New figures from Countrywide Surveying Services (CSS) show a notable increase in the number of homebuyers commissioning home condition surveys, reflecting a broader trend towards more cautious and informed purchasing decisions.
According to CSS’s Home Survey Trends Index for Q1 2025, 15% of homebuyers opted for a professional condition survey as part of their transaction – a five percentage point rise compared to Q1 2024, when the figure stood at 10%.
While the proportion remained consistent with the previous quarter, the year-on-year growth underscores a shift in buyer priorities, with greater emphasis on long-term financial protection and property condition awareness.
The index tracks survey activity across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, covering both RICS Home Survey Level 2 and Level 3 instructions.
CHANGING DYNAMICS
The data reveals a divergence in average property values between those selecting different survey levels. In Q1 2025, the average property value for buyers commissioning a Level 2 survey was £295,000 – down slightly from £300,000 in Q4 2024. The average fee also declined, from £480 to £450.
Conversely, buyers opting for a Level 3 survey – typically required for older, more complex, or non-standard properties – faced higher average property values. These rose to £445,000 in Q1 2025, up from £400,000 the previous quarter. The average fee for this more detailed inspection also increased slightly from £890 to £910.
REGIONAL UPTAKE
The North West recorded the highest uptake of RICS Home Survey Level 2 instructions at 19%, suggesting a particularly strong focus on due diligence in the region.
For Level 3 surveys, the South East and West Midlands led with 14% uptake each. In contrast, the North saw the lowest survey uptake across both categories, with just 5% of buyers commissioning a Level 2 and 4% a Level 3.
The RICS Level 2 survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a general assessment of condition, suitable for newer or conventional properties. The Level 3 survey offers a comprehensive structural analysis and is recommended for older, listed, or architecturally distinct homes.
The findings also suggest a growing awareness among buyers of the potential long-term benefits of early condition assessments, particularly amid ongoing market fluctuations and evolving mortgage lending requirements.
PROMISING INCREASE
Matthew Cumber (main picture), Managing Director at Countrywide Surveying Services, says: “It’s encouraging to see that more homebuyers are recognising the importance of home condition surveys when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.
“Although month-on-month activity is steady, the year-on-year rise is promising and reflects a broader trend towards more informed, risk-aware decision making.
“This represents a real opportunity to add value. By guiding clients toward home condition surveys advisers can help safeguard their purchases and build trust. It’s not just about securing a mortgage; it’s about protecting the long-term interests of the buyer and their homes.”
