Surveys
A surveyor will report on all the parts of the property they can reach. They do not inspect under carpets or furniture, and they don't test the water supply or wiring although they will comment on their condition.
Chartered surveyors are professionally trained whose academic qualifications and training have been approved by RICS. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) is the main professional institution.
The level of survey that you choose is partly dependent on the age and type of property you're buying. When you are buying a relatively new home built to standard construction, a basic valuation is often sufficient. If you are in any doubt go for one of the more thorough (and more expensive) options. For any property over fifty years old, you should generally get a full structural survey done.
Property buyers are often confused about the difference between a valuation and a survey.
Basic valuation: This carried out for the purposes of the purposes of mortgage and is prepared for the lender. This is a valuation not a survey.
Homebuyer Survey and Valuation Report
A Homebuyer Survey and Valuation (HSV) is a service carried out to a standard format as defined by RICS. It is primarily designed for conventional properties built within the last 150 years that are in a reasonable condition.