Best Chartered Surveyors in Newport

What does a surveyor look at during a house survey in Newport?

Newport’s housing ranges from Victorian brick terraces in Pill and Caerleon’s period cottages to post-war semis in Malpas and new estates on the former Llanwern steelworks land. Its position on the tidal River Usk, plus a history of deep coal mining, means a surveyor pays particular attention to risks that are less pressing elsewhere in Wales.

During a full building survey, a Newport-based Chartered Surveyor will examine all the usual elements, but with local nuances in mind:

• Major internal features
• Fireplaces, chimney breasts and loft timbers are checked for historic alterations or fire damage common in older terraces.
• Moisture and mould
• Insulation and energy efficiency
• Structural movement and former coal-mining subsidence
• Timber condition
• Services: electrics, gas and drainage
• Environmental hazards e.g. flooding
• Invasive plants e.g. Japanese knotweed
• Permanent outbuildings and external structures

A detailed written report explaining defects, their implications and recommended repairs, with photographs and a traffic-light rating will be delivered after your survey. Depending on which level survey you choose your report may include an optional valuation reflecting current Newport market conditions (usually charged extra).

Hidden damp from tidal flooding, subsidence linked to legacy mine workings, or an undisclosed knotweed infestation can all carry major costs. A Chartered Surveyor who knows Newport’s unique geology and building stock spots those problems early, saving you unexpected expenses and helping you buy with confidence. It can also provide negotiation leverage. Documented issues give grounds to renegotiate the price or request remedial work before exchange.

What is the difference between a surveyor and a Chartered Surveyor?

'Surveyor' is simply a job description. Anyone who offers inspections or valuations can use it, regardless of training or insurance. Standards and methods differ from one individual to the next, and if something goes wrong your only fallback is general consumer law.
However, 'Chartered Surveyor' is a protected professional title. A Chartered Surveyor has passed an RICS-accredited degree (or equivalent) and a two-year Assessment of Professional Competence, then keeps skills up to date through mandatory CPD. They must follow the RICS Rules of Conduct, hold professional indemnity insurance, and publish a formal complaints procedure that can be escalated to RICS if necessary.
As their reports meet RICS standards, mortgage lenders routinely accept their valuations, avoiding delays at the offer stage.
Using a chartered surveyor can provide peace of mind reallymoving’s comparison tool shows only credit-checked, RICS-regulated surveyors, so every quote you receive is from a Newport specialist who meets the chartered standard. 
Choosing one means the report, valuation and follow-up advice you rely on are backed by nationally recognised rules, a sensible safeguard when buying in a city with historic mining, tidal flooding and a fast-moving market.

What are the types of house survey I can get in Newport?

In Newport you still choose between the three RICS survey levels, but the age and location of the city’s housing affects which one is right for you and how much you will pay.

RICS Level 1 – Condition Report

This is a basic condition check for new-builds and nearly new homes, such as the apartments at Loftus Garden Village or the latest phases at Glan Llyn. The surveyor notes visible defects but gives no repair advice, so it suits properties still under warranty. The average fee band sits between about £300 and £700. Asthe inspection is relatively simple, you can expect the report within 2 or 3 working days of the visit.

RICS Level 2 – Homebuyers Survey

This is the most mainstream survey that Newport purchases require. A Level 2 survey is suitable for properties such as 1930s bay-fronted semis in Beechwood, 1950s terraces in Gaer or post-war ex-council houses in Malpas. You receive traffic-light ratings for each element and advice on repairs and maintenance. The average price of a Level 2 Survey is £498.95. An on-site visit usually takes 2-4 hours and the written report is typically emailed within 3-5 working days.

RICS Level 3 – Building Survey

This survey is crucial for anything older, altered or obviously at risk: Victorian brick terraces in Pill, Caerleon’s stone cottages, properties over former coal seams, or larger barn conversions on the city’s rural fringe.

The surveyor lifts floorboards where accessible, enters loft voids and estimates repair costs. The average cost of a Level 3 Survey is £661.29, but complex or listed buildings can push the price higher. Expect the surveyor to be on site for most of the day and the narrative report to arrive within 5-7 working days.

Choosing the correct survey level means you receive the right depth of inspection for Newport’s mixed housing stock, spot costly problems such as hidden damp or mining-related movement, and have the evidence to renegotiate the price or budget for repairs before you commit.

How can I find a trusted surveyor in Newport?

To find a great surveyor use reallymoving to compare quotes. Simply, enter some details about the property you want to purchase and you’ll receive up to five instant quotes from surveyors who are both credit-checked and RICS-regulated.
To be sure you are reading reviews; reliable surveyors publish feedback that mentions clear reports, quick turnaround and help with follow-up questions. Look for comments about local issues such as flood-risk advice for homes near the River Usk or guidance on Coal Authority searches.
Confirm transparency on fees and timing, trustworthy surveyors give a fixed price for each RICS survey level, list any extras (valuation, drone roof photos, radon test) and state when you’ll receive the written report.
Gauge the surveyor's communication style, a good surveyor answers queries promptly, explains technical points in plain English and is willing to discuss findings by phone after you read the report. Quick, clear communication is often the difference between a smooth purchase and last-minute stress.