Fast turnaround
The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
RICS qualified
You can trust our reports as they are all regulated by RICS, assuring standards and professional guidance.
Traffic-light ratings
Each report comes with a handy traffic-light system to illustrate all aspects of the property clearly.
Cardiff's property market
Cardiff's housing stock is dominated by Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Cathays, Roath, Canton and Splott, with conversions into flats and houses in multiple occupation common close to the university, and newer developments throughout Cardiff Bay and the wider city.
Which survey do you need in Cardiff?
Property surveys in Cardiff - what to look out for
Flood risk from the rivers Taff and Ely
Cardiff has been identified as the local authority area facing the highest flood risk in the UK, with around 33,000 properties projected to be at risk by 2050. The River Taff has overspilled its banks at Pontcanna Fields in recent years, and the River Ely has shown rising water levels behind the Cardiff Bay Barrage in the south of the city. Check the Natural Resources Wales flood map before buying near either river and ask your solicitor to include an environmental search.
Groundwater levels near the Cardiff Bay Barrage
The Cardiff Bay Barrage raised water levels permanently when it was completed, and concerns during construction about rising groundwater in low-lying parts of south Cardiff led to a Groundwater Protection Scheme being written into the Cardiff Bay Barrage Act 1993. This gives owners of affected properties a route to remedial works or compensation if groundwater damage is linked to the barrage. Properties in the docklands and surrounding areas should be checked against this scheme as part of the conveyancing process.
Houses in multiple occupation in Cathays and Roath
Cathays and Roath have an exceptionally high concentration of houses in multiple occupation let to students attending Cardiff University, and Cardiff Council applies strict licensing rules to HMOs in these areas. Properties used as HMOs over many years can show accelerated wear from high occupancy, including damaged flooring and worn kitchen and bathroom fittings. Buyers considering a current or former HMO should ask for the survey to pay particular attention to this wear alongside the usual structural checks.
Damp and old wiring in Victorian terraces
The dense Victorian and Edwardian terraces throughout Cathays, Roath, Splott and Adamsdown have solid brick walls without a cavity, making them prone to penetrating and rising damp where original damp proof courses have failed. Old wiring is a frequent finding in properties that have not been fully modernised, particularly in streets that have seen high tenant turnover. A Level 3 survey will assess both more thoroughly than a Level 2.
Conservation areas in Pontcanna and Canton
The Victorian and Edwardian terraces of Pontcanna and Canton, many of which have been converted into flats, often sit within or adjacent to conservation areas where external works must be carried out sensitively to preserve the architectural character of the street. Any alteration that affects the building's appearance can require planning permission that would not be needed elsewhere. A surveyor familiar with the area will flag any work that appears to lack the necessary consent.
Party wall considerations for loft conversions in terraced streets
Loft conversions are common across Cardiff's terraced and semi-detached streets, and where structural steel beams are cut into shared brickwork, the Party Wall Act 1996 requires formal written notice to neighbours at least two months before work begins. A surveyor will check whether any loft conversion or similar structural work appears to have followed this process correctly. Missing party wall agreements can create disputes that affect a property's saleability.
A smooth and informative service
From making my initial enquiry for an estimate online to speaking to Joshua to accept the estimate was smooth and informative. Joshua was polite, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, he explained the next process clearly and within a few hours, I had an email confirming that I had a date book for my survey within a week. I cannot ask for a better level of service.
Arrange your Cardiff survey with Surveyor Local
Get an online quote or call now on to talk to our friendly team.
Frequently asked questions about property surveys in Cardiff
Is a survey a legal requirement?
No. There is no legal requirement in England or Wales for a buyer to commission a survey before purchasing a property. However, it is strongly recommended. A mortgage valuation arranged by your lender only confirms the property is worth what you are borrowing. It does not assess the building's condition. Without an independent survey, structural problems, damp, roof defects and other costly issues can go undetected until after completion.
What is the difference between a mortgage valuation and a survey?
A mortgage valuation is arranged by your lender to confirm the property is suitable security for the loan. It is not a structural inspection and will not flag defects. An independent RICS survey, whether Level 2 or Level 3, is commissioned by you as the buyer and assesses the actual condition of the building, giving you the information you need before committing to the purchase.
Can I use survey findings to negotiate the price?
Yes, and it is common practice. If a survey reveals significant defects such as roof repairs, damp, structural movement or outdated services, you can use the estimated cost of remedial works to renegotiate the agreed price with the seller. In some cases buyers also request that the seller carries out repairs before exchange. A survey report from a RICS qualified surveyor carries weight in these negotiations.
Do I need a survey if I am a cash buyer?
Yes. Without a mortgage lender commissioning their own valuation, there is no independent check on the property's condition at all. A survey protects your investment regardless of how you are funding the purchase, and cash buyers in particular have no fallback if serious defects emerge after completion.
How long does a property survey take?
A Level 2 survey typically takes two to three hours on site. A Level 3 survey on a larger or more complex property can take a full day. Reports are usually returned within five working days of the inspection.
Why is flood risk such a concern when buying in Cardiff?
Cardiff has been identified as the local authority area with the highest flood risk in the UK, with around 33,000 properties projected to be affected by 2050. Both the River Taff and River Ely have shown rising water levels in recent years, and the city's flat topography away from areas like Penylan and Cyncoed means drainage capacity is a real constraint. Your surveyor will note visible signs of past water ingress, but an environmental search through your solicitor is the right tool for assessing flood zone risk at a specific address.
What survey do I need for an HMO in Cathays or Roath?
A Level 3 building survey is the right choice for any current or former house in multiple occupation in Cathays or Roath. These areas have an exceptionally high concentration of student HMOs, and high occupancy over many years can accelerate wear on flooring, kitchens and bathrooms beyond what a Level 2 would typically flag. A Level 3 will also assess any structural alterations made during the conversion process.
Is a Level 2 survey suitable for a Victorian terrace in Cardiff?
For most Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Cardiff, particularly in Cathays, Roath and Splott, a Level 3 building survey is the stronger choice. These properties have solid brick walls, original timber floors and a documented tendency towards damp where damp proof courses have failed. A Level 3 will assess the likely cause of any movement or moisture and give a clearer picture of the repairs needed before you commit.