Property Surveys in 2025: What every home seller needs to know
Whether you’re selling a modern flat or an older terraced house, understanding the types of property surveys available and what they involve can help you avoid surprises, respond appropriately to buyer concerns, and ultimately ensure a smoother sales process.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from RICS-accredited surveys to preparation tips that can make or break your sale.
What is a property survey?
A property survey is a professional inspection of your home’s condition. It’s typically commissioned and paid for by the buyer after their offer has been accepted, but before contracts are exchanged. The aim is to assess the property for any issues, structural problems, damp, electrical or plumbing concerns, or anything else that may affect its value or safety.
Property surveys often influence a buyer’s decision to proceed, renegotiate the offer, or request repairs. In short, a survey has the potential to make or break your style, especially in today’s cautious and competitive housing market.
Who conducts property surveys?
In the UK, most property surveys are carried out by surveyors accredited by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). In 2025, RICS remains the gold standard for property surveying, with robust ethics and qualifications that buyers and lenders trust.
At We Buy Any House, we arrange and pay for an RICS survey of your property before completion. As a seller, this gives peace of mind that our offer is verified by an independent third party, ensuring there is no bias throughout the selling process.
Why property surveys matter in 2025
The 2025 property market is seeing an increase in transparency, energy efficiency, and structural integrity. Post-pandemic lifestyle shifts, combined with rising mortgage rates, mean today’s buyers are more cautious and cost-conscious than ever.
Property surveys are now a standard tool in negotiations. If a property survey reveals problems, buyers are likely to:
- Renegotiate the offer, typically asking for a price reduction
- Request that the seller fix specific issues before the exchange
- Withdraw entirely, especially if the problems are costly or hidden
Being informed and prepared gives you an edge, especially if you’re aiming for a fast house sale.
Common survey findings in 2025
Based on recent RICS reporting and market activity, the most common issues flagged in property surveys this year include:
- Damp and condensation, especially in older properties or poorly ventilated homes
- Roof deterioration, tiles, flashing or guttering
- Outdated electrics and plumbing
- Cracks in walls, which may or may not indicate subsidence
- Poor insulation or energy efficiency
- Unpermitted building alterations
None of these issues automatically doom a sale, but they can lead to renegotiations. Proactive repairs or realistic pricing can mitigate this.
What specific steps should I take if a survey reveals major issues?
If a buyer’s survey reveals significant issues, such as structural damage, damp, roof damage or outdated electrics, it’s important not to panic.
Start by requesting a copy of the report so you can understand exactly what was flagged.
If the buyer proposes a lower offer, review the findings with a contractor or your surveyor to assess whether the estimated costs are fair.
You may choose to negotiate, offer to make specific repairs, or adjust the price accordingly.
In cases where the buyer pulls out, consider fixing the most critical issues before relisting, or work with a cash buyer who will purchase the property as-is, such as We Buy Any House.
How surveys can impact your sale price
A property survey doesn’t just inform the buyer; it can significantly impact the price you ultimately receive. Depending on the outcome, the buyer may:
- Request a price reduction to cover the cost of repairs
- Ask you to rectify specific issues before the exchange
- Walk away if the risk is too high
In a fast-moving market, being unprepared for this stage can cost you time and money. If your goal is to sell quickly, it may be smarter to:
- Price the home competitively upfront, reflecting its true condition
- Work with a cash house buyer or fast sale company who will skip lengthy inspections
- Be transparent from the outset
What are the costs associated with different types of property surveys?
The cost of a property survey depends on the size of the property and the depth of the inspection. In 2025:
A RICS level 1 Condition Report typically costs between £300 and £500, offering a high-level overview for newer homes.
A Level 2 HomeBuyer Report, which includes a valuation and a more detailed inspection, typically ranges from £400 to £700.
For older or larger properties, the Level 3 Building Survey is one of the most thorough and can cost anywhere from £600 – £1,200, depending on complexity. While sellers don’t usually pay for the property survey, it’s worth knowing these figures, especially if you’re considering commissioning your pre-sale survey to speed up the process or reassure buyers.
Join thousands of UK homeowners who’ve sold the easy way with We Buy Any House. We buy any property, in any condition. Get in touch today to find out what your home is worth.
Preparing for a property survey: Seller’s checklist
Being ready for a property survey can help reduce delays, prevent deal breakers, and even improve the impression your home makes on the surveyor. Here’s how to get ready:
Tackle obvious repairs early
Surveyors will highlight visible damage, peeling paint, loose roof tiles, damp patches, and faulty fittings. If you’re aware of these issues, address them before listing. It could save you from a reduced offer later.
Be honest about structural issues
If your home has known structural issues or a history of subsidence, disclose this to your estate agent or buyer as soon as possible. Trying to hide major problems usually backfires during the survey stage.
Clear access points
Ensure that areas such as the loft, basement, fuse box, boiler, and all rooms are easily accessible. If a surveyor can’t access a space, they’ll flag it, which creates uncertainty for the buyer.
Present a tidy, well-maintained home
While surveyors are impartial professionals, a clean, clutter-free, well-presented home makes it easier for them to inspect and sends a message of responsible ownership.
Prepare documentation
Gather any recent service records, e.g. boiler service, roof repairs, guaranteed or planning permissions for extensions. These can provide reassurance and context for survey findings.
Worried about your property survey results? We’ll buy your house as-is, no repairs, no renegotiations. Avoid costly repairs and sell directly to We Buy Any House.
Selling without the survey stress: Consider a cash buyer
While there are many steps homeowners can take to prepare for a property survey. At We Buy Any House, not only do we arrange and pay for a certified RICS survey, but this survey can be conducted via desktop, which eliminates the hassle of having a stranger poke around your home.
We Buy Any House can offer a streamlined sale without the need for lengthy property survey processes, chain delays, or uncertainty. We buy any property in any condition, in as little as 3 days, or on a timescale to suit you. No hidden fees, no agents and no hassle.
Selling without stress
Not every seller has the time or budget to deal with property surveys, repairs, and negotiations, especially if you are:
- Relocating quickly
- Selling an inherited or vacant property
- Facing repossession or financial difficulty
- Struggling with a house in poor condition
At We Buy Any House, we take the stress out of selling. You can skip the uncertainty, long waiting times, and last-minute price drops.
We’ll buy your home:
- In any condition
- With no surveys or chains
- In as little as 7 days
- With no agent or solicitor fees
Know what to expect, plan ahead
In 2025’s property market, knowledge is power, and understanding the importance of property surveys can help you stay in control of your sale. Avoid unwanted surprises and maximise your final offer.
Being honest about your home’s condition, making sensible repairs, and ensuring access for surveyors can dramatically reduce friction during this sale.
And if speed and certainty matter more than your top price, our team at We Buy Any House can provide a no-obligation cash offer and handle the entire process for you, no fuss, no stress.