Short answer: you do – the buyer organises and pays for the survey. But the process confuses almost everyone the first time, so here is exactly how it works and when to book.
Who organises the survey when buying a house?
The buyer instructs the surveyor, chooses the level of survey, and receives the report – it is confidential to you, not shared with the seller or estate agent. The seller organises nothing (except in Scotland, where the seller provides a Home Report). Your mortgage lender arranges only a valuation for its own lending decision – often a drive-by or desktop – which tells you nothing about the property’s condition and is not a survey, however much the paperwork makes it look like one.
When should you book it?
As soon as your offer is accepted. The survey happens before exchange of contracts – that is the whole point: the findings arrive while you can still renegotiate the price or walk away. Booking early also avoids your purchase waiting on surveyor availability.
Which survey do you choose?
A Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey (typically £400–£600) for conventional, well-maintained homes; a Level 3 Building Survey (£600–£1,200) for anything older, extended, altered or showing defects – most period London stock. Unsure? Our guide to choosing the right survey settles it in five minutes.
Does the estate agent arrange it?
Agents often offer to “recommend someone” – remember the agent works for the seller. An independent surveyor with no stake in the sale completing is exactly what you are paying for.
Offer accepted? Book your survey today – call 020 4579 8270 or get a fixed quote with turnaround dates for anywhere in London.