What does a surveyor do?
A property surveyor inspects land, buildings or homes and provides professional advice about their condition, value, construction or potential risks.
Last reviewed: August 2026
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When you are buying a home, a surveyor can inspect the property, identify visible defects and risks, and give you a written report to help you make an informed decision before you commit to the purchase.
Surveyors can also provide specialist advice on matters such as party walls, valuations, commercial property, defects, damp, boundaries and building work.
What does a surveyor do when you are buying a house?
A residential surveyor carries out a visual inspection of the property and prepares a report on its condition. The report can highlight visible defects, maintenance issues, safety concerns and matters that may need further investigation.
During a home survey, the surveyor may inspect:
- The roof, walls, windows, doors, floors and ceilings.
- Visible signs of damp, cracking, movement or timber defects.
- Accessible parts of the loft, cellar, outbuildings and grounds.
- Visible aspects of heating, drainage, electrical and water services.
- The property’s construction, alterations and general condition.
A standard home survey is usually a visual inspection. Unless you agree otherwise, the surveyor will not normally move furniture, lift carpets, open up walls or floors, or test services in the way a specialist contractor would.
What types of surveyor are there?
| Type of work | How a surveyor can help |
|---|---|
| Home and building surveys | Assess the visible condition of a property before purchase. |
| Valuations | Provide an opinion of value for purposes such as purchase, probate, tax, lending or dispute resolution. |
| Party wall matters | Advise on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and help prepare notices or awards where appropriate. |
| Commercial property | Advise on condition, dilapidations, leases, valuations and building-related risks. |
| Defects and specialist inspections | Assess particular concerns, such as damp, structural movement, roofs, boundaries or building defects. |
Why use a surveyor?
A survey cannot guarantee that a property is free from defects, but it can help you understand visible risks before you exchange contracts. That can give you time to seek further advice, obtain repair estimates, renegotiate, budget for future work or decide not to proceed.
Is a mortgage valuation the same as a survey?
No. A mortgage valuation is usually carried out for the lender to assess whether the property is suitable security for a loan. It is not a detailed inspection for the buyer and should not be treated as a substitute for an independent survey.
Questions to ask before appointing a surveyor
- Which survey or service do you recommend for this property, and why?
- What will the inspection and report include?
- What is excluded from the service?
- How much will it cost, and are there additional fees?
- When can you inspect the property and deliver the report?
- Do you have relevant experience with similar properties?
- What qualifications, professional memberships and insurance do you hold?
What surveyors do: FAQs
Can a surveyor tell me whether to buy a house?
A surveyor can explain the property’s visible condition and risks, but the decision to proceed is yours. Their report can help you make that decision with better information.
Can a surveyor find every problem with a property?
No. A survey has a defined scope and is usually visual. Hidden, inaccessible or specialist issues may not be identified, and the report may recommend further investigation where concerns are found.
What is a chartered surveyor?
“Chartered surveyor” is a professional designation. Ask the individual firm about its qualifications, professional membership, experience and insurance before instructing it.
When should I book a survey?
Usually after your offer has been accepted and before contracts are exchanged, allowing time to receive and consider the report.