What is a Condition Survey?

Understanding property condition surveys

A property condition survey provides a comprehensive examination of a building's structural integrity, building fabric and installed systems. The assessment will help you understand the physical state of the property, identifying current or potential problems that could affect its performance, safety or value.

Professional surveyors examine every accessible part of the building, documenting defects and assigning severity ratings to each. The resulting report categorises issues by urgency, estimates repair costs and provides recommendations for remedial works.

For commercial property stakeholders, condition surveys deliver the factual basis for strategic decisions. They reveal hidden defects before you complete a purchase, inform negotiations on price or lease terms and provide the evidence base for planned maintenance programmes.

What does a building condition survey include?

A thorough building condition survey examines every significant element of the property, including:

Structural components

Surveyors assess foundations, walls, floors and the roof structure, looking for movement, deterioration or defects that could compromise stability or weatherproofing.

Building envelope

Your property condition surveyor will inspect the roof covering, rainwater goods, external walls, windows and doors, identifying water ingress risks and thermal performance issues.

Mechanical and electrical systems

Mechanical and electrical systems are evaluated for condition, performance and remaining service life. This includes heating and cooling systems, electrical installations, plumbing, drainage and fire safety systems.

External areas

Surveyors examine external areas including car parks, landscaping, boundary walls and outbuildings.

Why do commercial properties need condition surveys?

Support investment decisions

For investors, condition surveys provide the factual basis for acquisition decisions, revealing the true cost of ownership beyond the purchase price. A building may appear attractive at £5 million, but if the survey identifies £500,000 of necessary works over the next three years, the real investment becomes clear.

Effective asset management

For property owners, regular condition surveys support effective asset management. They enable accurate maintenance budgeting, prevent small defects escalating into major problems and help prioritise capital expenditure across portfolios.

Compliance and risk management

Condition surveys support compliance and risk management by identifying health and safety issues, documenting compliance with building regulations and providing evidence of responsible property management.

Protection for occupiers

For occupiers negotiating leases, condition surveys protect against unfair dilapidations claims at lease end. A schedule of condition at the start of a rental agreement documents the property's state, preventing landlords from claiming for pre-existing defects when you vacate.

When should I arrange a condition survey?

• Before property acquisition – A pre-acquisition survey is essential due diligence that protects your investment and informs negotiations on price or terms
• At lease events – Whether you are taking a new lease, approaching renewal or planning to vacate, condition surveys provide crucial evidence for landlords and tenants
• Planning refurbishment or change of use – A condition survey establishes the baseline and identifies issues that must be addressed within your project scope
• Periodic maintenance reviews – For older buildings or those you have owned for several years, periodic condition surveys support planned maintenance programmes and prevent unexpected failures
• Insurance and refinancing requirements – Some insurers request surveys for older properties or following claims, while lenders may require them before refinancing commercial property

How do I choose the right expert for my building condition survey?

The quality of your condition survey depends entirely on the expertise of the surveyor conducting it. Look for RICS-qualified professionals, such as Eddisons, with specific experience in commercial property and your building type.

Professional surveyors carry appropriate indemnity insurance and work to established industry standards. Plus, they provide comprehensive reports that are clear, well-structured and include photographic evidence of significant defects.

Get expert condition survey support today

For expert guidance on commercial property condition surveys, call our experienced building consultancy team on 0113 243 0101 or complete the form below. 

Our RICS-qualified surveyors have extensive experience across many sectors and can provide the detailed assessments you need to make confident, informed decisions about your property assets.