RICS surveys come in three standardised levels. Picking the right one is mostly about the age, condition and complexity of the property.
The most basic survey. Suitable for modern, conventional, well-maintained properties. A traffic-light condition rating with little narrative.
The most common level. Suitable for most standard-construction houses in reasonable condition. Includes commentary, defects and advice.
The most detailed. Suitable for older, larger, listed or visibly altered properties, and for any property you have a particular concern about.
The Survey Recommender walks you through a short series of questions about the property and tells you which level is most appropriate, including when going higher is worth the extra cost.
Two practical resources to get more value out of the survey when it does happen.
A pre-survey risk-assessment toolkit to bring to a viewing. Designed to surface the issues that should change your offer, your survey level or your mind.
Answer a few questions about the property and the tool will point you at the right RICS survey level, with reasoning, not a black-box answer.