Get a free instant quote for a property survey in Oxfordshire
The surveyor who produces your report will be local to Oxfordshire with knowledge of the area. We work with RICS qualified surveyors around the country who offer high quality property surveys at a great price. Surveyor Local gives you piece of mind and offers RICS HomeBuyer Reports, Building Surveys and Property Valuations.
Fast turnaround
The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
RICS qualified
You can trust our reports as they are all regulated by RICS, assuring standards and professional guidance.
Traffic-light ratings
Each report comes with a handy traffic-light system to illustrate all aspects of the property clearly.
Surveying in Oxfordshire Made Easy with Surveyor Local
Are you planning to buy a property in Oxfordshire? Then one of the first things you'll need is a property survey. Getting a property survey doesn't have to be complicated. At Surveyor Local we can help you make an informed decision about any property you plan to buy.
We offer Homebuyer Reports (RICS Level 2), Building Surveys (RICS Level 3), and Property Valuations. So get things moving in a matter of moments with an online quote, call us on , or request a callback.
Arranging a building survey in Oxfordshire
No matter which part of this historic county you intend to purchase in, you can quickly and easily arrange the building survey you need through Surveyor Local.
From the biggest towns such as Oxford, Banbury, Bicester and Abingdon to picturesque and historic spots like Kingham and Burford, Surveyor Local can handle your building survey.
We only work with Oxfordshire-based chartered surveyors registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to guarantee the highest quality service at affordable prices.
Read on to find the answers to our most frequently asked questions about building surveys in Oxfordshire.
I intend to buy a property in Oxfordshire. What sort of survey should I instruct?
Whatever type of property you intend to buy in Oxfordshire, the decision on which building survey is best will depend on a number of factors. For example, a full structural survey known as a Building Survey (RICS Level 3) will provide a more in-depth examination and explanation of the fabric of a building. This might be more appropriate when buying a flat or apartment because the surveyor can be asked to provide an opinion on shared areas of a property, such as the roof area, hallways and stairwells.
We're cash buyers. Do we need to bother with any kind of structural survey or will a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) be enough?
It's always best to be forewarned about any potential issues with a property, and those buying without a mortgage need to protect their investment just as a lender would. A Building Survey (RICS Level 3) is the most comprehensive and technical survey offered by Oxfordshire RICS surveyors working with Surveyor Local. An examination of the property's accessible areas - both interior and exterior - will inform an in-depth report on its construction, any visible defects and their causes, and any recommendations on repair and maintenance options. A Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) would also identify any structural issues, such as subsidence, but this will not be as thorough an examination as the Building Survey.
We are interested in buying a barn conversion In Oxfordshire. Which type of survey will reveal if the age of the property is an issue?
The method of construction used in a property may dictate which kind of survey you choose. Older properties built using traditional methods and materials may be more expensive to maintain, while any defects may not be obvious without a detailed inspection. When you instruct a Oxfordshire RICS chartered surveyor through Surveyor Local, you get the opportunity to discuss whether the property you intend to buy has any specific issues related to its age or construction type. The surveyor can advise on what survey would best suit your circumstances.
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What kind of roof issues would a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) reveal?
A Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) uses colour-coded condition ratings that give those purchasing a property clear understanding of any issues. Access to loft or attic space can reveal issues with trusses and supports, torn or punctured damp proofing or missing tiles. Where it is not possible to access the roof for a more thorough inspection, the final report will make this clear.
I'm bidding on an Oxfordshire property that hasn't been renovated in decades, and I'm concerned there may be asbestos in the interior roof tiles. Will a survey show if asbestos is there?
A building survey will not be able to confirm whether asbestos is present, but the surveyor will note any possibility of the fibre's use and advise where further investigation is required. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibre that was used in building materials such as flooring and fireplace lining because of its resistance to heat. The product was also used as insulation in ceiling tiles. Asbestos is a hazardous substance, and prolonged exposure to its fibres can lead to lung cancer or asbestosis. Where asbestos is found, it must be removed by professionals who are licensed by the Health & Safety Executive.
The electrics in the Oxfordshire terraced house we're bidding on are very old. Does a surveyor look at the safety of the wiring?
Whether carrying out a Homebuyer Report (RICS Level 2) or a Building Survey (RICS Level 3), a chartered surveyor will look at the condition of the electrics, including an overview of the fuse board, its age and condition, any visible wiring, plus electrical fittings such as showers and light fittings. If the electrics are in an unsatisfactory or dangerous state of repair, the surveyor will highlight this in their subsequent report. The surveyor will also examine any documentation from electrical wiring tests carried out by an electrician where this is available.
The Oxfordshire property we plan to buy is built on clay soil. What should we expect a property survey to include, and will the surveyor advise on upkeep?
Surveyors handle more questions relating to subsidence than any other topic, and clay soil is a major contributing factor to the problem. Issues range from soil compaction or compression to movement of clay soil layers resulting from changes in their water content, both of which can put a home's foundations under great strain. Defects can be obvious to the naked eye or may remain undiscovered (and therefore untreated) for years. If present, expansive clay soil can put lateral pressure on an Oxfordshire home's foundations, leading to bowing, cracks and severe structural damage. There is a real benefit in booking an Oxfordshire surveyor to carry out your survey who is familiar with local soil composition, and who has witnessed the effects first-hand.
Is there a risk of flooding in Oxfordshire, and can an Oxfordshire Homebuyers Survey check possible water damage?
Unfortunately, distance from water or height above sea level is no guarantee that a home in Oxfordshire will be secure against floods, and the value of a property can decrease if in an exposed area, even if it has never flooded. A flood alert service, with regular updates, is operated by the Environment Agency, and a property surveyor will advise on repairs or preventative measures. An awareness of characteristics of the Oxfordshire area likely to affect the Oxfordshire home also enables the building surveyor to advise flooding may be a risk. The building surveyor will usually recommend that the property purchasers seek legal advice on any related information mentioned in the report.
I am buying a stone-walled conversion in Oxfordshire. Which matters should we consider? Does the surveyor give advice on this?
If left in a poor state of repair, stone walls will suffer from structural issues caused by factors including delaminated render. Buyers should also be aware that the potential severity of issues like delaminated render will vary with the particular type of stone. Regular stone walls are built with prepared or cut stone, called ashlar, and are often easier to maintain than irregularly built walls as stones are less likely to come loose or the mortar to decay. Stone walls require regular maintenance, such as repointing mortar with a suitable material. Stone walls can also be problematic for buyers interested in extending or altering their new home, as matching stone may be hard or costly to source.
Arrange your Oxfordshire building survey with Surveyor Local
Get an online quote or call now on to talk to our friendly team today. You can also request a callback at a time that's most convenient to you. We're open late Monday to Friday and from 10am until 4pm every Saturday.