French & English Building Surveys from Bilingual RICS Qualified Yorkshire Surveyor

The Property Questions That Save You Money

Navigating property surveys shouldn't be complicated.

Find clear answers to common questions about our services in England and France.

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25+

Years of
experience

Knowledge That Protects Your Investment

We understand that property surveys and valuations can seem complex, especially when navigating different countries' practices.


Did you know that asking the right questions before purchasing can help you avoid the most common and costly property mistakes?



Our comprehensive FAQ section addresses the most common questions we receive about our services, processes, and expertise. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.

About MKN Surveyors

  • Who are MKN Surveyors?

    MKN Surveyors is a family-run chartered surveying firm founded by Matt and Kay Noble in 2016. We specialise in building surveys and valuations in both England and France, with offices in Yorkshire and the Tarn region.

  • What qualifications do you have?

    Matt Noble holds HND Rural Resource Management, BSc Hons. Estate Management, is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), a Certified Heritage Building Surveyor, and an RICS Registered Valuer. He is one of only a handful of RICS Certified Historic Building Professionals worldwide.

  • Are you regulated?

    Yes, we are fully regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and carry comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII).

  • How do you operate in France post-Brexit?

    Matt holds Irish citizenship, which enables us to continue operating seamlessly throughout Europe despite Brexit restrictions.

  • Do you work with estate agents?

    Yes, we work with estate agents in both England and France, though we always maintain our independence to ensure unbiased assessments for our clients.

Understanding Our Survey Services

  • What's the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 surveys?

    A Level 2 survey (Homebuyer Report) is suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition, providing a traffic light rating system for different elements. A Level 3 survey (Building Survey) is more comprehensive, ideal for older, unusual, or complex properties, offering detailed analysis and recommendations.

  • How long does a survey take?

    Most residential surveys take 3-4 hours on site, with larger or more complex properties requiring longer. We deliver the full report within days of completing the survey.

  • Are you regulated?

    Yes, we are fully regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and carry comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII).

  • What does a building survey include?

     Our building surveys examine all accessible parts of the property, including structure, roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, drainage, and services. We identify defects, explain their significance, and provide recommendations for repairs or further investigation.

  • Do you use drones for roof inspections?

    Yes, we utilise drone technology when appropriate to inspect roofs and other hard-to-reach areas, providing detailed visual evidence without the cost of scaffolding.

  • How much does a survey cost?

    Survey costs vary depending on property size, value, location, and complexity. We provide transparent quotes based on your specific property and requirements. Contact us for a personalised quote.

Navigating French Property Matters

  • What's the difference between French diagnostics and your building surveys?

    French diagnostic reports (Dossier de Diagnostic Technique or DDT) are legally required documents covering specific aspects like energy efficiency, asbestos, lead, and termites. However, they don't assess overall condition or structural integrity. Our building surveys provide comprehensive assessments of the property's condition, structure, and potential issues that could affect your enjoyment and investment.

  • Do you provide reports in French?

    Our reports are provided in English, as we primarily serve English-speaking clients purchasing in France. However, we can recommend translators if you need documentation in French for specific purposes.

  • How do French properties differ from English ones?

    French properties often feature different construction methods, materials, and approaches to issues like damp prevention. Regional building traditions vary significantly across France. Our surveys help you understand these differences and their implications for maintenance and renovation.

  • Can you help with renovation projects in France?

    Yes, we offer project management services for French renovations, helping international owners navigate local practices, regulations, and contractor relationships to avoid the budget overruns that plague many renovation projects.

  • Do you cover all of France?

    We provide services throughout France, with particular focus on popular regions for international buyers including Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

About Our Valuation Services

  • What types of valuations do you provide?

    We offer various valuation services including Help to Buy valuations, shared ownership valuations, probate valuations, matrimonial valuations, asset valuations, and capital gains tax valuations.

  • Are your valuations legally recognised?

    Yes, our valuations are conducted by RICS Registered Valuers in accordance with the RICS Red Book standards, making them acceptable for legal, financial, and tax purposes.

  • How do you determine a property's value?

    We consider multiple factors including location, size, condition, comparable sales, market trends, unique features, and potential for improvement. Our valuations combine physical inspection with comprehensive market analysis.

  • How long does a valuation take?

    Most residential valuations take 1-2 hours on site, with the full report delivered within days.

  • Can you value unusual or unique properties?

    Yes, our expertise includes valuing non-standard, historic, and unique properties in both England and France where standard valuation methods often fall short.

Working With Us

  • How do I book a survey or valuation?

    Contact us by phone, email, or through our website enquiry form. We'll discuss your requirements, provide a quote, and arrange a convenient appointment time.

  • Do you require payment upfront?

    In line with other surveying practices, payment for services is typically required before survey commences.

  • What information do you need from me?

    For most services, we need the property address, your contact details, the type of service required, and any specific concerns you have about the property. For surveys of properties being purchased, estate agent details are also helpful.

  • How quickly can you conduct a survey?

    We typically schedule surveys within 1-2 weeks of enquiry, depending on location and availability.

  • What happens after the survey?

    You'll receive a comprehensive report within days, and we're available to discuss the findings and answer any questions you might have.

Still Wondering About That Strange Crack or Damp Patch?

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