Buying in Portsmouth or surrounding areas such as Southsea, Cosham or Hilsea? Camsure Home Surveys provides independent, RICS-accredited advice tailored to Portsmouth’s varied property types.
From Victorian terraces and ex-MoD houses to newbuilds and coastal flats, we inspect a wide range of homes across the city and suburbs. Our surveyors know the area and its construction quirks.
As a 2024 and 2025 Best UK Surveyor award recipient, Camsure delivers straightforward reports, clear findings, and practical next steps for buyers across Hampshire.
Our RICS-qualified surveyors carry out professional home surveys across Portsmouth, Southsea, Fratton, and nearby areas. Whether you’re purchasing a Victorian terrace near Albert Road or a modern flat overlooking the harbour, we provide tailored inspections suited to local property types.
We explain our findings in plain English, using photographs and clear recommendations to help you make confident property decisions. Common concerns in Portsmouth include flat roof defects, signs of coastal weathering and issues with solid wall insulation, all of which our reports are designed to highlight.
Our clients consistently rate us highly on Trustpilot, where we remain among the top-rated UK surveyors for service and clarity.
Survey costs in Portsmouth generally range from £420 to £1,550.
Pricing will vary based on:
Size and Type: Period homes and larger properties often need more detailed surveys.
Survey Choice: A Building Survey involves more time and detail than a Homebuyer Report.
We’ll always quote fairly based on your property and requirements.
Need help choosing the right survey? See our guide to survey types.
Charlotte Royce qualified as a Residential Building Surveyor and Valuer in 2018, following a career change from law into property and construction. Her early work in conveyancing and probate law, coupled with experience in post-survey defect claims, gave her a strong foundation before moving into residential surveying.
Today she combines thorough technical reporting with excellent client care, ensuring every survey is clear, accurate, and accessible.
"I believe in providing detailed, well-structured reports and supporting clients with any questions they may have. Honesty and transparency guide my work at every stage."
Charlotte Royce, Residential Building Surveyor and Valuer, Camsure Home Surveys, 2025
A clear summary of key elements of the home, helping you identify visible issues before exchange.
Learn MoreAdds a market valuation and rebuild cost, ideal for most mainstream properties.
Learn MoreA full structural review for older or altered buildings, including commentary on materials and condition.
Learn MoreAn independent valuation, often needed for Help to Buy, shared ownership or probate.
*Can be added to a Building Survey for an extra fee where eligible.
Learn More
Our local surveyor carried out a Level 3 Building Survey on this five-bedroom detached home in Fareham, requested by the prospective buyers ahead of exchange.
While the property appears modern and well maintained externally, a full RICS Home Survey Level 3 was chosen to ensure there were no overlooked issues, particularly relating to construction quality, thermal performance and any signs of movement or moisture ingress.
Our findings allowed the buyers to approach the sale with clarity and confidence.
Selecting the right survey for your property purchase is a critical step in your property journey. At Camsure Home Surveys, we provide a variety of survey options tailored to different property types and needs. Below, you'll find detailed descriptions of our survey services to help you make an informed decision.
The RICS Homebuyer Report is well-suited for properties in good condition constructed after 1930. Our certified RICS surveyor in Portsmouth visually inspects the property and provides a comprehensive report, using a 'traffic light' system for easy understanding.
This report covers not only the property's condition but also provides advice for legal matters, identifies urgent issues, offers suggestions for defects affecting the property's value and guidance on maintenance.
You can also opt for a market valuation for a nominal extra cost. This report covers environmental aspects like flooding, mining, soil types, radon presence, landfill sites and infrastructure issues such as the HS2 rail line.
Our Building Survey, formerly known as a Full Structural Survey, is ideal for properties built before 1930. It offers a detailed analysis similar to the Homebuyer Report but delves deeper into the property's condition, providing additional advice.
You can also opt for a property value assessment at a reasonable extra cost.
This report provides comprehensive suggestions for addressing problems, repairs and property maintenance, tailored to your specific concerns.
Our unbiased assessment aims to establish your property's value and may highlight areas requiring further investigation.
For Help to Buy, a specially qualified RICS registered valuer in Portsmouth assesses your home's worth, crucial for determining your financial commitment.
Please note that this valuation remains valid for three months.
Fast, efficient and professional
Our surveyor was polite and worked fast. Report was received the same day. I then had a follow‑up query which was acted on immediately. Very impressed with the whole turnaround. Very good service.
It depends on the size and condition of the property. Most inspections take a few hours, but larger or more complex homes may take longer.
Your surveyor will confirm the expected duration when they book the visit and will also give you an idea of when to expect your report.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the buyer usually arranges and pays for the survey. However, sellers can also commission their own survey if they wish.
In Scotland, the seller must provide a Home Report for potential buyers.
Not usually. If no serious issues are found, things can progress as planned. But if the survey reveals problems, it might take longer while you negotiate, arrange repairs or get further investigations.
In most of the UK, it's not required by law, but many sellers choose to get one to help avoid delays later on.
If you're in Scotland, you will need a Home Report before you can list the property for sale.
RICS surveyors follow professional standards and are fully insured. Unlike unregulated surveyors, RICS members are trained, monitored and held accountable for the quality of their work.
You can check if someone is RICS accredited by looking for MRICS, AssocRICS or FRICS after their name or by using the official RICS website to search for members and firms.
Working with a qualified RICS surveyor gives you confidence in the findings and protects you if anything goes wrong later.
Portsmouth is an historic port city on the south coast of Hampshire, known for its naval heritage, island setting and densely built urban environment. From Victorian terraces to ex‑military housing and post‑war developments, the city’s properties are as varied as its history. If you are planning to buy here, it helps to understand the unique characteristics of Portsmouth homes, the risks to be aware of and what a survey might uncover.
Portsmouth’s housing stock includes Victorian and Edwardian terraces, 20th century infill developments and post-war flats. Southsea and Old Portsmouth feature traditional properties with period detail, while the city centre has more modern and higher‑density options.
Historical Buildings and Their Features:
Local Building Materials:
Survey Findings Specific to Portsmouth:
Local Amenities:
Notable Places:
Flood Risks: Portsmouth is one of the UK’s most densely populated flood zones. Areas such as Tipner, Milton and parts of Eastney are considered at risk from tidal and surface water flooding. The Portsmouth Coastal Defence Scheme is active along vulnerable shorelines.
Radon Risks: Radon levels in Portsmouth are generally low across the city. Nonetheless, testing may still be advisable in older homes with basements or cellars.
Traffic Congestion: Traffic congestion is common on the A2030 and A3 in and out of the city, particularly during rush hour. Access points like the M275 and Eastern Road often experience bottlenecks.
Public Transport: Portsmouth has two mainline railway stations, Portsmouth & Southsea and Portsmouth Harbour, offering regular services to London Waterloo, Brighton and Southampton. Bus routes are extensive across the city.
Conservation Areas: Old Portsmouth, Southsea Seafront and parts of Mile End and North End are designated conservation areas. These areas are protected for their architectural or historical value, meaning changes to windows, roofs and facades often require approval.
Future Projects: The Tipner West regeneration scheme aims to redevelop brownfield land into housing and mixed‑use space. The Southsea Coastal Scheme continues to improve flood defences along the seafront.
According to official police data, Portsmouth has a higher crime rate than the Hampshire average. Central Southsea and the city centre see more frequent reports of anti‑social behaviour and burglary. However, some residential areas such as Drayton and East Cosham record below average rates.
Survey Recommendations: A RICS Level 2 Home Survey may be suitable for modern or well-maintained properties. Older homes, particularly those in Southsea, Milton and conservation areas, usually require a Level 3 Building Survey to properly assess structure, damp, roof condition and insulation.
Unique Survey Challenges: Surveyors often encounter unapproved alterations in converted properties. Flat conversions in older terraces may lack adequate soundproofing or fire separation. Chimney stacks and valley gutters are also common points of concern.
London stock brick and slate roofs are widespread in Portsmouth. These materials require regular repointing and tile replacement. Victorian render, often used on bay windows, is vulnerable to cracking and water ingress if not maintained. Flat roofs on some post‑war housing blocks may need more frequent inspection.
Compared to Southsea, areas like Drayton and Cosham offer more modern homes and suburban layouts with driveways and gardens. Fareham and Havant are less densely built and have slightly lower property prices. Portsmouth offers more immediate access to the coast, city facilities and rail links but with increased flood risk and tighter parking.
Looking to buy in Portsmouth? Here’s an accurate overview of the latest prices and key updates from the area.
| Property Type | Average Price | Most Common |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced | £288,644 | Yes |
| Flats | £198,847 | No |
| Semi-detached | £376,867 | No |
Source: Rightmove, August 2025
The average sold price in Portsmouth is currently around £285,890. Terraced homes are the most commonly sold, particularly in central neighbourhoods such as Fratton, North End and Southsea. Flats offer more affordable options, while semi-detached houses continue to command higher prices in quieter residential areas.
Several local schemes are contributing to housing availability and wider regeneration:
Flats in areas like Hilsea, Buckland and parts of Southsea tend to be the most affordable for first-time buyers. Many older properties may benefit from internal upgrades, so budgeting for a survey is important. Some developments around the city edge offer shared ownership, although availability can be limited.
Portsmouth continues to attract buyers thanks to its coastal setting, university presence and improving infrastructure. A home survey is always recommended to assess the condition of any property, particularly those with extensions, older construction or signs of wear.
When you’re buying, renovating or selling a property, it’s always an anxious time. We can help reduce that worry.
As RICS surveyors in Portsmouth, we’ve got the knowledge to support you in whatever property project you may have.
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Explore a selection of official RICS guides and sample reports to help you understand what to expect from your home survey.
