Best Chartered Surveyors in Oxford

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

Oxford's property market includes historic Georgian and Victorian homes, modern flats, and 20th-century council properties. A survey ensures you’re aware of structural issues, repairs, or maintenance needs before you buy, this is especially important in a city with older, often listed buildings.

A surveyor will look at various aspects of a property. The depth they will go into during the inspection will depend on what level survey. Typically a surveyor will check:

Externally

• Roofing
• Chimneys and gutters
• Walls, stone and brickwork - signs of stonework erosion common in Cotswold stone buildings in North Oxford
• Windows and doors
• Foundations and signs of movement such as subsidence in older areas with soft ground or clay soil e.g. East Oxford or Jericho.
• Garden structure and boundaries
• Listed building compliance - essential in heritage areas like Summertown or St Clements

Internally

• Walls and ceilings - checking for signs of movement and instability
• Floors - checking for unevenness or rot
• Loft/roof space - timber condition, ventilation, and insulation
• Plumbing - a visual check of condition of pipework and any signs of leaks
• Electrics - a visual check of sockets, switches, and fuse box condition
• Heating - boiler type, radiator condition, and visible safety issues
• Signs of damp or mould

After the survey you will receive a report from your surveyor including their findings. A Level 2 and Level 3 survey will also include repair and maintenance recommendations and advice on further investigations if needed.

Getting a house survey is highly recommended. It prevents you from being faced with unexpected repair costs and ensures you make an informed decision about your purchase.

Additionally, if the inspection reveals issues that were not previously disclosed, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price or request that the seller address certain repairs before finalising the sale.

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

A surveyor is someone who assesses a property's condition, structure, or value. In Oxford, surveyors will carry out house surveys and valuations.

However, anyone can technically call themselves a surveyor, regardless of qualifications or experience.

In a city like Oxford, where many properties are listed, period, or located in conservation areas, hiring an unregulated surveyor could result in:

• Missed heritage-related issues
• Inaccurate advice on planning restrictions
• Poor insight into local building materials like Cotswold stone

A Chartered Surveyor is a professional who:

• Has been accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Has undergone formal training and passed the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)
• Is bound by the RICS Code of Conduct, ensuring professionalism, ethics, and continued learning
• Must hold professional indemnity insurance to protect clients

In Oxford, a Chartered Surveyor brings essential expertise in:

• Listed building regulations in areas like Jericho and Headington
• Subsidence risks in older parts of East Oxford
• Identifying alterations made without permission in student rental properties
• Assessing energy efficiency challenges in Georgian and Victorian terraces

Given Oxford’s complex planning rules, older properties, and premium prices, working with a Chartered Surveyor is the safest choice, especially for buyers investing in high-value or heritage homes. All surveyors on reallymoving are regulated by RICS to ensure you receive an excellent service you can trust.

What are the different types of surveys I can choose from in Oxford?

Oxford's housing market has a varied property market so it is important to get the right survey for the property you are looking to purchase. The correct survey will help uncover issues like structural damage, damp, or non-compliant alterations before you buy and ensure you avoid unexpected costs.

The three main types of property survey available in Oxford are:

RICS Level 1 Survey - Condition Report

Suitable for new builds, the Level 1 Survey offers an overview of the condition of a property and identifies any major visible issues or risks.

It does not include a valuation or advice on repairs.

The average cost for a Condition Report is from £300-£700.

RICS Level 2 Survey - Homebuyers Survey

Suitable for conventional homes in decent condition, a Homebuyers Survey is a more in-depth inspection of a property. It offers an optional market valuation and provides advice for maintenance and repairs.

The average cost in Oxford for a Level 2 Survey is £548.

RICS Level 3 Survey - Building Survey

Crucial for older, more complex, and altered properties, the Level 3 Building Survey includes a detailed analysis of structure and materials. It identifies defects, causes, and consequences and offers repair advice and ongoing maintenance options.

Listed buildings such as those in North Oxford or the city centre or period properties will need a Level 3 survey.

The average cost of a Level 3 Survey in Oxford is £760.

How long a house survey takes will depend on the level of survey you get. A Level 1 Survey may take as little as 1-2 hours, whereas a Level 3 can take up to a whole day to complete fully.

The time frame may deviate, but you typically receive the report within a few days to a week after the inspection is completed.

If you are unsure what house survey you need, talk to your surveyor who will be able to advise you.

How can I find a trusted surveyor in Oxford?

Finding a reliable surveyor in Oxford is simple with ReallyMoving. Whether you're purchasing a historic townhouse in Jericho, a Victorian terrace in East Oxford, or a modern flat in Headington, reallymoving lets you compare quotes from RICS-accredited surveyors in Oxford quickly and confidently.

Just provide a few details about your property purchase, and you'll receive up to five instant quotes from RICS-regulated, credit-checked professionals.

Things you should look for when comparing Oxford surveyors are:

• Clear pricing with no hidden fees
• Positive client reviews and testimonials
• Experience with the local property market
• Prompt and professional communication

Reading reviews can help you determine which surveyor will be perfect for your needs.