From RICS Level 2 home surveys to in-depth Level 3 building surveys, valuations, party wall services and specialist inspections — our Oxford Surveyor team covers everything you need.
The RICS Level 2 Home Survey (formerly the HomeBuyer Report) is the most popular house survey for residential property purchases in Oxfordshire. It suits modern properties and homes that appear to be in reasonable condition.
Our surveyors carry out a thorough visual inspection of the property, covering the roof, walls, floors, windows and doors, services and the grounds. Every element is assessed using the RICS traffic light system — so you can see at a glance what needs urgent attention, what to watch, and what's fine.
A typical story: we recently carried out a Level 2 survey on a 1970s detached house in Kidlington. The report flagged several sections of the flat roof showing signs of failure and a significant damp patch in the kitchen extension. The buyer used our report to negotiate a £5,500 reduction — more than covering the cost of the survey several times over.
A Level 2 Home Survey is typically best for:
Unsure which survey you need? We'll advise you for free. Just get in touch.
| Element | Included? |
|---|---|
| Roof structure and covering | |
| Chimneys and flashings | |
| External walls and pointing | |
| Damp and moisture readings | |
| Floor structure and joists | |
| Windows, doors and frames | |
| Heating, plumbing and electrics (visual) | |
| Drains and drainage (visual) | |
| Repair cost estimates | |
| Legal and other matters section |
The RICS Level 3 Building Survey (formerly the Full Structural Survey) is our most comprehensive residential property survey. If you're buying an older home, a period property, or anything that looks like it may have issues, this is the survey you need.
Our surveyor carries out a thorough structural inspection of every accessible part of the building — from roof space to sub-floor — and produces a detailed assessment of each defect found, its likely cause, and what repair work is needed. We also give you repair cost estimates and advice on how to help you negotiate the best possible purchase price.
A recent example: a couple purchasing a Grade II listed cottage near Burford asked us to carry out a Level 3 survey. We identified serious roof structure movement, failed lime mortar pointing, and rising damp in the ground floor. Our detailed report allowed their solicitor to negotiate a £22,000 reduction — and our specialist repair advice saved them from using an inappropriate modern treatment that would have caused further damage.
We provide RICS-compliant property valuations for a wide range of purposes — from mortgage lending to probate, matrimonial, Help to Buy redemption, taxation, and Shared Ownership staircasing.
Our valuations are carried out by qualified RICS valuers and are recognised by all major mortgage lenders, HMRC, and UK courts. We combine market data, comparable evidence, and our deep local knowledge of the Oxfordshire property market to produce accurate, defensible valuations.
"We needed a probate valuation urgently for an estate in Oxford. Oxford Surveyor turned it around in three days — the report was thorough, clearly written and was accepted by HMRC without any queries. Exceptional service."
— Jane S., Abingdon
Planning an extension, loft conversion or basement? You may have legal obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Our Oxford Surveyor team handles all aspects of party wall matters for building owners and adjoining owners across Oxfordshire.
The Party Wall Act exists to protect both you and your neighbours during construction work that affects shared walls, boundaries or nearby foundations. Navigating it can feel complicated — but it doesn't have to be. We explain the process clearly and handle all the paperwork on your behalf.
As agreed surveyor, we can act for both parties to keep costs down and the process simple. Where a dispute exists, we provide independent, impartial party wall award services.
Sometimes you don't need a full building survey — you need a focused, specialist inspection of a specific issue. Our Oxford Surveyor team offers targeted defect inspections for a wide range of residential property problems.
Maybe your surveyor has flagged a crack in the flank wall and you want to know if it's structural. Perhaps there's persistent damp in a bedroom that nobody seems able to diagnose. Or a builder has quoted for foundation underpinning and you want an independent view before spending tens of thousands.
We investigate, diagnose and explain. No jargon. No unnecessary alarm. Just an honest, thorough inspection and report from a qualified surveyor with deep experience of construction and defects.
A builder has a commercial interest in finding work. An independent surveyor has a professional duty to give you an honest, unbiased assessment. We are not affiliated with any damp-proofing, timber treatment or structural repair companies — our advice is purely in your interest.
David Harper has given expert witness evidence in the County Court, the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber), and in multiple arbitration proceedings.
When a property dispute ends up in the legal system — or needs to be resolved before it gets there — you need a qualified surveyor who can provide an expert, independent opinion that will stand up in court.
Our Senior Building Surveyor, David Harper, has over 20 years of construction and surveying experience and regularly provides expert witness reports for solicitors, barristers and insurance companies across Oxfordshire and beyond. His reports comply fully with the requirements of CPR Part 35.
We also provide general property advice for sellers, landlords, investors and homeowners who need an independent professional view on condition, value or proposed works — without the full formal process of a building survey. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who knows what they're looking at.
Not sure which type of survey is right for your property purchase? Use this quick guide to compare our surveying services.
| Feature | Level 2 Home Survey | Level 3 Building Survey | Valuation Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual property inspection | |||
| Traffic light condition ratings | |||
| Structural inspection and report | |||
| Repair cost estimates | |||
| Market valuation | |||
| Suitable for pre-1900 properties | |||
| Post-survey discussion included | |||
| Indicative starting price | From £395 | From £595 | From £250 |
Included | Optional/Partial | Not included
Still have questions about which Oxford Surveyor service is right for you?
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