Best Chartered Surveyors in South East London

What do South East London surveyors look at in a house survey?

Buying a property in South East London, whether it’s a Victorian terrace in Brockley, a 1930s semi in Catford, or a modern flat in Greenwich Peninsula, means dealing with a wide variety of property types, each with its own quirks.

A building survey conducted by a Chartered Surveyor is a key part of protecting your investment and can ensure you understand fully the condition of the property you are purchasing.

During a survey, a building surveyor will carry out a thorough inspection of the property to assess its overall condition and flag any structural or maintenance issues.

They will typically inspect:

• All major internal features, such as walls and floors
• Any signs of damp or mould, particularly in older properties common in areas like Peckham, Lewisham, or Deptford
• The state of insulation and ventilation, especially important in conversions and flat-roofed extensions
• The structural integrity of the property and foundations, checking for cracks, subsidence, or movement
• Timber condition, including signs of rot, woodworm, or infestation
• Condition and safety of electric, gas, and drainage systems
• Environmental concerns, such as flood risk (especially near riverside properties in Thamesmead or Woolwich)
• Signs of dangerous or invasive plants, including Japanese knotweed
• Outbuildings and external features, such as garden offices or rear extensions, often found in South East London back gardens

Following the inspection, the surveyor will provide a report outlining all findings. Depending on the level of survey you choose, this can include everything from urgent structural issues to general maintenance recommendations.

Surveyors may also include background context about the property and its neighbourhood, which can be especially helpful in areas of rapid development like New Cross or Elephant and Castle. If required, they can also provide a current market valuation, although this is often an optional add-on.

With South East London’s housing market being so diverse, and many properties being older, a building survey is highly recommended. From period conversions in Blackheath to ex-council properties in Bermondsey, potential issues like outdated wiring, damp, or structural concerns are not uncommon.

If the survey highlights problems not previously disclosed, you may be in a strong position to negotiate a lower purchase price or request that the seller addresses key issues before completion. This can give you added leverage and peace of mind during the buying process.

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

When buying a property in South East London, from Victorian terraces in Peckham to modern flats in Greenwich or 1930s semis in Lewisham, it’s essential to choose a surveyor who not only knows the local housing landscape but also has the right qualifications.

Surveyors in South East London may vary in experience and credentials, but a Chartered Surveyor stands out for having completed rigorous training and gaining accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This ensures they meet the highest standards of professionalism, technical knowledge, and accountability.

Chartered Surveyors are recognised for their expertise and integrity, and should any issues arise during the buying process, RICS provides a formal dispute resolution service, offering added reassurance and peace of mind.

At reallymoving, all surveyors we work with in South East London are RICS-regulated and credit-checked, so you can feel confident you're receiving a high-quality, reliable service from professionals who understand the quirks and complexities of the local housing market.

Whether you're buying a period conversion in Camberwell, a townhouse in Deptford, or a new-build in Thamesmead, a RICS-accredited surveyor will give you the expert advice you need to make a fully informed decision.

What types of house surveys are available in South East London?

If you're buying a home in South East London, it’s essential to choose the right RICS survey to suit your property’s age, condition, and complexity. This part of London is home to a variation of housing types, from Georgian townhouses in Greenwich, to Victorian terraces in Peckham, ex-local authority flats in Bermondsey, and new-builds in Thamesmead and Canada Water.

Here are the three main types of RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) surveys, along with how they apply to homes in South East London:

RICS Level 1 - Condition report: This is the most basic level of survey you can get and is an overview of the property's condition. It may identify major issues, but will not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance. The average cost of a Level 1 survey in South East London is around £300-£700.

RICS Level 2 - Homebuyers Survey: This is a more in-depth survey that also includes repair advice, suggested ongoing maintenance, and can also include a valuation. This is best suited to homes that are in a reasonable condition but are not brand new. For example mid-20th century homes or modernised properties. The average cost of a Homebuyer's Survey in South East London is £575.

RICS Level 3 - Building Survey: This is the most detailed survey. It offers a full structural review and tailored repair recommendations. This is ideal for older, extended, or non-standard properties. The average cost is £775 in South East London.

The length of time a survey will take to complete will depend on the level of survey and the complexity and size of the property. A Level 1 Survey may take as little as 1-2 hours, but a Level 3 can take as much as a day to properly complete. 

In most cases, you can expect to receive a written report with the findings withing 2 to 7 working days after your survey.

How can I find a trusted building surveyor in South East London?

If you're buying a home in South East London, reallymoving makes it easy to find a trusted surveyor.

Simply provide a few details about your move, and you'll receive instant quotes from RICS-accredited surveyors who know the area and its housing market inside out.

All surveyors on reallymoving are: 

• Credit checked
• Regulated by RICS
• Experienced with local property types - including period conversions, ex-local council homes, and new-build developments

To ensure you make the best choice, we recommend reading testimonials and reviews from other South East London buyers. This way you can be sure that your surveyor can offer you brilliant service, timely communication, and are transparent with their fees. 

In a fast-moving market like South East London, a good surveyor will be efficient and responsive, keeping you informed and delivering your report quickly so you can make confident decisions and avoid delays in your purchase.