The Nova Core Pre-Purchase Survey

What is it and who is it for?

As proud members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), all of our surveyors are RICS-regulated, with additional professional memberships across organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Building, the Chartered Association of Building Engineers, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. We value the standardised RICS home survey formats at Levels 1, 2 and 3 (Condition Report, Home Survey and Building Survey), which set a strong benchmark for quality and consistency across the industry. These surveys provide detailed, comprehensive insight into a property’s condition and remain the best option for many of our clients.

However, we also recognise that some homebuyers are on a tighter budget or feel they only need reassurance on key risks rather than every construction detail.

Around 70% of buyers currently proceed without any independent survey beyond the basic mortgage valuation, often relying instead on personal knowledge or advice from a builder.

In response to client feedback, we’ve developed a streamlined “Core Survey” option, which focuses on the issues that matter most - such as signs of damp, structural movement, roofing problems, and leaks in kitchens or bathrooms - while omitting more detailed descriptions (for example, the construction of doors, kitchen units, or types of taps). All of our reports, whatever the level, continue to highlight obvious hazards and recommend further investigations by appropriately qualified specialists, such as gas or electrical engineers, where relevant. This approach allows us to deliver added value at a more accessible price point, without compromising the professional protection and standards our clients expect from a RICS-regulated practice.

Price-wise, it is pitched between a typical RICS Level 1 and 2 survey. It offers much more detail and protection than a level 1 and only a few details have been removed from the comparable level 2.

Customer Feedback:

Early feedback from a pilot scheme has been overwhelmingly positive, so we have rolled the Nova Core Pre-purchase Survey as a permanent feature:

Who is it for?

Perfect for buyers who:

  • What to know about the general construction principles and risks, but don't need to know about internal features in such great depth.
  • Will be checking that there are gas and electrical safety certificates, so do not wish to pay for further in depth checks of these systems
  • Are planning on modernising, so do not need details on current fixtures and fittings.
  • Budget-conscious buyers, who don't wish to be caught out with unexpected big issues.
  • Want to know if there are signs of hidden leaks, but don't need to know what type of kitchen and bathroom fittings are present.

Perfect for sellers who:

  • Want to get their home sale-ready, to avoid unexpected issues further down the line.
  • Need a quick, unproblematic sale process, with less risk of surprises.
  • Want to know that their valuation reflects the condition of the home.
  • Want to have an idea of what negotiation they might expect.
  • Want to be upfront with potential buyers about the condition of the home.
  • Want to show buyers that they have completed any and all repairs recommended in the recent survey.

Did you know? As long as the survey has been completed within the last 6 months, Nova Surveyors can transfer the survey report into your buyers name so that they get the benefit of the protection offered by a RICS-regulated firm. If a new survey is required, due to time lapsed or works completed, this can be offered at a discounted price.

What this survey includes

We will provide a clear, easy-to-understand report covering:

1. General information

  • Property address and type (detached/semi/terrace/flat, age, construction)
  • Tenure and occupancy (freehold/leasehold; vacant/occupied)
  • Limitations to inspection (furniture, stored items, floor coverings, etc.)
  • Weather conditions and date of inspection

2. Outside the property

  • Roofs, chimneys, walls, windows and doors – visible condition and any major defects
  • Gutters and downpipes – obvious blockages or leaks
  • Paths, patios, and driveways – significant hazards or major deterioration
  • Retaining walls and boundaries – major defects only
  • Outbuildings/garages – brief overview (permanent structures only)

3. Inside the property

  • Walls, ceilings, floors – limited descriptions. Notes of any significant cracks, damp staining, signs of structural movement
  • Missing fire doors.
  • Damp checks at representative points
  • Roof space – if safe and accessible, limited inspection of structure and insulation. Signs of current or historic woodworm.

4. Services (identification only)

We will confirm the presence and type of:

  • Electrical installation
  • Gas/Oil installation and heating system
  • Water supply and plumbing
  • Drainage (where inspection chambers are accessible)

⚠️ These services are not tested. We will advise you to obtain certificates or inspections from suitably qualified specialists (e.g. NICEIC electrician, Gas Safe, OFTEC engineer).

5. Other matters

  • Insulation and ventilation (where visible)
  • Signs of condensation or mould
  • Fire safety: presence of smoke/CO detectors
  • Suspected asbestos-containing materials (based on property age and visible clues)
  • Invasive plants (e.g. Japanese Knotweed) if clearly visible

6. Legal and regulatory checks

  • Obvious alterations or extensions that may need solicitor verification
  • Out-of-date or missing EPCs flagged for solicitor follow-up
  • Shared access or boundary concerns noted for solicitor

7. Summary & recommendations

  • Overall condition statement
  • Significant risks or urgent issues clearly highlighted
  • Practical next steps, with signposting to appropriate specialists

What this survey does not include

To keep this product cost-effective, it does not cover:

  • Detailed inspection of minor items (e.g. internal doors, door handles, finishes, fittings)
  • Testing of services (electrics, gas, heating, drainage, water)
  • Full boundary inspections, land surveys, or legal checks
  • Guarantees on hidden defects or future performance
  • The level of protection provided by a RICS Level 2 or 3 survey

Who this survey is suitable for

  • Buyers who need reassurance on big-ticket issues before committing to a purchase
  • Buyers working within a budget who cannot stretch to RICS Level 2 or 3
  • Buyers prepared to commission additional checks anyway, such as electrical and gas safety (which we would recommend anyway)

Who this survey is not suitable for

  • Buyers who have no background knowledge of the types of internal doors, taps, showers and kitchens and would like these matters individually inspected and listed.
  • Buyers seeking full reassurance, in-depth reporting, benchmarked exactly against the RICS Home Survey Standard.
  • Buyers purchasing older, unusual, or complex properties – in these cases we strongly recommend a RICS Level 3 survey.

This survey provides a limited inspection of the property. It is intended to identify significant issues only. It does not provide the same level of detail, assurance, or client protection as a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 Home Survey. Clients should consider commissioning additional specialist reports where recommended.

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