural Surveys and Homebuyer Surveys
Structural Surveys are, then, very similar to Homebuyer Surveys. However, you’ll better understand the structural state of your home or the property you’re hoping to buy.
As such, consider a Structural Survey if the building in question is one of the above. If you’re unsure which survey type is right for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer a friendly, obligation-free service and would be delighted to provide a hand.
GB Home Surveys operates in local teams in Devon, Bath, Bristol, the Cotswolds, South Wales, Three Counties, Taunton and around Birmingham. If you live in or are moving to one of these areas, we can help you with a Structural Survey or Homebuyer Survey.
Try our free Home Survey Level 3 Quote Calculator, or use the form below to get in touch.
