Independent RICS Home Surveys Across Kent & Sussex - Helping You Buy With Confidence

Austen May Surveying offers a professional surveying service to help you make informed decisions when buying or selling a property.  

Testimonials

I Asked Louisa to carry out a homebuyers survey on a house I was in the process of buying. She was happy to talk to me over the phone and gave me good advice before I decided to go ahead. Louisa then took care of the whole process professionally, and came back to me promptly with a very detailed and insightful report. I could see that time and care were taken on the report, it was tailored specifically for the property in question, covered all areas and the specific items that I asked Louisa to pay attention to before the inspection took place, not just a box ticking exorcise. Louisa went above and beyond what I would expect with a level 2 survey, as she believed it necessary to go into more detail than usual in order to provide a useful report, based on the property. Overall I was happy to pay for her professional service and am confident that she helped me make the right decisions regarding the property.

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Joshua Wilson

Joshua Wilson

2 days ago

Louisa is incredible! She highlighted so many issues that I wasnt aware of and gave incredibly detailed breakdowns of absolutely everything along with really high quality photos to go with it! She explains everything incredibly well and the after report service has been great as well! Super quick to respond to queries and stuck to the timeframes she initially estimated (which is worth more than you know!) Cant recommend her enough!

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Andrew Robbins

Andrew Robbins

18 days ago

Dealing with Austen May Surveying Limited was very easy and straightforward. having never done this for many years I was somewhat apprehensive. No need to have worried. a pleasure to talk to on the phone before and after. The report was very easy to read and follow and delivered in the agreed timescale.

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Roger Feesey

Roger Feesey

27 days ago

Louisa went above and beyond for us during our sale. The process couldn't have been easier, and we couldn't be happier with the report she produced. Would happily recommend to anyone!

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Eloise

Eloise

28 days ago

Louisa was recommended to us, and we honestly couldn’t recommend her more. She’s been amazing and communicated so clearly throughout. Any question we had, she was more than happy to help, and she even offered a free follow up call once the report was done so we could go through anything and ask anything we needed. She really is brilliant!!

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Lauren Goodliffe

Lauren Goodliffe

1 month ago

Louisa was excellent. We instructed her for a Level 3 Survey on a Victorian property. The survey was very thorough and the report was very detailed. Louisa was generous with her time: Before the survey, she discussed the property with us and asked us for any concerns we had. Then, within a day of the survey, she called us to give us an overview of the main findings, which was invaluable and enabled us to instruct additional surveys and get quotes for works quickly, speeding up the purchase process. She answered all of our questions with care, ensuring that we understood the findings and their implications for the purchase and for maintenance/repair post-completion. We have recommended Louisa to family members who also had an excellent experience. We will be recommending her to any of our friends or family who look to buy property in the future.

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Jamie S

Jamie S

3 months ago

Louisa was super helpful - patient, calm, v quick to answer my unknowing questions, honest, & was always available & generous with her time. Would absolutely recommend.

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Benjamin Saunders

Benjamin Saunders

4 months ago

Austen May Surveying Limited completed three surveys for us this year, and we were thoroughly impressed. Louisa was great, always informative and quick to respond. The surveys were completed promptly, with clear, detailed reports turned around quickly. Louisa took the time to explain everything and answer our questions, making the process easy and stress-free. We’d highly recommend Austen May Surveying Limited. Fantastic service from start to finish.

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Rohan F

Rohan F

4 months ago

Louisa gave a comprehensive review of the house we were looking at buying. She was thorough but gave realistic assessments of the issues alleviating conceptual concerns. In particular she flagged the septic tank as not being compliant. As a direct result of this assessment the vendors ended up replacing it for us to the tune of £20k which was included in the purchase price. We're now happy in ownership of the property thanks in many ways to Louisa. She is easy to deal with and explained all findings in language I could understand. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her services.

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Dave Tidey

Dave Tidey

5 months ago

Louisa McAllister - AssocRICS MRPSA DipSRV

With a profound passion for buildings and experience in the industry spanning nearly 20 years, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Austen May Surveying. I have also bought and sold many properties myself, so I understand the many concerns you have when buying a property. 

My commitment to providing exceptional service means that I go the extra mile to understand your needs fully, and I really care about the outcome. 

Whether you're a property owner or buyer seeking detailed information about your property or need valuable advice, I'm here to assist you every step of the way.  I particularly specialise in helping first-time buyers. 

Contact me at Austen May Surveying by emailing [email protected] or calling 01892 249114.

Speak to Louisa
View at elegant english estate

RICS Level 2 Survey (formerly a Homebuyers Survey)

The Level 2 Survey is suitable for properties built in or after 1920 that have not had significant alterations or extensions.  It is suitable for most modern properties. 

The Level 2 survey does NOT include a valuation. 

My minimum fee for a Level 2 Survey is £700 (no VAT payable).  This includes drone photography (where possible) and high-level photography. All my reports come with annotated photographs. 

If you are unsure which level of survey is right for you, please speak to me.

Get a quote
Trees in blossom in Lodon

RICS Level 3 Survey (formerly a Building Survey)

The Level 3 Survey is suitable for properties built before 1920 or ones that have undergone significant alterations or extensions, 

The Level 3 survey does NOT include a valuation. 

My minimum fee for a Level 3 Survey is £900 (no VAT payable).  This includes drone photography (where possible) and high-level photography. All my reports come with annotated photographs. 

If you are unsure which level of survey is right for you, please speak to me.

Get a quote
New house framework of house under beam construction

Snagging List

Austen May Surveying offers comprehensive snagging lists to identify any poor workmanship or defects before you legally commit to buying your new home so the issues can be remedied by the developer before you move in.

Fees are calculated at £125 per hour (no VAT payable). 

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Frequently asked questions

Which survey do I need?

In general, Level 2 Surveys are often suitable for newer or more conventional homes, while Level 3 Surveys are commonly recommended for older, extended or non-standard properties.

However, no two homes are the same.

During our initial conversation, we will talk through the property, explain the options in plain English, and recommend the survey most appropriate for your purchase and concerns.

Call Louisa directly for honest guidance with no obligation. 

What types of surveys do you offer?

I offer residential property surveys, including RICS Level 2 and 3 surveys (formerly known as Homebuyers and Building Surveys) and snagging lists for new-build properties. 

Why is a property survey important?

A property survey helps identify potential issues or defects before buying or selling, ensuring informed decision-making and cost-effective budget planning.  Without a survey, you may have a specific budget for updating a property, which gets wiped out very quickly when defects you weren't aware of come to light. 

How long does a survey usually take?

The duration depends on the size and complexity of the property, typically ranging from a few hours upwards. A RICS Level 2 survey inspection may take 2.5 hours and a RICS Level 3 survey could take a whole day. 

How long is it until I get my report?

I promise a rapid turnaround time, typically within 5 -7 working days of the inspection. 

I've had a mortgage survey. Why should I have a separate survey on the property I am buying?

It is a common misconception that a mortgage 'survey' will tell you what defects a property has.  When a lender sends a surveyor to a property, they are solely acting for the lender and not for you as a buyer.  The inspection process is usually over in less than an hour (much less in some situations) and will only report on defects that are likely to have a specific impact on the value of the property.  A RICS Level 2 or 3 survey will be much more thorough, with the surveyor spending considerably more time acting on your behalf, to identify defects that may have cost implications to you. 

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes, I offer discounts to any members of the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, or armed forces.  Please just ask. 

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Why choose Austen May Surveying?

Personal contact with your surveyor

You will be able to discuss the property, the survey and any related concerns with me, both before the inspection and once you have received the report. I will always call the next working day to discuss my findings with you.  I also offer a telephone or video call so you can ask any questions you may have once you've read the report. 

You will have direct contact with me from the outset to the end of our professional relationship and won't be transferred to a central office or call centre.  Your survey instruction will not be passed on to a third party to be undertaken and will only be carried out by me.

I aim to always exceed your expectations

I promise a rapid turnaround delivery of our reports, typically within 5 working days from when the report is conducted. This ensures the report is not rushed, and I have ample time to reflect before sending the report or discussing my findings with you over the phone.

I limit the number of surveys carried out each week. This enables me to continue to provide a highly professional level of service.  Your report will have all the detail you require to help you make one of the most important decisions of your life. 

A detailed and easy to understand report

You will receive an easy-to-understand and very detailed report, which has a traffic light system to tell you the urgency of each issue found.  The report will have lots of annotated photographs showing defects found.  These will include high-level photography of the hard-to-see areas of the property.  

A totally independent viewpoint

I earn no money from referral links to estate agents, mortgage brokers, or solicitors and am therefore totally independent and working for YOU. 

What happens next?

If instructed to carry out a RICS Level 2 or 3 survey, I will make contact with the estate agent to arrange a convenient time for the inspection to take place.  You don't need to do anything.  

Once the appointment is booked, I will send you our Terms of Engagement and invoice for payment.  Once payment has been received and the signed Terms of Engagement received back, I will carry out the inspection.  

Sometimes, I find a defect on the inspection that warrants a call with you on the day.  Other times, I will aim to speak with you within 2 working days of the inspection and have the finalised report to you within 5 - 7 working days.  Payment can be made by BACS or via Paypal.  The bank details will be provided on the invoice.  

Regulated By RICS and Member of RPSA

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