The length of time a surveyor will spend in your house depends on the type of survey being conducted and the size or complexity of the property. Here’s a general breakdown of common types of property surveys and how long they typically take:
1. Mortgage Valuation
- Time spent: 20–30 minutes
- Purpose: This is a basic inspection carried out on behalf of the mortgage lender to assess the value of the property. It is not a thorough inspection of the property’s condition.
- What happens: The surveyor will check the overall structure and any major issues that could affect the property's value. It’s usually a quick visit, often under an hour.
2. Homebuyer Report (Level 2 Survey)
- Time spent: 1.5–4 hours
- Purpose: This is a more detailed survey, often recommended for properties that are in reasonable condition and less than 50 years old. It covers structural aspects as well as minor defects.
- What happens: The surveyor will assess the property inside and out, looking for issues like damp, subsidence, roof problems, and other visible defects. They won't go into hidden or hard-to-reach areas, but they will be more thorough than in a basic valuation.
3. Building Survey (Level 3 Survey)
- Time spent: 3–8 hours (or longer for large/older properties)
- Purpose: This is the most comprehensive type of survey, recommended for older properties, homes in poor condition, or those that have undergone extensive alterations. It provides an in-depth analysis of the structure and condition of the property.
- What happens: The surveyor will conduct a detailed examination of every accessible part of the property, including walls, ceilings, floors, roofs, and any visible structural issues. They may also inspect the loft and crawl spaces if accessible.
Factors That Influence Survey Duration
- Property size: Larger homes take longer to survey than smaller ones.
- Age of the property: Older properties with complex structures or historical significance require more time to assess.
- Condition: If the property has visible defects or potential issues, the surveyor may spend more time investigating these areas.
- Access to all areas: If the surveyor needs access to hard-to-reach spaces, like the attic or basement, it can increase the time spent on the survey.
Conclusion
- For a basic mortgage valuation, expect the surveyor to spend around 20-30 minutes in your home.
- For a Homebuyer Report, the surveyor may be in your home for 1.5 to 4 hours.
- For a Building Survey, they could be there for up to 8 hours or more, depending on the property’s size and complexity.
If you're unsure, feel free to ask the surveyor for an estimate of how long they expect to be in your property.
