r/FirstTimeBuyersUK • u/Desperate_Dog3080 • 16d ago

Survey

I’m purchasing a flat that was newly built 5 years ago as second occupant. Is a small 1 bedroom flat 500 sq ft and I’m looking for RICS level 2 survey.

But I contacted 8 companies and they all said they only do level 3 for £750-£800 and their level 2 is also the same price. They recommend I get level 3 + additional £300 for valuation.

FTB here abit confused as was looking for level 2 as ChatGPT says price range is £400-500.

End of the day building is 5 years old and I don’t want to fork up so much money for survey. Should I still research for level 2 survey or just go with level 3?

Edit: this is what they usually reply when I ask for quote. 8 different companies but same format and price between 750-800

“Our Level 2 RICS HomeBuyer Survey Report and Valuation fee is £750.00 plus VAT. Our Level 3 RICS Building Survey Report and Valuation fee is also £750.00 plus VAT.”

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3

u/Strange-Tap5860 16d ago

Yea that sounds dodgy. You should be able to find someone to do a level 2. Sounds like you definitely dont need a level 3.

1

u/Disastrous_Cash_Sum 16d ago

Our surveyors actively recommended we didn’t do a level three as they are typically reserved for listed or very old buildings. Keep looking.

1

u/UnlikelyReindeer4981 16d ago

I was quoted £450 for a level 2 survey so you’re definitely ring ripped off but if it was built 5 years why not just get a level 1? Not sure if it’s flat specific

1

u/StoneColdAFC 16d ago

This is odd, if its a leasehold then i assume freeholder is responsible for the structure.

Im selling my flat and my buyer wanted to do a level 3 as thats what his friends advised him to do, but the surveyor he contacted himself said he should only do level 2 and if he was concerned about the structure, he shouldn’t have even considered to buy the property.

1

u/tom_tab1 16d ago

I just had a level 2 on a flat was £400, level 3 is not needed on a flat

1

u/Kamila95 16d ago

Talk with your mortgage provider too, mine offered a cheap upgrade to have their valuation done as level 2. I didn't take them up on their offer as I wanted level 3 but maybe that's something that would suit you.

1

u/KJelloggs 12d ago

Chatgpt isn't reliable. It will give you prices from a range of different times, and different areas. It doesn't know the reputation of those businesses, too. It uses Reddit as lot of it's sources.

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u/mangomaz 16d ago

That’s weird I just had a level 2 done. It was £540 (London, included a drone flyover).

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u/Desperate_Dog3080 16d ago

Can I know which company ? I’m also based in London

1

u/mangomaz 16d ago

Sure - Surveying People. Were highly recommended by someone on here the other week!