Row of houses

Level 3 - Building Survey

The traditional, full structural survey, designed for larger, older or significantly altered properties.

What is a Level 3 - Building Survey?

The Home Survey Level 3 provides you with greater detail about the property and any repairs needed than the Level 2 options, but as a result it is more expensive.

The Home Survey Level 3 has often been previously referred to as a “full structural survey” or “building survey”. The report can be on an RICS Home Survey Level 3 template or can be to the surveyor’s bespoke design.

Level 3 reports are conducted by Building Surveyors. Legal & General is proud to work in partnership with RPSA to deliver expert advice from RPSA's trained professionals.

Request a quote

You can get a quote and purchase your survey online today.

If you require any further support, you can call us on 01226 230500

9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday

We may record and monitor calls

Home Survey Level 3 details

When should you choose a Home Survey Level 3?

You should choose a Home Survey Level 3 if you want a report that is more detailed than a RICS Home Survey Level 2 or SmartrSurvey Report, or if you’re interested in a property that is:

  • Much larger than average
  • Old (e.g. built before 1850)
  • In obviously poor condition
  • Of complex or unusual design
  • Of non-traditional or other unusual form of construction
  • Significantly altered or extended since it was built
  • Intended to be significantly improved or extended after purchase

What you’ll learn from your Level 3 Survey

A Building Survey includes a thorough inspection of the property by a qualified surveyor, a paper-based detailed report on a wide range of issues, details of serious risks and dangerous conditions and an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of inactivity

A Home Survey Level 3 ordered through Legal & General Surveying Services includes:

  • A thorough and detailed inspection of the property by a qualified professional surveyor.
  • A detailed, technical report on the construction and condition of the various building elements.
  • An outline of repair options and the likely consequences if repairs are ignored.
  • Advice for your legal advisers
  • Details of risks to the property and its occupants.

View a sample report

The Home Survey Level 3 provides the most in-depth account of the property’s condition and highlights significant problems with straightforward ratings. Take a look at a dummy report to explore all the features and functionalities.

You're in safe hands

Legal & General Surveying Services has been in business for over 20 years. We’re a wholly owned subsidiary of Legal & General - one of the top FTSE 100 companies and a leading provider of financial services in the UK. We're regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). 

Choosing us means you can be confident that:

  • The surveyor preparing your report will be locally based - giving you local knowledge and experience
  • You’ll be buying your property with the key facts you need to make an informed decision
  • You’re dealing with an experienced company that has the backing of a financially strong, globally recognised brand in Legal & General.

With these credentials, you know you are in safe hands!

Why do you need a survey?

We understand that when you are buying a new home you want to make every penny count. It might be tempting to assume that a simple mortgage valuation will provide you with the reassurance you need regarding the condition of the property and future maintenance liabilities, but that’s not what it is intended for and you could be faced with significant unplanned repair costs. Buying a home can be one of the biggest financial commitments you are likely to make so it is important to know as much as you can about the property you are thinking of purchasing.

Frequently asked questions

The Building Survey (also known as a structural survey) is the most expensive type of survey, but it provides greater detail about the structure and fabric of the property. This report is specifically designed for houses that were built before 1850, are in poor condition, have been significantly altered or are particularly large. You’ll also want to choose this option if you’re planning major works on a property.

Typically a Level 3 will take no longer than 8 hours for the surveyor to complete.

This invasive and thorough type of survey is needed if your property is older than 1850, made of unconventional material (like thatch or timber), or has undergone extensive renovation or building work. You may consider this survey if you are planning on carrying out extensive work on your new property too. 

Ready to get a Building survey?

If you require any further support, you can call us on 0345 200 2046
9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

We may record and monitor calls