StructuralEngineer.ie's summary of published 2026 figures: a pre-purchase structural survey in Dublin typically costs €400–€800, with a standard three-bed semi or two-bed apartment usually around €445–€500. Larger, older and period houses, or houses with obvious defects, cost more because the inspection takes longer.
Structural survey cost is a small line in a Dublin purchase. It’s separate from the lender’s valuation (typically €150–€185), which protects the lender, not you. The ranges below come from published Irish guides, listed under Sources.
Typical costs at a glance
| Property | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Apartment or standard 3-bed semi | €445–€500 |
| Standard house, general range | €400–€800 |
| Large, period or visibly defective house | Upper end of range or above |
| Standalone report on a specific defect | €600–€1,200 |
What the survey covers
A structural survey is a visual, non-invasive inspection of everything safely accessible on the day:
- Roof structure, from the attic where there’s access
- External and internal walls for cracking, bowing and alterations
- Floors for sagging, slope and removed supports
- Chimneys and breasts
- Extensions and conversions, checked against the paperwork
- The site: trees, drains and retaining walls near the house
You get a written report with photos, the likely cause of each defect, how serious it is, and what to do before you sign.
What it doesn’t cover
Floors aren’t lifted, finishes aren’t removed, and services aren’t tested. Anything that couldn’t be seen is listed, with what it would take to check it. A clear statement of limits before you book is the sign of a good survey. Complaints about surveys usually come from limits that weren’t explained.
What changes the price
- Size and age. Period houses with basements take longer
- Visible defects. Cracking or movement needs mapping and diagnosis
- Alterations. Every removed wall, attic room and extension is checked against the paperwork
- Timing. Very short notice can limit availability
Bottom line
Budget €400–€800 for a structural survey in Dublin, typically around €445–€500 for a standard semi. Ask for the inspection limits in writing before booking. For a fixed fee and a date that suits your closing timeline, call 01 270 9764.
Want a fixed fee for your job? Call 01 270 9764.
Callback the same working day. Fixed fee confirmed in writing before the visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is a structural survey worth it on a new-ish house?
For a house under ten years old with a structural warranty and no alterations, a building survey or snag list is often enough. Get a structural engineer if there is visible cracking, a removed wall, an attic room or an extension without paperwork.
Who pays for the structural survey?
The buyer, before contracts are signed. It's separate from the lender's valuation, which protects the lender, not you, and typically costs €150–€185.
Can I get a structural survey after going sale agreed?
That's the normal time, between sale agreed and signing contracts. Book early, because a tight closing date leaves little room to act on the findings.
Sources
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