The Director of SMRE Property is a member and registered valuer of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors with extensive knowledge and hands on experience of the industry from business development to residential developments.
At SMRE Property Ltd, we combine the precision of modern surveying techniques with deeply personal, client-focused service. Our use of advanced tools is balanced by a hands-on approach: every inspection is conducted by an experienced RICS-qualified surveyor who genuinely treats your property as if it were their own. In a field often defined by technical jargon, we focus on clarity, comfort, and building trust throughout the process.
From our early days rooted in the North West of England, SMRE Property Ltd has steadily expanded while staying committed to one core mission: to simplify property surveying with transparency and integrity. Our growth reflects our dedication, each director, valuer and team member shares a relentless drive to deliver insightful, high-standard surveys. Today, this passion shows not just in our expanding client base, but in our reputation as a trusted voice for homeowners, developers and legal teams alike.
Our foundation rests on values that matter: professionalism, reliability, and respect.
RICS-Regulated Expertise: As a fully regulated firm, SMRE abides by the stringent ethical and technical standards of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Local Knowledge & Reach: With comprehensive coverage across Wirral, North Wales and Cheshire, our team brings precise, context-rich insight to every inspection.
Client-First Ethos: We’ve earned 5-star reviews for our clear communication, fast turnaround, and consultative reports. Our goal is simple: deliver recommendations you can understand, and advice you can act on.
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry.
A property survey is a professional assessment of a property’s condition, conducted by a qualified surveyor. It aims to identify any defects, issues, or risks associated with the property, helping buyers make informed decisions about their purchase. The survey provides detailed insights into the condition of the property, helping to identify defects, risks, or repair needs that could affect your decision or your budget.
Yes, you still need a survey even if you’re having a mortgage valuation. A mortgage valuation is primarily to protect your lender and ensure the property is worth more than the amount they are lending. The inspection itself is limited – the valuer doesn’t even have to look in the loft. For detailed information about the condition of the property you are buying and any potential problems, you will need an independent survey.
Yes, you still need a survey even if you’re having a mortgage valuation. A mortgage valuation is primarily to protect your lender and ensure the property is worth more than the amount they are lending. The inspection itself is limited – the valuer doesn’t even have to look in the loft. For detailed information about the condition of the property you are buying and any potential problems, you will need an independent survey.
We provide two types of property surveys:
RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyer Report) – The most popular survey type, suitable for properties in reasonable condition and not more than 50 years old. Takes 2-4 hours and costs £400-£1,000.
RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey) – The most comprehensive survey, suitable for older properties, those in poor condition, or properties that have undergone significant alterations. Takes 4-8 hours and costs £630-£1,500.
In 2025, home surveys cost between £380 and £630 on average. The most common surveys are:
The price is influenced by factors such as the survey type, the value of the home, and its location. Comparing quotes can help you save up to 70% on your final cost.
Property surveys take an average of 1-8 hours, depending on the type of survey:
The surveyor will usually be at the property for 1-2 hours for a HomeBuyer Report, where they will carefully inspect the property taking note of any concerns.
After your surveyor has concluded their inspection, it takes approximately 3 working days for your report to be completed. Some companies offer faster turnaround times:
Yes, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the official body of property professionals that issues and monitors standards globally. A RICS chartered surveyor is qualified, experienced and will complete the job to the highest quality.
To become RICS qualified, surveyors must:
Look for these signs that your surveyor is qualified:
Yes, you still need a survey for a flat. Although maintenance of the building and communal areas is usually dealt with by a Freeholder or Management Company, you will still have to pay your share of any repair costs through service charges. A survey will help you understand the condition of the property to ensure you are not met with unexpected bills.
While it is not a legal requirement to have a survey on a new build, it is strongly recommended. New build homes are not exempt from having issues and human error can occur during construction. These mistakes and defects are referred to as “snags”.
For new builds, you should get a snagging survey rather than a traditional property survey. A snagging survey is specifically designed for newly built homes and reviews the condition, building materials and quality of building work. It costs around £300-£600.
Yes, even with an NHBC guarantee, you should still get a survey. The NHBC guarantee usually covers services for the first three years and the main building for 10 years, but only covers building defects that would cost more than a set excess to repair (normally over £1,000). Any issue that would cost less than the excess or is caused by lack of maintenance is not covered.
Surveyors look for different issues depending on the survey level, but common areas of inspection include:
Yes, whilst your lender may offer a Building Survey or Home Buyers Report at the same time as the valuation, they can only require that you use their panel surveyors for the valuation. There is no requirement for you to purchase any additional services. You are free to appoint an independent surveyor who is working to represent your best interests.
While property surveys aim to identify as many issues as possible, they may not uncover every potential problem. Some issues, such as hidden defects or underlying structural issues, may not be immediately apparent and may require further investigation.
If the survey reveals any problems, you can ask the seller to fix them before you proceed with buying. Alternatively, you can choose to renegotiate the sale price to account for the cost of fixing the issues yourself. If the survey flags up any major problems with the property, you may opt to pull out of the purchase.
Some factors can discourage mortgage lenders, including:
Once you receive your survey report, review the findings promptly and discuss any significant issues with your surveyor. You can use the results to negotiate the purchase price, request repairs from the seller, or decide whether to proceed with the purchase. If you’re unsure about any findings, don’t hesitate to ask your surveyor for clarification.
Once you receive your survey report, review the findings promptly and discuss any significant issues with your surveyor. You can use the results to negotiate the purchase price, request repairs from the seller, or decide whether to proceed with the purchase. If you’re unsure about any findings, don’t hesitate to ask your surveyor for clarification.
