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01 · Ask
Buying, selling or snagging?
Property age, condition and purpose drive the survey level. Describe the situation and the AI tells you what to commission.
Plan for Building Safety Levy 2026.
From 2026 developers pay a Building Safety Levy on most new builds. Eligibility, rates, what counts.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Hire a surveyor. Right level, RICS-regulated.
Read the brief on RICS levels, lender vs buyer surveys and follow-up specialist reports — then let Three local surveyors quote.
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02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
RICS Levels 1/2/3, red/amber/green ratings, specialist referrals, professional indemnity. Know the language.
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03 · Compare
Compare 3 surveyor quotes
Three local surveyors quote on the same property — survey level, turnaround, follow-up support — so you pick on competence.
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Top tips
Hiring a surveying, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Match the survey to the property.
RICS Level 1 (Condition): new build / good condition only. Level 2 (Homebuyer): standard. Level 3 (Building): period, neglected or unusual. Pay for the right one.
Don't use the lender's surveyor.
The mortgage valuation is for the lender, not you. Always commission your own survey — even if you trust the property.
Read the executive summary first.
RICS reports are long. The summary lists urgent (red) and significant (amber) issues — those are the negotiation lever for the sale price.
Ask about specialist follow-ups.
Damp, electrical, drains, structural — surveyors flag but don't diagnose. Budget for specialist reports on red flags before exchange.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
RICS Level 1 condition report
£250–£500
RICS Level 2 homebuyer survey
£400–£900
RICS Level 3 building survey
£600–£1.5k
Valuation (separate from survey)
£200–£500
Snagging survey (new build)
£300–£800
Specific defect inspectionDamp, structural
£250–£600
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Surveying briefing.
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Surveying explained
The Building Safety Levy starts 2026 — a tax on UK new build residential development to fund cladding remediation. Estimated £3 billion over 10 years. Expected rate £800–£8,000 per new home depending on local authority and development size.
What Does the Work Involve?
Local authority calculates levy at Building Control Gateway 2 stage. Developer pays before Building Regs sign-off. Funds Building Safety Fund cladding remediation. Small developers (under 10 homes) exempt. NHS, social housing, affordable housing exempt.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single new home levy | 800 | 3,500 | Average areas |
| London new home levy | 2,500 | 8,000+ | Premium areas |
| 10-home development | 8,000 | 40,000 | Total |
| 50-home development | 40,000 | 200,000 | Total |
| Below 10 homes | 0 | 0 | Exempt |
| Social housing | 0 | 0 | Exempt |
| Pass-through to buyer typical | +0.5% | +2% | Of sale price |
UK Regulations
Building Safety Act 2022 Section 105. Levy commences 2026. Calculated by floor space and local authority rate. BSR collects via building control. £3bn target over 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does levy start?
2026 — exact start date by region. Most authorities aligned to October 2026.
Who pays?
New build developer. May pass-through to buyer in sale price. 0.5-2% uplift typical.
Small developer exempt?
Under 10 dwelling units: exempt. Threshold may change. Government review.
Affects house prices?
New build only. Resale market unaffected. New build prices may rise 0.5-2%.
Cladding remediation funded?
Yes — Building Safety Fund. Existing affected buildings remediated.
Self-builder impact?
Single self-build: usually exempt. Custom-build developers >10 units: chargeable.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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