Home Surveys for Home Movers
Moving home is a complex process with many moving parts. Whether you are selling and buying at the same time, relocating for work, or moving up the property ladder, a professional RICS home survey gives you confidence that your next home is a sound investment.
Even experienced home movers benefit from an independent survey. Every property is different, and the things you learned from your last purchase may not apply to this one. We help you make an informed decision with a clear, jargon-free report delivered within 5 working days of inspection.
Home Mover Survey Quote
Clear report in plain English with no jargon
Traffic light condition ratings for every element
Phone call with your surveyor after the inspection
Fixed pricing from £400 + VAT, no hidden extras
Market valuation included as standard
Our Home Surveyor & Property Valuer Accreditation & Professional Membership
Our home surveys for home movers are carried out by qualified surveyors who belong to the professional bodies that set UK property standards. Every report is prepared to recognised guidance and is completely independent, so you can rely on the findings when you buy, sell or value a property.
Why do home movers need a survey?
If you have bought and sold before, you may feel confident in your ability to assess a property. But even experienced home movers can miss hidden issues. Every house is built differently, and conditions change over time. The property you are buying may have defects that only a qualified surveyor would spot.
Home movers often face additional pressure from tight chains. It can be tempting to skip the survey to keep things moving, but rushing now could cost you thousands later. A survey identifies problems whilst you still have leverage to negotiate. If the seller is also in a chain, they are often motivated to agree a fair reduction rather than risk the whole chain collapsing.
You may also be buying a very different type of property to your current home. Moving from a modern flat to a period house, or from a suburban semi to a rural cottage, brings new considerations that your previous experience may not cover. A survey tailored to the specific property type gives you the detailed knowledge you need.
Common issues found during home mover surveys
Which survey is right for home movers?
The right survey depends on the age, type and condition of the property you are buying. Here is what we recommend for most home movers.
RICS Level 2
Home Survey
The most popular choice for home movers. A detailed inspection with traffic light condition ratings, defect advice and a market valuation. Ideal for conventional properties built within the last 150 years that are in reasonable condition. Most home movers choose this option.
From £400 + VAT
Learn moreRICS Level 3
Building Survey
The right choice if you are buying an older property, a listed building, a home that has been heavily altered or extended, or a property you plan to renovate. Provides a much deeper analysis of the construction and condition than a Level 2.
From £550 + VAT
Learn moreNew Build
Snagging Survey
If you are moving into a newly built home, a snagging survey identifies defects and incomplete work before you move in so the developer can put them right. Around 90% of new builds have snags that need attention.
From £350 + VAT
Learn moreHow the survey process works for home movers
We understand you have a chain to manage. Our process is designed to be fast and efficient without cutting corners.
Get a quote
Tell us the property address and type. We give you a fixed price within 24 hours, with no obligation. We will also confirm availability around your target dates.
Book the inspection
We coordinate with the vendor's estate agent to arrange access. Most inspections are completed within 3 to 5 working days of booking, and we work around your chain's timeline.
Receive your report
Your detailed report is delivered within 3 to 5 working days of the inspection. We then call you to talk through the findings so you fully understand what it means for your purchase.
Move forward with confidence
Use your report to negotiate with the seller, budget for future maintenance, or proceed knowing exactly what you are buying. This keeps your chain moving with fewer surprises.
Why home movers choose National Home Surveyors
Chain-aware service
We understand how property chains work and the pressure that comes with them. We book inspections promptly, deliver reports on schedule, and keep you informed throughout so your chain stays on track.
RICS regulated
All our surveyors are RICS qualified and regulated, so you know the inspection meets the highest professional standards. This matters when you are spending hundreds of thousands on your next home.
Property-type expertise
Whether you are moving to a Victorian terrace, a 1930s semi, a converted barn or a modern townhouse, our surveyors understand the specific issues that affect different property types and ages.
Direct access to your surveyor
You get your surveyor's direct contact details. Unlike some firms that put a call centre between you and the expert, we encourage you to speak directly to the person who inspected your property.
Home mover survey FAQ
Do I need a survey if I have bought and sold several times before?
Yes. Whilst your experience as a previous homeowner is valuable, every property is different and you cannot spot everything during a viewing. A survey gives you an independent, professional assessment of the property's condition. We regularly find issues that even experienced home movers would miss, such as hidden damp, roof defects or structural movement concealed by fresh decoration.
What happens if the survey delays the chain?
We work quickly to minimise any impact on your chain. Most inspections are completed within 3 to 5 working days of booking, and reports are delivered within 3 to 5 working days after that. We recommend booking the survey as soon as your offer is accepted so it runs in parallel with the legal work. A short delay for a survey is far better than discovering a major defect after you have exchanged contracts.
I am moving from a new build to a period property. What should I look out for?
Period properties come with very different considerations to modern homes. You will want to pay particular attention to the roof, chimneys, damp proof course, timber condition, electrical wiring and plumbing. A Level 3 Building Survey is often the best choice for older or period properties as it goes into much greater depth than a Level 2 Home Survey. Our surveyors have extensive experience with period properties across all seven counties.
Can the survey help me negotiate the price?
Absolutely. If the survey reveals defects or repair costs, you can use the report to negotiate a price reduction with the seller. In a chain situation, sellers are often motivated to agree a fair reduction rather than risk the whole chain collapsing. Your solicitor or conveyancer can advise on the best approach, and the survey report provides the evidence you need to support your negotiation.
How does the survey work when I am selling my current home at the same time?
The survey relates only to the property you are buying. If your buyer commissions a survey on your current home, that is handled by their surveyor independently. We recommend getting your own survey on the property you are buying regardless of what surveys are happening elsewhere in the chain. The small cost of a survey is insignificant compared to the cost of moving into a property with hidden defects.
What is the difference between a mortgage valuation and a home survey?
A mortgage valuation is carried out for your lender to confirm the property is worth the loan amount. It is not a survey and will not identify defects, repair costs or maintenance issues. A home survey is an independent, detailed inspection of the property's condition carried out for you, the buyer. Even if your lender requires a valuation, you should still commission your own survey to protect your interests.
Get your home mover survey quote
Fill in the form below and we will send you a fixed price quote within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure, and we will work around your chain's timeline.
Your details are never shared. We respond within one working day.