Zoopla forecast a 5% increase in housing transactions over 2025, estimating around 1.15 million property sales across the UK. Market activity is picking up after a lull in early 2025, partly due to anticipated stamp duty changes in England and Northern Ireland from April 2025 higher interest rates early in 2025, encouraging buyers to move early.

Now that buyers are aware of the stamp duty changes and that interest rates recently dropped to 4% above Bank of England bases rate, now is the time to planning to buy a historic home, a property with non-standard construction, or simply want peace of mind before committing to a purchase, now’s the time to consider a Level 3 Building Survey from Dunham Hale Surveyors.

What is a Level 3 Building Survey?

Often referred to as a full structural survey, a Level 3 Building Survey is the most comprehensive assessment of a property’s condition. Unlike the more basic Homebuyer Report, a Level 3 survey goes deeper – examining the structure, fabric, and defects of the building in detail. It’s especially suited to:

•  Older or period homes
• Properties in visibly poor condition
• Buildings that have been significantly altered or extended
• Unusual or non-traditional construction

At Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors, our Level 3 Building Survey reports are designed not just to highlight problems, but to help you make informed decisions with practical, plain-English advice throughout.

What’s Included in a Dunham Hale Level 3 Survey?

When you choose Dunham Hale Surveyors, you’re not getting a rushed, generic report like some of the large mass market panel surveying firms. You’re receiving a bespoke private client service, tailored to your specific property and concerns. Every report includes:

• A full visual inspection of all accessible areas (roofs, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, chimneys, garages, and outbuildings)
• A detailed technical report, written in clear language
• Repair options and advice on implications if issues are left unresolved
• Cost estimates for major defects (typically £5,000 and over)Free Drone Survey
• A summary of future maintenance concerns
• Guidance on legal and insurance considerations
• Post-survey support – we remain available to answer questions, explain findings, or help you plan next steps

Free Drone Survey Included as Standard

Unlike many firms that charge extra or overlook hard-to-access areas, every Level 3 Building Survey we provide includes a FREE Drone Survey (worth £395).

• Using high-resolution drone photography, we can closely inspect areas like:
• Chimneys
• Roof valleys
• Hidden flat roofs
• Guttering and leadwork
• Roof tiles and flashings

This allows us to identify issues that are often missed or labelled “not accessible” in standard reports, giving you a complete picture before you proceed.

Common Issues Identified in Our Surveys

As experienced Chartered Surveyors, we regularly uncover issues that buyers weren’t expecting, such as:

• Structural movement or subsidence
• Dampness, dry rot, or woodworm
• Faulty drainage and ventilation
• Poor workmanship or unfinished extensions
• Asbestos and other hazardous materials
• Outdated or unsafe electrical installations

These findings can have serious cost implications – but with our guidance, they also provide leverage for renegotiationor clarity if you decide to walk away.

Why Choose Dunham Hale Surveyors?

At Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors, we don’t operate as a volume firm. We don’t employ salespeople, and we don’t produce templated reports. Instead, we offer:

• A one-to-one service from start to finish
• Reports written by experienced, RICS-qualified surveyors – not juniors or trainees
• A clear, client-first approach with time taken to explain issues properly
• Local knowledge and technical expertise built on 15+ years of experience
• A 5-star rating on Trustpilot with over 1,000 verified reviews

Our clients value not just the detail we provide, but the care we take in supporting them through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

Level 2 Homebuyer Reports Also Available

If you’re buying a newer property in reasonable condition, we also offer RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Reports – a more cost-effective option with key insights on condition, defects, and risks. We’re always happy to advise on the most appropriate survey for your situation.

Ready to Book?

If you’re serious about buying with confidence, a Level 3 Building Survey from Dunham Hale Surveyors will give you the clarity and protection you need.

With tailored advice, free drone inspection included, and continued support after the report, our service is designed around you – not a template.

Get in touch today to schedule your survey or arrange a free consultation.