Buying a home is a huge commitment. Many buyers in Sunderland assume the mortgage valuation covers the property’s condition, but it doesn’t.
A valuation tells the lender what the home is worth, not whether it’s structurally sound or if costly repairs are looming.

A RICS Home Survey gives you an independent, expert assessment of a property’s true state before you commit.

At Fife & Kimmitt Chartered Surveyors, our local RICS-regulated surveyors have decades of experience inspecting homes across Sunderland, Durham, Newcastle and the wider North East. We help you buy with confidence by uncovering issues that mortgage valuations often miss.

Mortgage Valuation Vs RICS Survey – The key Difference

	Mortgage Valuation	RICS Home Survey
Purpose	Protects the Lender	Protects you, the buyer
Focus	Market Value	Property Condition and Defects
Detail	Brief Visual Check	Through inspection of the structure and materials
Outcome	Valuation figure only	Comprehensive report with advice

 

In Simple,

• A mortgage valuation tells your bank that the property is worth the loan.
• A RICS survey tells you whether the property is worth buying – and at what price.

Which Survey Is Right for Your Sunderland Home

When choosing between the RICS Level 2 Home Survey and the RICS Level 3 Building Survey, the best option depends on the age, size and condition of the property you’re buying. Both reports give you independent, professional advice, but they differ in how detailed they are and how much insight they provide into potential issues.

RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer Report) in Sunderland

If you’re purchasing a modern or relatively new property in Sunderland, perhaps a city-centre flat near the Stadium of Light, a new-build semi in Ryhope or Doxford Park, or a family home in Chapelgarth or Humbledon, the Level 2 Home Survey is often the right choice.

This survey provides a clear overview of the property’s overall condition using an easy-to-read traffic-light rating system, so you can quickly identify areas that need attention. It includes practical advice on repairs, maintenance and any recommended further investigations, helping you plan before completion.

For most modern homes in Sunderland, Washington, or Seaburn, the Level 2 Home Survey offers the right balance of insight and value, detailed enough to highlight issues without unnecessary complexity.

Check our Level 2 Home Survey for more detailed information.

Level 3 Building survey | Sunderland

If you’re buying an older, larger or more distinctive property such as a Victorian terrace in Ashbrooke, an Edwardian townhouse in Fulwell, or a character cottage near Whitburn or Houghton-le-Spring, a Level 3 Building Survey is the smart choice.

This is the most detailed inspection available under RICS standards. Your surveyor will conduct a thorough internal and external examination of all accessible areas, evaluating the structure, materials and long-term performance of the building.

We identify visible and hidden defects such as cracking, damp, roof decay, timber rot or subsidence, and explain:

• Why they occurred
• How serious they are
• What repairs or maintenance are required

You’ll also get realistic guidance on repair priorities and estimated costs, giving you clarity before you exchange contracts.
If needed, we can include a professional property valuation through our Valuation Service.

For heritage, extended or renovated homes across Sunderland, Durham and Cleveland, the Level 3 Survey delivers the detailed insight you need to invest confidently.

Explore more detailed information here: RICS Level 3 Building Survey
Learn more: How to choose the right property survey for your needs?