There was a 5.4% rise in buyers instructing a home condition survey in the third quarter of the year, new figures show.

Countrywide Surveying Services says 16% of homebuyers instructed a home condition survey in Q3 2024, compared to 10.6% in Q2 2024.

This 16% figure also signifies a doubling of Q4 2023 when only 8% of buyers instructed a home condition survey.

For those homebuyers electing for a RICS Home Survey Level 2, the average value of a property in Q3 was £295,000, with an average fee of £468. For those homebuyers selecting a RICS Home Survey Level 3, the average property price was £426,000, with an average fee of £890.

The RICS Home Survey Level 2 was previously known as the HomeBuyer Report and the RICS Home Survey Level 3 offers a more comprehensive structural overview appropriate for older and more complex buildings, listed properties, houses with obvious defects, and unconventional homes.

A Countrywide Surveying Services spokesperson says: “The notable rise in homebuyers opting for a home condition survey highlights a growing awareness around the need to fully understand a property’s condition before purchase.

“… This trend toward greater diligence signals a positive step toward a more transparent and robust property market. However, there remains plenty of room for improvement and we, as a business, will continue to champion the merits of this vital component within the homebuying journey.”