| Damp survey, typical UK cost | |
|---|---|
| Cost | £150 to £500 |
| MyBuilder, August 2026. About £180 to £250 for a terraced house. UK figures, not Leeds quotes. | |
A damp survey finds the type and cause of damp before you spend money on treatment. This guide sets out what a damp survey costs, using MyBuilder’s 2026 guide and Checkatrade’s older figures, and explains what you should get for your money.
How much does a damp survey cost?
| Survey or property | Typical UK cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Most damp surveys | £150 to £500 | MyBuilder, August 2026 |
| Basic survey (visual and moisture meter) | £150 to £250 | MyBuilder, August 2026 |
| Comprehensive survey (thermal imaging, borescope) | £200 to £500 | MyBuilder, August 2026 |
| Small flat | £150 to £200 | MyBuilder, August 2026 |
| Terraced house | £180 to £250 | MyBuilder, August 2026 |
| Semi detached house | £200 to £300 | MyBuilder, August 2026 |
| Detached house | £250 to £350 | MyBuilder, August 2026 |
Checkatrade’s damp survey guide gives higher figures of about £200 for a 2 bed flat, £400 for a 3 bed terrace and £600 for a 4 bed detached house, plus about £50 for a same day survey. Its prices were last updated in May 2024, so treat them as older guidance.
Extra costs
| Extra | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal imaging | £200 to £350 | MyBuilder |
| Surveyor hourly rate | £50 to £100 | MyBuilder |
| Follow up visits or extra reports | £50 to £100 | MyBuilder |
| Damp and timber survey for a lender | £200 to £600 (2024 prices) | Checkatrade |
What a good damp survey includes
- Where the damp is and how far it spreads
- Moisture readings, backed up by other evidence such as salts and the pattern of damp
- Outside checks: gutters, pointing, render, ground levels and air bricks
- Ventilation and heating, to rule condensation in or out
- A written report with photos and a clear cause
Types of damp the survey should identify
- Condensation: moisture from inside the home settling on cold walls, often with black mould
- Penetrating damp: rain getting in through walls, roofs, gutters, windows or chimneys
- Rising damp: ground moisture rising up walls without a working damp proof course
- Plumbing leaks: hidden leaks from pipes, showers or heating
A damp surveyor will often also check timber for rot and woodworm, which is why lenders sometimes ask for a damp and timber survey.
Free survey or independent survey?
Many damp proofing companies offer free surveys. The surveyor is often also selling the treatment, so a free survey can lead to a quote for chemical damp proofing whatever the cause. An independent damp surveyor charges a fee but has nothing to sell. For older Leeds stone terraces, where condensation and penetrating damp are common, a neutral opinion can save far more than it costs.
For local firms, see damp proofing in Leeds, and read about a damp survey in Leeds.
Questions people ask
How much does a damp survey cost?
MyBuilder's 2026 guide puts most damp surveys at £150 to £500. A basic visual survey is about £150 to £250, and a comprehensive survey with thermal imaging about £200 to £500.
How much is a damp survey for a terraced house?
MyBuilder gives about £180 to £250 for a terraced house and £200 to £300 for a semi.
How much is a damp and timber survey for a mortgage?
Checkatrade's guide gives about £200 to £600 for a damp and timber survey, but its prices date from 2024, so check current quotes.
Are free damp surveys worth it?
They can be useful, but the surveyor is usually also selling the treatment. For a large quote, an independent survey or a second opinion is worth paying for.
How long does a damp survey take?
Usually one to two hours on site for a typical home, followed by a written report.