Your local independent surveyor in Horsham

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

• What's the difference between a survey and a valuation?

  A survey and a valuation answer two completely different questions.

  A survey asks "What's wrong with this property?" — it's a detailed physical inspection that uncovers defects, damp, structural movement, roofing issues and anything else that could cost you money or cause problems down the line. If you're buying a home and want to know what you're getting into before you exchange, you almost certainly need a survey.

  A valuation asks "What is this property worth?" — it's a formal, RICS-compliant opinion of market value at a specific date. You typically need a valuation if you're repaying a Help to Buy equity loan, staircasing on a shared ownership property, settling a probate estate, or providing evidence of value for tax, lending or legal purposes.

  Most homebuyers need a survey. You only need a valuation if a specific circumstance requires one.

  I need a survey I need a valuation
• Which level of survey do I need?

  We offer two levels of RICS Home Survey.

  A Level 2 (Homebuyer Report) is designed for conventional properties built after 1950 that are in reasonable condition and constructed from standard materials.

  A Level 3 (Building Survey) is a more comprehensive inspection suited to older, larger, unusual or significantly altered properties — it provides a deeper analysis of the building's structure and condition.

  Most buyers of conventional homes need a Level 2. Older, larger or unusual properties usually warrant a Level 3. If you're not sure which applies to your property, use our interactive "Choose your survey" guide — it takes less than a minute.

• Are your surveyors local to Horsham?

  Yes! Our surveyors are based in and around Horsham and have extensive experience with the property types, common construction methods and local market nuances specific to the area.

  Each surveyor operates within a small radius of their home address, which means they spend less time travelling and more time on your instruction. It also means they genuinely understand the quirks and subtleties of valuing and inspecting properties in Horsham — from period features to local planning considerations.

• How quickly will I receive my report?

  We can turn reports around in as little as three days from start to finish. In most cases, you'll have your completed report within 3–5 working days of the inspection.

  If you're working to a tight exchange deadline or need an urgent turnaround, talk to us — we can usually accommodate faster timelines.

• Are you RICS regulated?

  Yes. Nuven Surveyors is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the global professional body that sets and enforces the highest standards in property surveying and valuation.

  Every surveyor working for us is an Associate, Member or Fellow of RICS, and all of our valuers are registered under the RICS Valuer Registration Scheme. This means you can be confident that your report will meet the highest professional and ethical standards.

• How much does a survey cost in Horsham?

  The cost depends on the type of survey, the size and value of the property, and its complexity. Rather than publishing a one-size-fits-all price list, we provide instant, tailored quotes through our online booking system.

  You'll see the exact price for your property before you commit — no hidden fees, no surprises. Get your instant quote to see current pricing for properties in Horsham.

• Will you talk me through the report?

  Yes — every survey includes a conversation with your surveyor after delivery. No jargon, no hard sell, just a straight answer to your questions.

  We know that survey reports can be dense and sometimes daunting to read, so your surveyor will walk you through the findings in plain English and answer as many questions as you need. This is one of the things our clients value most, and you can come back to your surveyor as many times as you like after delivery. We're here until you feel confident in your decision.

• What types of valuation do you offer in Horsham?

  Our RICS Registered Valuers in Horsham provide Red Book valuations for a range of purposes, including Help to Buy equity loan repayment, Shared Ownership staircasing, Probate and inheritance tax, and general Residential Red Book valuations for lending, tax or legal purposes.

  Each valuation is prepared to RICS standards and is suitable for submission to lenders, HMRC, housing associations and solicitors. If your requirement isn't listed here, get in touch — we can usually help.

• Do your surveyors inspect the loft and the garden?

  Yes to both. Although a loft inspection is not always required by RICS standards, it is Nuven company policy that every surveyor enters and inspects the roof space, provided it is safe and accessible to do so — this is where many significant defects are found.

  The surveyor also inspects the garden, including boundary walls, fences, permanent outbuildings and any shared areas. If access to any area is restricted, this is noted in the report along with advice on any underlying risks.

• How soon can you inspect a property in Horsham?

  Because our surveyors are locally based in and around Horsham, we can typically arrange an inspection within one to two weeks of instruction — often sooner.

  Once instructed, we contact the estate agent directly to arrange access and keep you updated at every stage. If you have an urgent deadline, let us know at the time of booking and we'll do our best to accommodate it.

• What happens if the survey reveals problems?

  Your surveyor will explain every issue clearly and help you understand which are serious and which are routine maintenance items.

  If significant defects are found, they can advise on the likely cost of remedial work and whether it would be reasonable to renegotiate the purchase price or ask the seller to carry out repairs before exchange. Many of our clients use the survey findings to negotiate a price reduction that more than covers the cost of the survey itself.

• Do you contact the estate agent for me?

  Yes. Once you've instructed us, we take care of everything. We contact the selling agent to arrange access to the property, keep you updated at every stage and let you know as soon as the inspection date is confirmed.

  You don't need to chase anyone — we handle all the coordination so you can focus on the rest of your move.

• How do I pay?

  Payment is taken securely at the time of booking via Stripe. If you need to discuss payment terms — for example, for a probate valuation where the estate is not yet settled — get in touch and we'll find a way that works.

  Your card details are handled to the highest security standards and you'll receive a confirmation email immediately after booking.