Help

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about our surveys, the process, and what to expect. Can't find your answer? Give us a call.

General

We cover all London boroughs and the South-East of England, including Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Sussex. Our surveyors are based locally and know the property stock in these areas well.

Yes. Surveyor Sorted is a RICS-regulated firm (Firm No. 816557). All survey reports are prepared in accordance with RICS Home Survey Standards by qualified chartered surveyors.

We typically carry out surveys within 3–5 working days of instruction, depending on availability and access arrangements. Urgent turnarounds can sometimes be accommodated — get in touch to discuss.

Use the quote form on our website. You'll receive a detailed quote by email within minutes, including the scope of the survey, pricing, and next steps. No obligation.

Yes. Every instruction includes a post-survey call with the chartered surveyor who inspected your property, at no extra charge. You can ask questions and discuss the findings directly.

We accept bank transfer and card payments. Payment is taken after you've accepted your quote and before the survey date.

Homebuyer Surveys

A Homebuyer Survey (RICS Level 2) is a visual inspection of a property's condition. It uses a traffic-light rating system to highlight defects, potential issues, and areas needing further investigation. It's the most popular survey type for standard residential properties.

A Homebuyer Survey suits properties built after 1930 in reasonable condition — standard houses, flats, and newer builds. If the property is older, significantly altered, or you have specific concerns, a Level 3 Building Survey provides a more detailed investigation.

No. Since 2021, RICS Home Survey Standards separated the condition report from the valuation. If you need a valuation (for example, for a mortgage or to confirm the purchase price), we can provide this as a separate service.

Yes. The survey identifies defects and repair requirements which can be used in negotiations with the seller. Many of our clients use the findings to renegotiate the purchase price or request repairs before completion.

Building Surveys

A Building Survey (RICS Level 3) is the most comprehensive survey available. It provides a detailed analysis of the property's construction, condition, and any defects found. It includes advice on repairs, maintenance, and estimated costs where appropriate.

A Building Survey is recommended for older properties (pre-1930), listed buildings, properties that have been significantly altered or extended, unusual construction types, or where you simply want the most thorough assessment possible.

Yes. Level 3 Building Surveys include indicative repair cost estimates where defects are identified. This helps you understand the potential financial implications and plan accordingly.

No. All our surveys are non-intrusive visual inspections. We do not lift floorboards, remove fixtures, or carry out any testing. If areas are concealed or inaccessible, we report this and may recommend specialist investigation.

Valuations

We provide RICS Red Book valuations for a range of purposes including Help to Buy, shared ownership, capital gains tax, matrimonial proceedings, probate, and private market value assessments.

Yes. Our RICS Red Book valuations are prepared by chartered surveyors and meet the requirements for HMRC submissions, including capital gains tax and inheritance tax purposes.

A mortgage valuation is instructed by the lender to assess their lending risk. A private valuation is instructed by you, for your own purposes, and provides an independent opinion of market value without any lender involvement.

When repaying your Help to Buy equity loan, you need an RICS valuation to determine the current market value of your property. This establishes the amount you owe. We're registered with the Help to Buy agent and our valuations are accepted for this purpose.

Commercial Services

Both. We act for landlords looking to maximise rental income and tenants looking to ensure their rent is fair. Our advice is based on comparable evidence and market analysis, regardless of which side instructs us.

We cover retail, office, industrial, mixed-use, restaurant, and pub premises across London and the South-East. Our commercial services include rent reviews, lease renewals, commercial valuations, and measured surveys.

A measured survey produces accurate floor plans and measurements of a property, typically needed for lease plans, space planning, fit-out projects, or compliance purposes. We provide these for both residential and commercial properties.

Yes. We provide lease extension valuations and advice on the statutory process, including the calculation of the premium payable. We act for both leaseholders seeking to extend and freeholders receiving notices.

Reports & Process

Reports are typically delivered within 3–5 working days of the inspection, depending on the survey type and property complexity. You'll receive the report digitally via email and through your client portal.

Reports are delivered as PDF documents. They follow the RICS Home Survey Standard format with clear headings, condition ratings, photographs, and a summary of key findings.

Yes. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us as early as possible. We understand that property transactions can be unpredictable and we'll do our best to accommodate changes.

Yes. We offer CAA-approved drone surveys using 4K-capable equipment for roof inspections, large sites, and properties where conventional access is difficult or unsafe. Drone footage and imagery can supplement any survey report.

Still have a question?

We're happy to help. Call us, drop us an email, or request a quote and we'll get back to you.

Ready to get started?

Get a quote in minutes. No obligation, no hidden fees. Just transparent pricing from a chartered surveyor.