RPSA Homebuyer Survey
Purchasing a home is no small feat. It involves a plethora of decisions, and one wrong move can lead to costly and potentially disastrous consequences. Langley-Whittingham offers a home buyer survey specifically designed to help you make informed choices.
The RPSA Homebuyer Survey Includes:




Understanding the Importance of the Home Buyer RPSA Survey
What is a Homebuyer Report?
A Homebuyer Report offers detailed information about the condition of a property. Unlike a cursory glance on a viewing day, this RPSA home condition survey looks into more detail of the building. Our RPSA Home buyer Survey is comparible with the RICS Home Survey Level 2.
Our surveyors utilise standardised formats to ensure a comprehensive review, covering all key aspects of the property. This includes any significant issues that might not be immediately obvious but could become problematic in the future. Whether it’s structural damage, dampness, or outdated electrical wiring, the report illuminates all. As a potential buyer, you receive a detailed overview that helps you decide whether to move forward with your purchase, negotiate the price, or walk away.

Our team at Langley-Whittingham Building Surveyors brings a level of expertise and meticulousness that only comes from over 30 years in the field. We take pride in offering professional, personal, and dependable service to each of our clients.
Why a House Survey is Essential
The Role of Surveyors in House Buying
Surveyors play a pivotal role by assessing the property’s condition through a detailed inspection. Their trained eyes can spot structural or maintenance issues that may escape an average buyer’s notice. This insight not only aids in negotiating the purchase price but also provides vital information for your budgeting and future planning.
Moreover, the detailed reports these experts provide can help buyers navigate complex property transactions. Professional advice from an experienced surveyor can clarify potential pitfalls and offer solutions, ensuring you’re making a sound investment.
Think about when questions arise while buying a property, having a seasoned surveyor in your corner can make a world of difference. Langley-Whittingham are committed to answering all your queries and providing the guidance you need.


The Costs Involved in Homebuyer Surveys
The cost of a Homebuyer Survey can vary, often depending on the property’s size and age. Larger and older properties typically require more extensive inspections, which in turn influence the survey’s cost. It’s important to see this expenditure not as an extra cost but as an investment in your future abode.
The survey cost also hinges on the level of inspection needed. More comprehensive evaluations naturally come with higher costs, but the peace of mind they offer often outweighs the investment. Knowing the expenses upfront helps you budget effectively, making your property purchase a smoother process.
How Homebuyer Surveys Impact Mortgage Valuation
When applying for a mortgage, your lender needs to be confident that the property they’re funding is a sound investment. This is where a Homebuyer Survey comes into play. Mortgage lenders may require a property survey before giving their stamp of approval. The survey ensures that the property is worth the investment from the lender’s perspective. Any significant issues identified can directly impact the terms or even the approval of your mortgage valuation .
At Langley-Whittingham, our Homebuyer Surveys are designed to leave no stone unturned. That thoroughness ensures both the buyer and the lender are well-informed, making the financial aspect of property buying less stressful.

Local knowledge & National Expertise
Local knowledge
& National Expertise


What Things Does a Home Buyer Survey Cover?
Key Factors Covered in a Homebuyer Report
Surveyors evaluate structural integrity, checking for signs of subsidence or other stability issues. They thoroughly inspect for dampness, evaluating insulation and ventilation systems to ensure everything is up to modern standards. Electrical and plumbing systems are also checked for safety and compliance, ensuring you won’t encounter unexpected failures.
The inspection extends to external factors too. Drainage and property boundaries are assessed, providing a comprehensive overview of everything that might impact your home. Langley-Whittingham’s experienced building surveyors leave no detail ignored, giving you a complete picture of your future home’s condition.
Home Survey Report
Similar to the RICS Homebuyer Report, our RPSA Homebuyer Reports include a visual sweep of the property, examining the general condition without moving furniture or causing disturbances. They cast a critical eye over several key areas, such as roofing, walls, floors, drainage systems and a structural survey.
Though surveyors don’t physically displace anything, their trained inspections can still identify significant defects. These defects might not be immediately obvious to an untrained eye but can be critical in evaluating the property’s overall health and value. For instance, if there’s an underlying issue with the roof, it won’t be evident during a casual look-around, but a Homebuyer Report will highlight these concerns, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Providing peace of mind for the home buyer
One of the biggest benefits of a Homebuyer Survey is peace of mind. Knowing the ins and outs of what you’re purchasing can save you from future headaches and unexpected costs. Potential issues, once identified, can be addressed before they spiral into major problems. This detailed information also aids in planning for future repairs or maintenance. Let’s say the report indicates minor dampness in the walls. While not immediately severe, it’s something you can prepare for, saving your time and money down the line.
Having a comprehensive Homebuyer Survey can reduce the number of surprises, paving the way for a more seamless moving experience. After all, moving into a new home should be an exciting new chapter, not one fraught with unpredictable issues.
“Catherine from Langley-Whittingham was exceptional! Her detailed survey saved us from a costly investment. Highly recommend their services!”
“We were thoroughly impressed with Catherine’s professionalism and expertise. Langley-Whittingham provided a comprehensive report that gave us peace of mind. Fantastic job!”
How to Choose the Type of Home Survey you Need
Homebuyer Reports and Building Surveys
RPSA Homebuyer Reports are mid-level surveys ideal for standard properties. These reports offer a comprehensive look at the condition without going into extensive detail. They are perfect for newer or well-maintained properties that don’t require an exhaustive check.
RPSA Building Surveys, on the other hand, offer an in-depth assessment suitable for older or non-standard homes. These types of house survey delve into every nook and cranny, identifying potential issues that may not be covered in a Homebuyer Report. They offer more detailed condition report and, naturally, more costly, but the level of insight they provide is invaluable for older or more structurally complex properties.


Which Survey is Suitable for Your Property?
Different properties demand specific types of surveys. For instance, older or more intricate properties might benefit from a full Building Survey, which offers a more detailed examination. In contrast, newer homes typically only need a standard Homebuyer Report, which covers major areas without going too deep.
Professional advice can be invaluable here. Surveyors can guide you through the options, ensuring you select the survey that best addresses your needs. At Langley-Whittingham, we align our services with the guidelines of the Residential Property Surveyors Association (RPSA), ensuring you get the most appropriate and professional advice available.
Choosing the Right Home Buyer Report for Your Property
Consulting with Langley-Whittingham can help you decide the most suitable report for your situation. For example, while a Homebuyer /Level 2 House Survey might be adequate for most type of property, other types with visible issues or older structures may require a more extensive look.
Surveyors evaluate the property’s age, condition, and any potential red flags during an initial inspection. This helps determine whether a standard report suffices or if a more detailed, RPSA-aligned survey is essential. Accurate information from such assessments aids buyers in choosing the right level of inspection, ensuring every pound spent is well-worth it.
Homebuyer Survey – FAQs
Yes, a home buyer survey is worth it as it can uncover any hidden issues with the property that could potentially save you money in the long run.
The average cost of a HomeBuyers survey can vary depending on the size and location of the property, but it typically ranges from £400 to £1,000.
A home buyer survey typically includes a detailed inspection of the property’s condition, highlighting any defects or potential problems, advice on repairs and maintenance, and an overall valuation.
To prepare for a home buyer survey, make sure the surveyor has access to all areas of the property, provide any relevant documents or paperwork, and be prepared to ask questions about the survey findings.
“Catherine from Langley-Whittingham was exceptional! Her detailed survey saved us from a costly investment. Highly recommend their services!”
“We were thoroughly impressed with Catherine’s professionalism and expertise. Langley-Whittingham provided a comprehensive report that gave us peace of mind. Fantastic job!”