e.surv Chartered Surveyors

e.surv Chartered Surveyors: residential valuations and surveys in the UK

e.surv Chartered Surveyors is a British company specialising in residential property valuation, surveying and risk assessment services. It has been operating since 1989 and presents itself as one of the country's largest providers in its sector, with a national network of more than 600 RICS-registered surveyors (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). The company serves both individual buyers and financial institutions and corporate clients.

Services for home buyers

The company offers a range of RICS-regulated survey reports aimed at those buying a home. These include:

• HomePlus (RICS Level 2): a digital and interactive survey, presented as the most popular, which includes a comprehensive, bespoke report on the property, with energy efficiency checks and Checkatrade links.
• RICS Level 3: a survey aimed at older properties built before 1850, those of unusual construction or with major extensions and alterations.
• Which Survey Guide: a product comparison guide illustrating the differences between the various types of surveys and a mortgage valuation.
• Valuations: independent valuation services, including remote valuation assist.
• RICS Help to Buy: reports linked to home-buying assistance programmes.
• Home reports (Scotland): reports specific to the Scottish market.
• Landlords / Buy-to-Let: services for landlords and rental investors.

The website allows you to request a quote and book online, with a process that includes entering the postcode and purchase price to obtain a quote.

Work for businesses and corporate clients

e.surv works with most UK mortgage lenders, providing them with residential valuation, surveying and risk assessment services. For the corporate sector, the company offers services to corporate clients, partnerships and products such as e.surv IQ and a dedicated new build portal. It also publishes market analysis, such as the house price indices (HPI) for England and Wales and for Scotland, a mortgage monitor and a Green Watch report.

History and structure

The history of e.surv dates back to 1989, when it was created as GA Valuations, a subsidiary of the insurer General Accident. In 1992, the valuation business was separated from the estate agency division and in 1999 it adopted the e.surv Chartered Surveyors brand. In 2000, following the merger of General Accident (then CGU) with Norwich Union, the company made its first online valuation booking. In 2004, e.surv and its sister company Your Move left Norwich Union and LSL Property Services PLC was formed, a group that continued its expansion with the acquisition of Reeds Rains Estate Agency, Homefast Property Lawyers, St Trinity Asset Management (formerly Halifax Corporate Services) and Templeton LPA. In 2006, LSL Property Services plc was listed on the UK stock exchange in a £220 million flotation. e.surv presents itself as a profitable and award-winning company within the sector.

Coverage and operational capacity

The company states that it completes the equivalent of one inspection every 25 seconds and has more than 14,000 customer reviews on Trustpilot. Its national network of more than 600 RICS-registered surveyors enables it to provide services in line with recognised professional and ethical standards. The company also runs career programmes, with more than 320 graduate hires, and offers a trainee surveyor programme.

Resources for homeowners and buyers

e.surv maintains an advice hub with guides on house buying, property maintenance, a glossary of property terms, FAQs and resources on cladding and EWS1 forms. Published informational content includes articles on ceiling cracks, home viewing checklists, conveyancing fees, types of extensions, a comparison between HomePlus and RICS Level 3, settlement prevention, period properties and the differences between freehold and leasehold.

Location and contact

Phone: 0800 169 9661 · Email: sales@esurv.co.uk