The Guidance
While it’s tempting to pick the cheapest or most thorough route, only you truly know what’s suitable for your needs. Here’s some general guidance:
- Need reassurance on key risks (damp, movement, leaks, roof condition) at an accessible price? → The NOVA Core Survey may be ideal.
- Buying a typical ‘modern’ home (built within the last 100 years or so) in sound condition? → A Level 2 (Major Defect Survey) is commonly chosen.
- Purchasing an older, larger, listed, or altered property, or planning building work? → A Level 3 (RICS Building Survey) is usually best.
- To satisfy your mortgage lender that the home is in reasonable condition → Level 1 reports can suffice, but NOVA does not currently offer these.
- Some homeowners prefer a Level 2 even for an older home.
- Others choose a Level 3 for a brand-new home, for peace of mind.
- Some people have a pretty good understanding of buildings and only want the specialist advice for more complex matters.
Only You Can Decide
The right survey is a balance of:
- Property complexity – age, construction style, condition.
- Your peace of mind – how much detail do you want?
- Your plans – are you thinking of extensions, alterations, or DIY?
If you simply want clarity on the main issues that could affect your home and its future repair costs, the NOVA Core Survey offers professional reassurance without unnecessary technical depth. But if you want a more comprehensive structural overview or are planning works, a Level 3 may be the better choice.
- Assess your property – age, style, known issues.
- Decide how much detail you want – and how much you're willing to spend.
- Speak to one of our RICS surveyor or colleagues – they can recommend the best level based on your home.
- Learn more from RICS – check their official consumer guide here: RICS Home Survey Guide
Nova Surveyors do not offer Level 1 Condition Reports.
The Nova Core Survey
As proud members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), all our surveyors are RICS-regulated, with additional memberships across professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Building and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.
While we value the RICS Level 1, 2 and 3 survey formats as the gold standard for detail and consistency, we also recognise that some homebuyers don’t need every construction detail or technical description. Around 70% of buyers currently proceed without any independent survey beyond a mortgage valuation - often because of time, cost, or uncertainty over what they really need. The NOVA Core Survey was designed to bridge this gap - delivering professional reassurance on the issues that matter most, such as damp, structural movement, roofing defects, leaks and ventilation problems, at a more accessible price point. This allows us to deliver professional insight and peace of mind at a more accessible price point, while maintaining the high standards expected from a RICS-regulated practice.
The Nova Core Survey was developed to fill that gap. It focuses on the issues that matter most - such as damp, structural movement, roofing problems, and leaks in kitchens or bathrooms - without including the fine details of every fixture and fitting. This allows us to deliver professional insight and peace of mind at a more accessible price point, while maintaining the high standards expected from a RICS-regulated practice.
Although very similar in structure to a RICS Level 2 Home Survey, the Core Survey trims back certain descriptive details that rarely influence a purchase decision. For example, it won’t list whether your taps are mixer or pillar types, or whether internal doors are hardboard or solid wood. However, it will highlight important findings such as signs of hidden leaks or missing fire doors, which could pose a risk to safety or compliance. In short, it focuses on the information that really helps you make informed decisions about your home - cutting through unnecessary technicalities without compromising professional standards.
All NOVA surveys, whatever the level, identify visible hazards and recommend further investigations by qualified specialists (for example, electrical or gas engineers) where appropriate.
- Construction type & materials – Summary of how the property is built and what it’s made of.
- Timber issues – Visual check for woodworm, wet rot, and dry rot in accessible areas.
- Dampness – Use of a moisture meter to check for damp in accessible walls and floors.
- Internal & external walls – Visual assessment of condition, cracking, movement, and finishes.
- Windows and doors – Inspection of condition, operation, and any signs of damage or decay.
- Bathrooms & kitchens – Basic check of fixtures, fittings, ventilation, and general condition.
- Services (gas, electricity, water, heating) – Identification of any obvious visible dangers or leaks. Will recommend that you arrange Gas Safe Check, NICEIC/ NAPIT Electrical Safety Check and HETAS service (where there is solid fuel).
- Roof coverings, chimneys & gutters – Visual inspection from ground level and accessible areas.
- Health & safety issues – Notes any visible risks or hazards, such as asbestos or internal trip hazards.
- Summary of risks & recommendations – Traffic-light condition ratings with advice on what to do next.
- And much more
- Optional valuation & insurance reinstatement cost (if requested). Nova Surveyors will provide an insurance reinstatement cost as part of any Noa Core Survey, however we do not carry out valuations.
Because of the stream-lined model, we are able to offer a transparent fixed price model:
- 1980 or younger - Flats, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom houses - £295 + VAT
- 1979 or older - Flats, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom houses - £350 + VAT
- Additional rooms over 3 bedroom - add £50 per room + VAT
The NOVA Core Survey for Sellers
The NOVA Core Survey isn’t just for buyers - it’s equally valuable for homeowners preparing to sell. In Scotland, a pre-sale survey model has been standard practice for many years, helping ensure greater transparency and smoother transactions. We’ve adopted a similar approach to bring those benefits to sellers across England and Wales.
Commissioning a Core Survey before marketing your home helps you identify and resolve minor issues before viewings or buyer surveys, reducing the chance of unexpected surprises later in the process. It also means fewer sales falling through, fewer last-minute price negotiations, and less risk of post-sale disputes about defects that could have been addressed earlier.
Even better, if your buyer wishes to rely on your survey, we can transfer it into their name for a small administrative fee of £75, saving time and duplication.
Level 2 Surveys (Major Defect Survey)
This is the most popular choice for conventional homes in reasonable condition. It covers all visible parts of the property and highlights any urgent or significant issues. The Level 2 survey can be done with or without a valuation.
- Construction type & materials – Summary of how the property is built and what it’s made of.
- Timber issues – Visual check for woodworm, wet rot, and dry rot in accessible areas.
- Dampness – Use of a moisture meter to check for damp in accessible walls and floors.
- Internal & external walls – Visual assessment of condition, cracking, movement, and finishes.
- Windows and doors – Inspection of condition, operation, and any signs of damage or decay.
- Bathrooms & kitchens – Basic check and description of fixtures, fittings, ventilation, and general condition.
- Services (gas, electricity, water, heating) – Identification and description of visible services. Advises if specialist testing is needed.
- Roof coverings, chimneys & gutters – Visual inspection from ground level and accessible areas.
- Health & safety issues – Notes any visible risks or hazards, such as asbestos or trip hazards.
- Summary of risks & recommendations – repairs, further investigation and recommendations listed, with advice on what to do next.
- And much more
- Optional valuation & insurance reinstatement cost (if requested). Nova Surveyors will provide an insurance reinstatement cost as part of any Major Defect Survey, however we do not carry out valuations.
Not included: Detailed structural investigation, invasive inspections, or repair specifications.
Level 3 Survey – RICS Building Survey
This is the most detailed report available and is recommended for older, larger, unusual, or altered properties - or if you're planning building work. It provides a full assessment of the structure, condition, and future repair needs.
- Detailed analysis of construction – Full breakdown of building methods, materials, and structural integrity.
- Internal & external structure – In-depth inspection of walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, and roofs.
- Timber condition – Close assessment for rot, infestation, past repairs, and signs of structural movement.
- Damp, movement & insulation – Tests for dampness and comment on thermal performance and insulation.
- Windows, doors & joinery – Detailed inspection of condition, fit, security, and any repair needs.
- Bathrooms & kitchens – Condition of fittings, tiling, seals, ventilation, and visible pipework.
- Services – Description of each system (electric, gas, heating, water, drainage). Recommends specialist inspections where needed.
- Fireplaces, flues & chimneys – Condition, ventilation, and safety risks.
- Outbuildings & boundaries – If agreed, sheds, garages, fences and boundary walls are assessed.
- Defect analysis & repair options – Explains what’s wrong, what might happen, and how to fix it.
- Advice on maintenance – Short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations.
- Suitability for renovation or extension – General advice if you're planning alterations.
- Photographs and diagrams – Provided to explain issues clearly.
- No valuation included.
- And much more
Helpful Resource
For more on survey types, visit the RICS consumer guide here:
House surveys: The costs, types and benefits of one | RICS