What’s the Cost of a Commercial Building Surveyor?
Whether you're acquiring a new property, managing an existing portfolio or entering into a lease agreement, understanding the costs involved in appointing a commercial building surveyor is key.
But as with many professional services, the answer isn't always straightforward. The cost can vary depending on the type of survey, the complexity of the property and the level of expertise required.
In this article, we’ll break down what influences pricing, typical ranges you can expect and why investing in a commercial building surveyor is often a wise business decision.
What factors influence the cost?
Several factors impact the cost of hiring a commercial building surveyor:
Type of service required: A simple defect diagnosis or schedule of condition will generally cost less than a full pre-acquisition survey or contract administration service.
Size and complexity of the property: Larger, multi-storey buildings or those with specialist features (such as plant rooms or mezzanines) require more time and expertise to assess.
Value and duration of a project: Higher value projects for longer durations require significant time allocation and more involvement.
Location: Properties in major cities like Manchester may attract different pricing to those in rural areas, depending on accessibility, market demand and travel.
Urgency: If you need a report turned around quickly, an expedited service may incur a higher fee.
Typical pricing ranges
While prices can vary, here’s a general idea of what you might expect in the UK:
Schedule of Condition: £750 – £1,500+
Pre-Lease or Pre-Acquisition Survey: £2,000 – £3,000+
Defect Diagnosis Report: £750 – £1,500+
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM): £2,000 – £5,000+ (depending on scale)
These figures are ballpark estimates and should be treated as such. At Ivy Lees, we provide clear, itemised quotes based on your specific requirements – with no hidden fees.
Is it worth the investment?
Absolutely. A commercial building survey can help identify costly repairs, structural issues or lease liabilities before they catch you off guard.
For tenants, it can inform negotiations and reduce dilapidations risk. For landlords and developers, it supports long-term planning and asset protection. In many cases, the cost of a survey is recouped through avoided expenses or stronger contractual positioning.
Do you need a commercial building surveyor?
Whether you are looking for expert advice from a commercial building surveyor or tailored consultancy support, Ivy Lees Building Consultancy is here to help.
We specialise in tailored consultancy for landlords, tenants, developers, and funders. We understand that every property – and every client – is different. That’s why we offer clear communication, timely reporting, and transparent pricing with no surprises.
You can email us at hello@ivylees.co.uk to arrange a consultation or send us a message via LinkedIn. If you’d like to drop in, we are based in central Manchester and would be happy to discuss how we can support your project.