Make an informed decision. Before you commit.
Acquiring a commercial property — whether on a freehold or leasehold basis — is one of the most significant decisions a business or investor can make. Yet many buyers and tenants sign on the dotted line without a full understanding of what they’re taking on. Structural defects, latent damp, failing roofs, non-compliant M&E systems, asbestos, enforcement notices — these are the kinds of issues that don’t announce themselves at a viewing.
A commercial building survey by one of our RICS chartered building surveyors gives you the complete picture. Not just condition, but context — what it means for your occupation, your obligations, your costs, and your negotiating position.
Our team regularly surveys the full range of commercial property across Hampshire, London and the wider South of England, including:
Whatever the asset type, our approach is the same: thorough, objective, and focused entirely on what matters to you as the acquirer or occupier.
Commercial building surveys for those looking to purchase the freehold of a property and gain an understanding before transacting. These will provide context on not only condition of the structure and fabric but go deeper into analysing commercial risk associated with non-compliance, energy performance and existing leases.
Commercial building surveys for prospective Tenants looking to take a new lease on a commercial premises. Typically useful for Tenants taking on Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI) leases which mean they will be responsbile for the upkeep and maintenance of the property. By conducting these surveys before signing the lease it gives awareness of defects and shortfalls in the property before you take on the liability and crucially allows for negotiating power with Landlords.
These surveys are tailored for Vendors or sellers of commercial property who wish to pre-empt a purchaser obtaining their own survey. These typically speed up the transaction of the sale and increase trust between Vendor and Purchaser. These reports are very similar in their contents and structure as a typical pre-acquisition survey and are provided on an independent basis under the RICSs standards and formal reliance from these reports can be offered to the purchaser.
A quinquennial inspection (QI) is a comprehensive survey of a church’s fabric, designed to identify maintenance issues, prioritize repairs, and provide a long-term plan for the building’s care. It helps ensure the church remains safe, structurally sound, and compliant with denominational or diocesan requirements, and it is often required for grant applications or insurance purposes.
As the name suggests these are typically required every five years.
Tailored and focused reports on specific defects offering advice around defect diagnosis and remedies.
We've included further explanation on most commonly asked questions around the commercial building surveys we produce.
Our surveys are thorough, structured inspections of the full building fabric. Depending on the property, this will typically include:
Every survey concludes with a clear, prioritised report — written in plain English, not surveying jargon — that gives you everything you need to make an informed decision or negotiate with confidence.
Ideally, before you commit to the transaction. The right time to instruct is once heads of terms have been agreed but before you exchange contracts or sign the lease. This gives you the opportunity to:
If you’re already in occupation and concerns have emerged about the condition of the building, a defect survey can be instructed at any stage. We regularly advise tenants and landlords on specific issues mid-lease — whether that’s an unexplained crack, a persistent roof leak or a failing M&E system.
Our reports are structured to be genuinely useful — not just a record of what we saw, but a tool for decision-making. You’ll receive:
| Condition ratings | Each element is assessed and rated by priority — from items requiring immediate attention to longer-term maintenance considerations. |
| Photographic evidence | Comprehensive photographs of all significant findings, including high-level imagery captured by drone. |
| Cost guidance | Indicative repair cost ranges to help you budget and, where relevant, negotiate on price or lease terms. |
| Statutory compliance notes | Clear flagging of any areas of non-compliance with current regulations and what action is needed. |
| Recommendations | Practical, prioritised recommendations so you know what to address first, what to monitor and what to negotiate. |
For most commercial buildings, we aim to carry out the physical inspection within 5–7 working days of instruction and deliver the completed report within 10 working days thereafter. Once we have inspected the property your appointed chartered surveyor will call or email a summary of findings within 48 hours so you have the most important facts well ahead of the final report being issued.
Timescales for larger or more complex properties are confirmed at proposal stage. If you’re working to a deadline — for a lease exchange or a board approval — tell us and we’ll do everything we can to accommodate it.
Whether you are looking to transact on leasehold or freehold property in the commercial sector a building survey by a chartered building surveyor in Hampshire and London is a crucial part of the process to ensure you understand the commercial building you are acquiring. Our team report on condition as well as checking for statutory compliance and other matters that may affect you over the course of your occupation and/or ownership.
Check out some of our blogs around technical due diligence and commercial building surveys for more information on why this is an important consideration in any commercial property transaction.
Yes certainly, our company is made up of Chartered Building Surveyors, all directly employed by the company, so if you contact the company one of us would be happy to have a free chat to see how we can help.
It goes beyond condition checks to include legal compliance, suitability for intended use, and potential maintenance forecasts.
Good question, and important! Its a common one and the answer is, it depends on three main variables. The size of the property, the type of survey and the location of the property. You can get a guide on our fees for different services by seeing our cost of services page by clicking here – Cost of Services
In short yes. All our surveyors are chartered building surveyors and members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) our company is also regulated by the RICS. So you will always have a chartered surveyor acting for you.
RICS Chartered Surveyors provide accurate assessments following industry standards, ensuring reliable and professional advice.
Derek completed a structural condition report for me on a hotel and I was very pleased with the quality and detail of the report.
Harry - Hive Opco Ltd
Our knowledge and experience as a RICS chartered surveyor allows us to offer valuable advice when acquiring commercial property.
We have the ability to pivot and react quickly without being tied up by internal ‘red tape’.
Our building surveyors in Hampshire and London are regular human beings and will talk through matters in a pragmatic and sensible way.
Drone inspections of roofs are used as standard on all commercial building surveys, at no additional charge.
Get an understanding of how we work with you to achieve the results required.
Lets see if we can help support you with your requirements with a friendly and informative chat.
Receive a formal fee proposal tailored to your requirements.
Once instructed we carry out our desktop review, arrange access and carry out the physical inspection in order to produce our report.
Once our report is issued, we provide follow up consultation to discuss our findings and address any questions.
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