Thinking of buying a property with signs of subsidence, movement or significant cracking?

Getting a structural survey to assess a property's structural integrity and provide recommendations for repairs is a must.

Check out our guide to the cost of structural surveys - and why hiring a certified structural engineer matters.

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How much does a structural survey cost?

Depending on the size of your home, a structural survey cost will range between £500 and £1,500, with an average of around £1,000.

However, the exact cost depends on the size, age, and condition of the property.

Let's get into it.

What affects the cost of a structural engineer survey?

Here are the main factors that can affect the cost of a structural survey:

• Property type – Listed buildings, flats above commercial premises, and non-standard construction (timber-frame, thatched) come with a higher structural survey price

• Location of property – Engineers charge more in London and parts of the South East due to demand

• Size of property – The bigger the property, the longer it takes to carry out the inspection and complete the survey, which then costs more

• Value of property – Engineers charge more to conduct surveys on more expensive properties because they pay higher insurance premiums to cover potential errors in their survey

• Age of the property – Generally, the older the property, the more complex the survey will be

Do I need an architect or structural engineer?

Architect and structural engineer - what's the difference and which is needed for your project?

Learn more

Hidden cost factors to watch out for

• Access – To fully inspect a roof, an engineer may need to use a drone to capture images of the roof itself. Some tradespeople will include drone work as standard, others will charge extra for it

• Calculations and drawings – A survey fee doesn't always include structural calculations or design drawings that you might need for RSJ installations, underpinning or load-bearing walls

• Urgent turnaround – If you need the report quickly (for example, during a house purchase), some engineers charge a higher fee

• Specialist testing – In some cases, engineers may recommend specialist tests, such as CCTV drainage surveys, ground investigations or material testing, which incur additional costs

• In-person meetings – If you require an in-person meeting to discuss findings from the written report, this can sometimes be an additional cost

• On-site visit vs report – Sometimes a structural engineer will charge seperately for the initial on-site visit and then the report

What is the difference between a building survey and a structural survey?

Not sure what the difference is between a building survey vs structural survey? It's confusing, we get it.

A Level 3 survey is a broad assessment of a property (including the roof, walls, damp, drainage, and windows). Meanwhile, a structural report investigates specific concerns, such as cracks, subsidence, or structural movement.

Let's break it down in a little more detail:

A building survey (RICS Level 3):

A RICS Level 3 Building Survey is a comprehensive visual inspection, designed to assess a property's condition and identify any major defects that could impact a property's value:

• A building survey is carried out by a charter surveyor

• Includes: Checks for damp, roof, timber, suspected asbestos and structural analysis

• Cost: A level 3 survey cost starts at around £550

A full structural survey:

A targeted structural survey is often confused with the above RICS Level 3 Building Survey. Here's the difference:

• A structural survey is carried out by a structural engineer

• Includes: Detailed structural analysis to find the cause of flagged subsidence, failed lintels or poor alterations

• Cost: A full structural survey cost in the UK costs on average £1,000

Find a qualified structural engineer near you

Find checked and approved structural engineers in your area using our free mobile app below.

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

How long does a structural survey take?

A structural survey typically takes three to four hours on-site, depending on the property's size and complexity. The written report usually then follows within three to five working days.

That said, larger or more complex properties, such as listed buildings, may take longer.

Structural engineer's hourly rates

The average hourly rate for a structural engineer in the UK is £100–£200. This rate typically covers the engineer’s travel time and expenses to visit the property.

However, it's also worth noting that you'll most likely be quoted a cost for the survey as a whole, including the inspection and writing up the survey report.

Structural survey cost calculator

Want to learn more about structural survey costs before contacting a structural engineer for an exact quote?

Try our free interactive cost calculator for an instant estimate based on your property size.

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Structural survey cost checklist

• Get at least three quotes from structural engineers to compare structural survey prices

• Check what's included (site visit & written report?)

• Ask how long it will take (a site visit can take on average three to four hours)

• Scope out availability early doors (the best structural engineers will often get booked up in advance)

• Check if their work comes with a guarantee and if they are insured

Is a structural survey worth it?

If you're considering buying an older or unusual property, a structural survey is worth every penny:

• Gets to the root cause of structural issues (such as subsidence)

• Reveals other issues the seller hasn't disclosed, or weren't spotted in a lower-level home survey

• Flags necessary repairs, which you can use to negotiate a lower price or ask the seller to fix before completion

• Gives you peace of mind before signing on the dotted line

Ultimately, the cost of a structural survey is almost always smaller than the cost of the surprise repairs it might uncover.

Find structural survey services near you

To find certified structural engineers in your area and get an exact structural survey cost, request a quote, download our Checkatrade app, or search your postcode.

Why use Checkatrade to find structural engineers near you?

• Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million verified reviews from real jobs have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work

Your building project may require several different skills, but at Checkatrade, we've got you covered. Find checked and reviewed plumbers, electricians, plasterers, carpenters, and more, all in one handy place, all committed to quality and a job done right.

FAQs on structural survey cost

Do I need a structural survey?

If you are planning on buying a home that is particularly old or has had structural changes made in the past, it's worth getting a structural survey. A surveyor will provide a full report detailing all potential defects that will need to be repaired upon moving in, or before completion.

Are structural surveys worth the price?

For most buyers, the cost of a structural survey is worth every penny. The upfront cost of around £500 to £1,500 is small compared to the repair bills a survey can uncover. If the report finds serious issues, you can use it to renegotiate the price, or walk away before you're committed.

What kind of survey do I need?

The main home surveys you can request include:

• Level 1 (Condition Survey) suits newer properties in good condition

• Level 2 (Homebuyer Survey) is suitable for conventional homes with no obvious issues

• Level 3 (Building Survey) is the most comprehensive option and is recommended for older, larger, unusual or heavily altered properties

• Structural surveys are needed when a Level 2 or Level 3 survey identifies potential structural problems, such as subsidence, movement or significant cracking

Should I get a Level 3 building survey or a structural survey?

A Level 3 Building Survey provides an overall assessment of a property's condition, while a structural survey focuses specifically on structural issues.

How invasive is a structural survey?

A structural survey is non-invasive. The engineer inspects everything that's visible and accessible, but won't lift floorboards or open up walls. If they flag a concern in an area they can't access, they'll recommend a specialist follow-up, such as a CCTV drainage survey or a damp surveyor.

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