a more thorough survey than the simple valuation carried out on the property by the lender (although you still have to pay for it). If your lender does not offer this as an alternative to the basic valuation, you can negotiate with the surveyor carrying out the valuation for the fuller inspection and this may cost you less than a separate inspection.

A combination of a valuation and survey, which should identify any major faults or things that need work. A full in-depth building survey - the most expensive option - is mainly recommended for very old buildings, or those that need loads of work.

This is a type of survey on a property, and is commissioned by the purchaser/borrower. It is more detailed than the mortgage valuation survey required by a lender, but less detailed or extensive than a full structural survey.