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Featured on Compare The PropTech & Kerfuffle

RICS home surveys from a firm with 35 years of track record - and 1,633 Google reviews

SDL Surveying has been providing RICS-compliant property surveys and mortgage valuations since 1989. Level 2 HomeBuyer Reports and Level 3 Building Surveys delivered by qualified RICS surveyors. Used by national mortgage lenders and buyers across the UK. 38 Kerfuffle reviews at 5.0 stars. 1,633 Google reviews at 4.3 stars.

1,63
1,633+
Google reviews at 4.3 stars
5.0
5.0
Stars on Kerfuffle
Sinc
Since 1989
RICS-regulated surveyors
Nati
National
UK surveyor network

Your Kerfuffle presence vs the rest of the web

Kerfuffle
38
reviews - 5.0 stars
Google
1,633
reviews - 4.3 stars

You have 1,633 reviews sitting outside Kerfuffle.
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The survey blind spot

Buyers who skip a survey are the buyers who call you six months after completion with expensive problems nobody found.

A mortgage valuation is not a survey. It tells the lender whether the property is adequate security for the loan - not whether the buyer is getting a sound purchase. SDL Surveying's RICS home surveys give buyers the independent, professional assessment they need before exchange.

"The buyer said they didn't need a survey - now they're threatening to sue because of the damp."

Buyers who waive a survey and find problems post-completion often look for someone to blame. Estate agents who recommend a reputable survey firm protect their clients and their own position.

"The mortgage valuation came back short and the lender wants a further inspection."

A further inspection takes weeks and can collapse the chain. SDL Surveying provides lender-instructed valuations as well as buyer surveys - they understand both sides of the assessment.

"We had three buyers pull out after the survey on the same property."

When surveys consistently flag the same issues, the property needs to be repriced or the issues need to be resolved. An SDL surveyor can advise on what is structural and what is cosmetic.

"The client didn't know what level of survey they needed."

The difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey matters. SDL Surveying's team helps buyers understand which survey is appropriate for the property type, age and condition.

How SDL Surveying works

Six services that give buyers and lenders independent, professional property assessments.

SDL Surveying's RICS-regulated surveyors cover the full range of residential property assessment - from standard HomeBuyer Reports to complex structural surveys and specialist mortgage valuations.

1

Level 2 RICS Home Survey (HomeBuyer Report)

The most common buyer survey - a detailed visual inspection of the property using a clear traffic light rating system. Highlights significant problems that may be costly to repair, focusing on urgent or significant defects. Ideal for conventional properties in reasonable condition.

2

Level 3 RICS Home Survey (Building Survey)

The most comprehensive survey available. A full structural assessment covering roof, chimney, walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows, with detailed advice on repairs, treatments and maintenance. Essential for older, unusual or significantly extended properties.

3

Mortgage valuations for lenders

SDL Surveying is instructed by national mortgage lenders to provide residential valuations as part of the mortgage application process. Their operation centre was a pioneer in developing residential valuation panel management approaches.

4

Help to Buy and specialist valuations

SDL Surveying provides specialist valuations for Help to Buy repayment, shared ownership staircasing and other specific purposes where a standard market valuation is not sufficient.

5

Surveyor network across the UK

SDL Surveying has built a national network of individual surveyors and smaller firms. Joining the network provides guaranteed work allocation, access to technology and CPD events - making SDL a partner for both buyers and surveyors.

6

Specialist further inspections

When an initial survey identifies the need for specialist reports - damp, drainage, structural engineering - SDL Surveying coordinates the referral to appropriate specialists, giving buyers a single point of contact for their survey process.

How it works for buyers and agents

From survey instruction to informed decision - five steps.

1

Survey type selected

The buyer - with guidance from you as the agent - selects the appropriate survey level for the property. SDL Surveying's team can advise on which level is appropriate for the age, type and condition of the property.

2

RICS surveyor instructed

SDL Surveying assigns a RICS-qualified surveyor from their network to the property. The surveyor is local and experienced in that property type and region.

3

Property inspection completed

The surveyor carries out a thorough on-site inspection. For Level 2 surveys, this is a detailed visual assessment. For Level 3 surveys, this is a comprehensive structural examination.

4

Report delivered with clear findings

The survey report is delivered digitally. Level 2 reports use the RICS traffic light system. Level 3 reports provide detailed findings, repair advice and maintenance recommendations.

5

Informed buyer decision

The buyer uses the report to decide whether to proceed at the agreed price, negotiate on price or repairs, or withdraw. The survey gives them the information they need to make that decision with confidence.

The Kerfuffle member offer

What Kerfuffle members get with SDL Surveying

SDL Surveying is featured on Compare The PropTech and Kerfuffle. Kerfuffle members get a structured conversation about what SDL Surveying can do for their business before committing to anything.

What Kerfuffle members get with SDL Surveying

  • Direct referral arrangement for your buyer clients
  • Member-only commercial conversation via your Kerfuffle AM
  • Prompt survey turnaround to support your timelines
  • RICS-regulated surveyors with national coverage
Kerfuffle member route

Commercial conversation first

Member terms
Reviewed before you commit

SDL Surveying offers estate agents a straightforward referral model for buyer surveys. Kerfuffle members access the commercial conversation via their account manager before beginning to refer clients.

More on Kerfuffle

Dig into the data before you book a demo.

SDL Surveying's full Kerfuffle profile has 38 verified agent reviews, full profile, awards history and case studies. Open in a new tab - your spot on this page is saved.

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Live demo - open to all Kerfuffle members

See SDL Surveying in action before you commit to anything.

Book a direct conversation with the SDL Surveying team through Kerfuffle. Your Kerfuffle account manager can be part of the discussion - so you have an independent advocate in the room.

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30 min + Q&A

SDL Surveying - a practical session for UK property professionals

SDL Surveying was founded in 1989 and has spent over 35 years providing residential surveys and valuations across the UK. Based at Chetwynd Business Park in Nottingham and regulated by RICS, SDL Surveying works with national mortgage lenders, individual buyers and estate agents. ...

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Frequently asked questions

What agents ask before they get started with SDL Surveying.

What is the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey?
A Level 2 RICS Home Survey (formerly HomeBuyer Report) is a detailed visual inspection using a traffic light rating system. It covers significant defects but does not include the detailed structural assessment of a Level 3. A Level 3 RICS Home Survey (formerly Building Survey) is the most comprehensive survey - a full structural assessment covering every accessible part of the property, with detailed advice on repairs and maintenance. Level 3 is recommended for older, unusual or significantly extended properties.
Is a mortgage valuation the same as a survey?
No. A mortgage valuation is prepared for the lender to confirm the property is adequate security for the loan. It does not tell the buyer whether the property is in good condition. A buyer who relies solely on a mortgage valuation has no professional assessment of the property's condition.
How long does a survey take?
Most Level 2 surveys are completed within 1-2 weeks of instruction. Level 3 surveys may take slightly longer. SDL Surveying can advise on specific turnaround times when you contact them.
Does SDL Surveying cover my area?
SDL Surveying has a national network of RICS-qualified surveyors. Coverage is extensive across England, Scotland and Wales. Contact SDL Surveying to confirm availability for a specific property location.
What happens if the survey finds problems?
The surveyor reports what they found. It is then the buyer's decision whether to proceed at the agreed price, negotiate a reduction to reflect the cost of repairs, request that the seller carries out the work before exchange, or withdraw from the purchase. The survey report gives the buyer the evidence they need for any negotiation.
How do agents earn on SDL Surveying referrals?
SDL Surveying works with estate agents on a referral basis. The commercial structure depends on volume and is discussed through your Kerfuffle account manager before referrals begin.
About SDL Surveying

SDL Surveying on Kerfuffle - the numbers.

SDL Surveying was founded in 1989 and has spent over 35 years providing residential surveys and valuations across the UK. Based at Chetwynd Business Park in Nottingham and regulated by RICS, SDL Surveying works with national mortgage lenders, individual buyers and estate agents. Their network management model - which provides independent surveyors with guaranteed work, technology access and CPD - makes them both a buyer survey provider and a surveyor career partner. With 38 Kerfuffle reviews at 5.0 stars and 1,633 Google reviews at 4.3 stars, SDL Surveying has a strong verified track record.

1,633+
Google reviews at 4.3 stars
5.0
Stars on Kerfuffle
Since 1989
RICS-regulated surveyors
National
UK surveyor network
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