What types of surveys do you offer?

If you are thinking of purchasing a property in Plymouth or the PL postcode area in Devon or Cornwall, it is prudent to protect your financial investment by carrying out a property survey. We are experienced RICS Chartered Surveyors with extensive local knowledge in the West Country, specialising in full RICS Building Surveys (Level 3), RICS HomeBuyer Reports (Level 2), RICS Condition Reports (Level 1) and Residential Valuations for all types of property. RICS Building Survey (Level 3) Formerly known as a full structural survey’, a RICS Building Survey (Level 3) is our most in-depth property investigation. It’s a detailed Level 3 survey which is perfectly suited to older properties (>70 years) including period homes and listed buildings. It is also the right choice of survey for very large properties as well as for buildings with major historical alterations or where comprehensive refurbishment works are planned. Our surveyor will carry out a detailed on-site visual inspection and produce a thorough report on the overall condition of the building including any urgent and/or significant defects such as structural movement, damp and timber decay. The survey report will also provide recommendations for required remedial works and future maintenance including cost estimates. RICS Homebuyers Survey (Level 2) This mid-range survey is recommended for modern properties that are in a reasonable state of repair and that are built with standard construction materials and methods. During our site visit, we will carry out a non-invasive visual inspection of accessible building elements, with the aim of providing an overview of the building’s condition and highlighting any urgent defects. We also provide a free market valuation as standard. Using the RICS standard templated traffic-light reporting format allows the report to be easily understandable, which has proven extremely popular with our clients. A RICS HomeBuyer Report (Level 2) puts the necessary information at your fingertips to enable you to make a considered decision about your property purchase. Residential Valuations With a wealth of local Plymouth property knowledge and having been extensively trained in residential valuations, our RICS Registered Valuers can provide accurate property valuations that are far more robust than any informal market appraisal given by an estate agent. Our residential valuations are permissible in court and can be used for a wide range of formal purposes including matrimonial matters and divorce settlements, insurance and mortgaging purposes, personal asset valuations, tax and probate matters. Get in touch today to find out more. RICS Condition Report (Level 1) The most basic home survey option is the RICS Condition Report (Level 1). If you are looking to buy a new-build home or a property that is only a few years old, this may be all that’s required to give you the peace of mind that the building is in good condition. We will carry out a brief visual site inspection and produce a summary report to assess the building’s overall state of repair. While no defects are expected to be found, the report will highlight any obvious areas of concern. However, there is not enough scope in a Level 1 survey report to make any recommendations for repair or maintenance.

Which survey should I get for a Victorian property?

At Cosey Homes, we would always recommend an in-depth Building Survey (Level 3) for properties that are older than 70 years. This includes Victorian and Edwardian homes, properties situated in a Conservation Area as well as listed buildings. A Level 3 survey offers sufficient scope to cover the unique features, qualities and requirements of a historic character home.

What’s the difference between a Building Survey (Level 3) and a Homebuyer Survey (Level 2)?

A HomeBuyer Report (Level 2) is a mid-range investigation designed to give an overview of the building’s condition and highlight any urgent areas of concern. A Building Survey (Level 3) is a more detailed analysis that covers all major defects. This is the best choice for older or larger buildings, ‘fixer upper’ projects and non-standard properties.

Can I get a discount on the price if the survey results are ‘bad’?

If the survey findings flag up unexpected problems or urgent remedial works, you are well within your rights to renegotiate the sale price. Many buyers ask for a discount to cover the cost of unexpected repairs (or obtain assurances from the seller that he will fix the problem before contracts are exchanged). Of course, there is no guarantee that the seller will accept a lower offer but there’s certainly no harm in trying.

What is ‘gazumping’ and is it legal?

According to English property law, a transaction only becomes legally valid once contracts have been exchanged. Gazumping is a perfectly legal (though frowned upon) practice whereby the seller accepts a higher offer before exchange, effectively pushing you out of the transaction.

Which property survey should I choose?

With so many different property surveys on the market, it can be hard to know which is the right one to choose. At Cosey Homes, we recognise that you need professional guidance and advice to talk through all available options including the pros and cons of each survey type. Why not get in touch today for a friendly chat with our expert team?

How do I get my survey findings?

We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and will work as swiftly as we can to deliver your report. As a general rule, you can expect to receive it by email as a PDF document within 5 working days after the site visit. If you require an additional hard copy, this can be arranged for an extra fee.

Chartered Surveyors

Expert Chartered Surveyors in Plymouth

Cosey Homes are a long-established team of Chartered Surveyors and structural engineers operating in Plymouth, Devon and across the South West.

0330 053 5823

Cosey Homes Surveyors Plymouth
The Senate
Southernhay Gardens
Exeter
EX1 1UG

Get Your Survey Quote

RICS Accredited

Regulated by RICS and held to the highest professional standards.

20+ Years' Experience

Over two decades of experience delivering trusted property advice.

Independent & Impartial

Clear, honest advice for confident property decisions.

Wide Range of Surveys

From HomeBuyer Reports to full Building Surveys.

Our surveying
service

We provide a broad range of specialist property and consultancy services, having served thousands of happy clients over the last 10+ years.

If you are looking for expert impartial advice, first-class reporting and excellent customer service, contact the team at Cosey Homes to find out more about our portfolio of services, discuss your particular surveying needs or arrange for an independent property survey.

We are proud to be accredited by UK industry-leading organisations including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE).

Understanding RICS Survey Levels

Watch our 3-minute guide to choosing the right survey

Where to start?

Find the right property survey

We offer three levels of RICS surveys to suit different property types and budgets. Compare our services below to find the right survey for your needs.

Building Survey

£550 starting

In-Depth Visual Inspection
Major Defects & Faults
Internal & External Inspection
Structural Problem Assessment
Traffic Light Grading
Planning & Building Advice
Repair & Maintenance Recommendations

Homebuyers Survey

£400 starting

Visual Property Inspection
Major Faults & Defects
Internal & External Inspection
Services Visual Appraisal
Traffic Light Grading
Urgent Repair Issues
Planning & Legal Observations

Condition Survey

£360 starting

Property Condition Inspection
Surface Issues Summary
Traffic Light Grading
Conveyancer Follow Up
No Repair Advice
No Property Valuation

How it works

Getting your property surveyed is simple. Follow our straightforward 4-step process.

Step 1

Online Quote

Request a free, instant quote on our website for the services you need.

Step 2

Booking & Survey

Once you've received your quote, schedule your survey with our team at a time that suits you.

Step 3

Survey Results Shared

After conducting the survey, we'll provide you with a detailed, easy-to-understand report.

Step 4

Aftercare and Support

We offer ongoing support to answer any questions and provide guidance on any issues raised in the report.

Ready to get started?

Request Your Free Quote

Reviews

What our clients say

      GOOD  
   Based on 236 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    Richard D'Cruze  
 04/11/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very informative and thorough the whole team there are great, absolutely would use again
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Ricardo Fugas  
 04/11/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently used Cosey Homes for a property survey and were very impressed with the service provided. The survey was arranged quickly, communication was clear throughout.

The survey itself was thorough, detailed, and easy to understand, highlighting both major issues and areas that may require attention in the future. The findings gave us a much clearer understanding of the property's condition and helped us make informed decisions during the purchase process.

Overall, a reliable and professional service that provided excellent value for money. I would happily recommend Cosey Homes to anyone purchasing a property.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Marta Blizniuk  
 02/11/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'm very happy with the service I received from Ian for my Level 3 Survey. His report was thorough, detailed and highlighted important issues that I wouldn't have been aware of otherwise. He also took the time to answer my follow-up questions in detail after the survey, providing clear explanations and helping me better understand his findings. This gave me a much clearer picture of the property's condition and what needed further investigation before proceeding with the purchase. I really appreciate his professionalism, attention to detail and willingness to help. I would happily recommend his services!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Julie Eliza  
 29/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently had a Level 3 Building Survey carried out and couldn’t be happier with the service we received!

We dealt with Sadie over the phone, who was always so polite, friendly and helpful.

Philip carried out our survey and was incredibly thorough and detailed. He provided so much useful information and really took the time to cover everything, which gave us great peace of mind.

Our survey was carried out on the Wednesday and we received the full report by Monday, which was an amazing turnaround compared to other companies we had looked into!

Fantastic service from start to finish. Would definitely recommend! 😊
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    David Pickles  
 21/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good communications with the office, the surveyor turn up as arranged and produced a very good survey on time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jakki van Neuren  
 21/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy to book ...good clear communication and advice, and the survey was completed quickly and efficiently. The written report was detailed and helpful and was sent through very swiftly after the survey was completed.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Muhammad Khan  
 21/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service on a tight deadline

We needed a retrospective RICS Red Book valuation of our London flat for a Right to Buy District Valuer case, with barely two weeks to the submission deadline. Cosey Homes delivered from start to finish.

Kit Lam responded to our enquiry the same day, asked the right questions about the brief and kept us updated throughout. Hugh Barber inspected the property within days and produced a thorough, well-reasoned report four days ahead of the promised date. The report covered everything in our instruction: the retrospective valuation date, the statutory basis, comparable evidence including a same-block sale, and clear reasoning behind the figure. The quality control from the wider team, including Anthony who followed up afterwards, was a nice touch.

A professional firm doing exactly what they promise, when they promise it, at a fair price. We would use Cosey Homes again without hesitation and recommend them to anyone needing a specialist valuation under time pressure.

Muhammad & Sania, London E16
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    Jonathan Burke  
 20/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service from the start of booking right through to the completed survey report.

Plymouth Surveying Experts

Why choose Cosey Homes?

Choosing Cosey Homes means choosing a team of experts with extensive experience in Plymouth’s property market. We have over 20 years of experience in surveying and have earned a reputation for providing thorough, reliable, and accurate surveys.

Experience

Over 20 years of experience providing surveys across Plymouth and beyond.

Accreditations

RICS certification guarantees you receive services backed by the industry's leading body.

Local Reputation

We have built strong relationships in Plymouth with homeowners, estate agents, and property investors.

Customer Care

We prioritise clear communication, ensuring you understand your survey report and next steps.

Our People

Meet Our Leadership Team

Our experienced leadership team guides Cosey Homes with a shared commitment to professional standards, dependable service and clear, practical advice. Together, they ensure every client receives the expertise and support needed to make confident property decisions

Mike

Managing Director & Chartered Surveyor

Jessica

Sales Director

Shaun

Director of Operations

Chris

Senior Surveying Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

Plymouth property survey advice

Everything you need to know about property surveys in Plymouth

: If you are thinking of purchasing a property in Plymouth or the PL postcode area in Devon or Cornwall, it is prudent to protect your financial investment by carrying out a property survey. We are experienced RICS Chartered Surveyors with extensive local knowledge in the West Country, specialising in full RICS Building Surveys (Level 3), RICS HomeBuyer Reports (Level 2), RICS Condition Reports (Level 1) and Residential Valuations for all types of property.

RICS Building Survey (Level 3)

Formerly known as a full structural survey’, a RICS Building Survey (Level 3) is our most in-depth property investigation. It’s a detailed Level 3 survey which is perfectly suited to older properties (>70 years) including period homes and listed buildings. It is also the right choice of survey for very large properties as well as for buildings with major historical alterations or where comprehensive refurbishment works are planned. Our surveyor will carry out a detailed on-site visual inspection and produce a thorough report on the overall condition of the building including any urgent and/or significant defects such as structural movement, damp and timber decay. The survey report will also provide recommendations for required remedial works and future maintenance including cost estimates.

RICS Homebuyers Survey (Level 2)

This mid-range survey is recommended for modern properties that are in a reasonable state of repair and that are built with standard construction materials and methods. During our site visit, we will carry out a non-invasive visual inspection of accessible building elements, with the aim of providing an overview of the building’s condition and highlighting any urgent defects. We also provide a free market valuation as standard. Using the RICS standard templated traffic-light reporting format allows the report to be easily understandable, which has proven extremely popular with our clients. A RICS HomeBuyer Report (Level 2) puts the necessary information at your fingertips to enable you to make a considered decision about your property purchase.

Residential Valuations

With a wealth of local Plymouth property knowledge and having been extensively trained in residential valuations, our RICS Registered Valuers can provide accurate property valuations that are far more robust than any informal market appraisal given by an estate agent. Our residential valuations are permissible in court and can be used for a wide range of formal purposes including matrimonial matters and divorce settlements, insurance and mortgaging purposes, personal asset valuations, tax and probate matters. Get in touch today to find out more.

RICS Condition Report (Level 1)

The most basic home survey option is the RICS Condition Report (Level 1). If you are looking to buy a new-build home or a property that is only a few years old, this may be all that’s required to give you the peace of mind that the building is in good condition. We will carry out a brief visual site inspection and produce a summary report to assess the building’s overall state of repair. While no defects are expected to be found, the report will highlight any obvious areas of concern. However, there is not enough scope in a Level 1 survey report to make any recommendations for repair or maintenance.
: At Cosey Homes, we would always recommend an in-depth Building Survey (Level 3) for properties that are older than 70 years. This includes Victorian and Edwardian homes, properties situated in a Conservation Area as well as listed buildings. A Level 3 survey offers sufficient scope to cover the unique features, qualities and requirements of a historic character home.
: A HomeBuyer Report (Level 2) is a mid-range investigation designed to give an overview of the building’s condition and highlight any urgent areas of concern. A Building Survey (Level 3) is a more detailed analysis that covers all major defects. This is the best choice for older or larger buildings, ‘fixer upper’ projects and non-standard properties.
: If the survey findings flag up unexpected problems or urgent remedial works, you are well within your rights to renegotiate the sale price. Many buyers ask for a discount to cover the cost of unexpected repairs (or obtain assurances from the seller that he will fix the problem before contracts are exchanged). Of course, there is no guarantee that the seller will accept a lower offer but there’s certainly no harm in trying.
: According to English property law, a transaction only becomes legally valid once contracts have been exchanged. Gazumping is a perfectly legal (though frowned upon) practice whereby the seller accepts a higher offer before exchange, effectively pushing you out of the transaction.
: With so many different property surveys on the market, it can be hard to know which is the right one to choose. At Cosey Homes, we recognise that you need professional guidance and advice to talk through all available options including the pros and cons of each survey type. Why not get in touch today for a friendly chat with our expert team?
: We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and will work as swiftly as we can to deliver your report. As a general rule, you can expect to receive it by email as a PDF document within 5 working days after the site visit. If you require an additional hard copy, this can be arranged for an extra fee.

Still have questions?

Contact our team for expert advice

Knowledge Hub

What Can We Help With?

Beyond surveys, we’re here to support you throughout your property journey

Home buying journey

Everything you need to know about the steps involved in buying your new home.

Learn More

First time buyers

Tailored support and advice specifically designed for first-time property buyers.

Learn More

Help with your report

Understanding your survey report and what the findings mean for your property.

Learn More

Need more information?

See our Knowledge Hub

Plymouth Area

Local Knowledge

Are you looking to buy a home in or around Plymouth on the Devon/Cornwall border? Do you need a flat or a house? Would you prefer a new build or an older property? Are you prepared to take on a fixer-upper or would you like to be able to move straight in? Sound professional advice from an independent surveyor can make all the difference in making the right decision.

Chartered Surveyors Plymouth

Whether your property search is focused on Peverell, Lipson, Millbay or Stoke Village, or you’re looking towards Plympton, Plymstock or Modbury, or Saltash on the other side of the Tamar Bridge, we have a huge amount of local housing market expertise to put at your disposal.

At Cosey Homes, our professional survey reports are detailed, well-formatted and easy to understand, and packed with valuable guidance to empower you in your purchasing decision. What’s more, we have no commercial ties to estate agents or mortgage companies, which enables us to be entirely impartial in our advice and tailor our services to your needs alone.

Plymouth Office

Cosey Homes Surveyors Plymouth, The Senate, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1UG

0330 053 5823

Get in Touch with Our Plymouth Office

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Plymouth Office

Cosey Homes Surveyors Plymouth, The Senate, Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1UG

Need an immediate response?

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Call Now

Expert Chartered Surveyors in Plymouth

Our surveying service

Find the right property survey

Building Survey

Homebuyers Survey

Condition Survey

How it works

Online Quote

Booking & Survey

Survey Results Shared

Aftercare and Support

What our clients say

Why choose Cosey Homes?

Experience

Accreditations

Local Reputation

Customer Care

Meet Our Leadership Team

Plymouth property survey advice

RICS Building Survey (Level 3)

RICS Homebuyers Survey (Level 2)

Residential Valuations

RICS Condition Report (Level 1)

What Can We Help With?

Home buying journey

First time buyers

Help with your report

Local Knowledge

Chartered Surveyors Plymouth

Plymouth Office

Get in Touch with Our Plymouth Office

Our Contact Information

Our surveying
service