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kieran newcombe13 October 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Me and my partner have been going through the process of purchasing our first house and was recommended to get a Level 3 survey completed. From start to finish, H&S have been great. Quick and friendly correspondence, and communication was very good! The survey write up was in great depth and easy to understand. We have been in touch with them a couple times after the survey was completed and they have been incredibly helpful! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone, especially if you’re a first time buyer and this is all new to you. Reasonably priced and very happy customers. Thanks you! 👍Posted on GoogleJanet Bartholomew31 July 2026We used this company nine years ago when we bought our house,and Andrew was excellent ,very thorough and went out of his way to come back when we needed some extra advise,he did a full home buyers report for us. Today - nine years on Chris and Jack came round.they did an excellent job and gave good advice. I can’t praise these guys enough, Very thorough and professional.with all the latest technology! We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend h & s Chartered surveyors. Thankyou very much! IPosted on GoogleKatie Griffiths20 June 2026I would highly recommend this company. I am very impressed with the service provided particularly the excellent communication, customer service and willingness to provide guidance and answer questions at all stages. I am in the process of purchasing a house in Teignmouth. Firstly, h&s were recommended by the Estate Agents. I looked on the website and liked what I saw, clear and concise in explaining all the options. When I rang the office I was also very pleased after speaking with Saffron, she is very helpful, she clearly explained everything and arranged the next steps. Chris soon got in contact with me and really has been excellent from there onwards. Firstly, he explained that as the property was an older building and had been converted he would be able to best assess whether it should require a Level 2 or Level 3 Survey on inspection. Chris said he would keep me informed on the day, which he did, via WhatsApp at my request as I was at sea on a Transatlantic Cruise at the time! He deemed that it just needed the Level 2 which was great. I got the report in a timely manner both electronically, and a bound hard copy. It is clear and easy to understand. I spoke to Chris after I’d had time to digest it, and he spent over an hour on the phone with me going through it all, explaining the recommendations and answering lots of questions which I had mainly about next steps to take, which was so helpful. What amazing customer service! Chris also reassured me that I can contact him again via a call or email should I need to. I very rarely write reviews but this service was so exceptional that I just had to. I would not hesitate to use this company again. This has by far been the most seamless part of the process of purchasing my new property! Thank you so much Saffron and Chris 😊Posted on GoogleLuke Brisco21 April 2026Great service provided by the team four our survey needs. The Surveyor was very knowledgable and helpful with providing advice, with the report produced and sent over to us the following working day. Great communication and customer service, would definitely recommend!Posted on Googleoliver ware31 March 2026Friendly and professional company. Detailed and accurate report. Highly recommended and will use again in the future.Posted on GoogleSimon McGlynn31 March 2026Chris visited carried out two valuation reports for us, offering help and advice that went above and beyond (and probably saved us some money). Would highly recommend.Posted on GoogleLiyam Laraba30 January 2026Ian at h&s Surveyors provided an excellent survey. He provided a comprehensive report with lots of details and answered our specific queries really quickly. I would highly recommend h&s to anyone who needs surveyor services.Posted on GoogleMichelle Egan28 January 2026Excellent service, very good reports and was most helpful for follow up advice for conveyancing would and have recommended to others to use their services.Posted on GoogleMiss E Pierce3 January 2026I am really thankful and appreciate of the service that the H&S Team have given me every step of the way since the very first phone call back in July. Their service has been exceptional - from the customer care over the phone to the surveying process itself - the efficiency and professionalism truly is 5 star! I would highly recommend the team for any survey and valuation report needs!Posted on GoogleLouise White9 December 2025This was our fourth house purchase and H&S Surveyors were far and away the best we have used. Our surveyor, Chris, was extremely professional and approachable with excellent attention to detail. He was happy to follow up the report with further clarification over the phone as needed, and even supported with additional enquiries on some matters. After our first property fell through we had a second survey by Chris on our subsequent purchase. He had advised that the first required a Level 3 survey due to its age and condition; for the second, he advised that only a Level 2 was necessary as it was a newer build. We were very happy to trust his judgement and expertise. Office staff were also extremely helpful and communicative. We would thoroughly recommend H&S.
Why isn’t a Mortgage Valuation enough?
When buying a property, many people assume that a mortgage valuation gives them all the reassurance they need. After all, if the lender is willing to offer a mortgage, the property must be fine – right?
Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
A mortgage valuation is not a survey. It is arranged for the benefit of the mortgage lender, not the buyer. Its purpose is to confirm whether the property is suitable security for the loan. It does not provide a detailed assessment of the property’s condition, and it may not identify defects that could cost you money after completion.
If you are buying a home in Devon or South Devon, understanding the difference between a mortgage valuation and a RICS Home Survey could help you make a more informed decision before you commit.
What is a mortgage valuation?
A mortgage valuation is carried out so the lender can check whether the property is worth enough to support the mortgage amount being requested.
In many cases, the inspection is brief. Some valuations may involve a short visit to the property, while others may be completed using external information, comparable sales data or desktop research, without any form of actual inspection having taken place..
The key point is that the valuation is for the lender. Even if you pay for it as part of your mortgage application, it is not designed to give you any detailed advice about the property’s condition.
Is a mortgage valuation the same as a survey?
No. A mortgage valuation and a house survey are very different.
A mortgage valuation focuses mainly on value and lending risk. A RICS Home Survey looks more closely at the condition of the property and highlights defects, repair issues and potential risks.
A mortgage valuation may not identify problems such as damp, roof defects, cracking, timber decay, poor maintenance, drainage issues or concerns with previous alterations. These are the kinds of issues that can affect the value of the property, your negotiations and your confidence in the purchase.
Why buyers should consider a survey
When buying a property, it is your responsibility to understand what you are purchasing before exchange of contracts. This is often referred to as “buyer beware”.
A viewing can only tell you so much. Fresh paint, furniture and surface finishes can hide problems that are not immediately obvious. A survey gives you a more independent and informed view of the property’s condition.
A RICS survey can help you:
- Understand significant defects before you buy
- Budget for future repairs and maintenance
- Decide whether further specialist advice is needed
- Renegotiate the price if serious issues are found
- Make a more confident decision about whether to proceed
For many buyers, the cost of a survey is small compared with the potential cost of unexpected repairs after moving in.
What type of survey do you need?
The right survey depends on the age, type and condition of the property.
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey is often suitable for un-altered conventional houses, flats and bungalows that appear to be in reasonable condition. It highlights significant issues and gives clear advice on areas that may need attention.
A RICS Level 3 Building Survey is more detailed and is usually recommended for older, larger, altered, listed or non-standard properties. It is also suitable if the property appears to be in poor condition or if you are planning major renovation work.
If you are unsure which survey is right for the property you are buying, a Chartered Surveyor can help you choose the most appropriate option.
Can a survey help you negotiate?
Yes, a survey can be extremely useful during negotiations.
If the report identifies serious defects or urgent repair work, you may be able to use the findings to renegotiate the purchase price, ask the seller to carry out repairs or request further investigations before exchange.
Not every issue will justify a price reduction, especially with older properties where ongoing maintenance is expected. However, a survey gives you clear advice and helps you avoid relying on guesswork.
Protect your purchase before you commit
A mortgage valuation may satisfy your lender, but it does not give you the same protection as an independent survey.
Before you buy, make sure you understand the property’s condition, potential repair costs and any issues that could affect your decision. A RICS Home Survey can provide peace of mind and help you move forward with confidence.
H&S Surveyors provides RICS Level 2 Home Surveys, RICS Level 3 Building Surveys and valuation services across Devon and South Devon, including Newton Abbot, Exeter, Torquay, Paignton, Plymouth, Totnes, Teignmouth and surrounding areas.
If you are buying a property and would like straightforward advice, contact H&S Surveyors for a free, no-obligation quote.
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Last updated: 18th August 2026