SDL Surveying Avis 

I had a scheduled appointment for a property survey, and as the homeowner, I answered the door to meet Alex, the surveyor. From the outset, no identification was presented, which immediately raised concerns.

After some initial questions about the property, Alex stated he would proceed with the survey and mentioned he would need to take measurements outside. I agreed and explained I would remain nearby in case anything was needed. However, he responded in a dismissive and sarcastic manner, implying that I intended to follow him around closely, which was not the case. I attempted to clarify, but his tone remained abrupt and unprofessional, making me feel uncomfortable in my own home.

Throughout the visit, his attitude was consistently hostile and dismissive. At one point, while I was simply attempting to wipe down the sink surface, he abruptly questioned why I was doing so and insisted there was no need — effectively telling me what to do in my own home rather than responding with basic courtesy or patience.

When I asked if he had finished at one stage, he responded abruptly with a stern look and a sharp “um no,” which further contributed to the tense and uncomfortable atmosphere.

I also politely requested that any photos taken inside the property be handled with some consideration for privacy, such as angling away from clutter where possible. This was met with curt and unprofessional responses rather than a calm explanation.

A particularly concerning issue arose when he left the property during the survey process and placed the front door on the latch without my knowledge or consent. As a homeowner — and someone whose property has previously been burgled — this caused immediate concern and distress. I went to check the door feeling alarmed, only to find that he had done this to take external measurements. When I asked, he responded abruptly rather than acknowledging the concern or apologising.

At another point, he appeared to slow down and look over a stack of my personal mail, which I found intrusive and inappropriate.

I had also informed him during the visit that I had an interview. Following this, his demeanour appeared to shift, and he began asking questions about the interview in a way that felt unnecessary and intrusive. This sudden change in tone came across as insincere and inconsistent with his earlier behaviour, reinforcing the overall impression of an unprofessional and uncomfortable interaction.

Additionally, I disclosed during the visit that my father had recently passed away and apologised for any clutter. This was met with no acknowledgement or basic human courtesy, which further contributed to the overall lack of empathy and professionalism demonstrated throughout the interaction.

Overall, there was a clear lack of professionalism, courtesy, respect, and basic empathy throughout the interaction. The tone and manner of the visit left me feeling uncomfortable and questioning whether I was being treated fairly. Regardless of intent, the level of conduct demonstrated was not acceptable.

As a homeowner, I expect to feel safe and respected within my own property. Unfortunately, this experience fell well below that standard.

I would not recommend this service based on this interaction and strongly suggest that the company reviews its standards of professionalism, communication, and respect when dealing with clients in their homes.

I would appreciate confirmation that this matter will be investigated and that appropriate action will be taken. Specifying what specific action to be taken detailed here on trust pilot for all to witness if this is to be received with the weight and seriousness of the matter required.

Shocking, the guy came over to value the house and was incredibly rude to my partner and made her feel extremely uncomfortable in her own home. Should really up the level over customer service when coming to peoples houses

The guy who came round was very down to earth and ultra professional. He was very chatty with the wife and was just a normal bloke doing his job with no airs and graces at all. He knew his stuff, was very knowledgeable about the area and was in and out in no time at all. Never minded the dogs too which was good. Thanks SDL, top service

Very respectful. check throughly and done quickly too

The surveyor turned up on time and briefed me on the process. He asked a few questions and was very polite.
He looked around the house and took measurements and photos where they were needed.

On time, quick and easy.

A very nice, polite surveyor who carried out the valuation promptly.

Nice gent who viewed and valued my property.

All good, polite and professional

A survey was organised with sdl through nationwide. Communication with them was good through a message system then a phone call to rearrange the date given as I would be at work through the week. The next available saturday was organised and a time given. Dean turned up at exactly the time slot given, was friendly and went about his job with no worries. A mesage was then sent out the next day saying the survey had been handed over to nationwide. All in all a good experience.

Fast and efficient service, arrived when he said he would.

Tanya was lovely, came and carried out the survey to the property. Very kind and polite

Paul called prior the survey taking place to make me aware he was attending and to give him a call back on that number if I had any questions once I'd received the report back. The report was efficient and detailed and Paul Fieldson was happy to answer any questions when I did call back.
Would recommend again,

I had a visit from Gareth Leeman at SDL Surveying today for my remortgage valuation. He was absolutely brilliant—very professional and polite. He made the whole process quick and stress-free, which I really appreciated. Gareth is a fantastic representative for SDL and I’d highly recommend him

I recently purchased a large (and expensive) property and decided to invest in a Level 2 survey for peace of mind. It cost around £1,000 — but unfortunately, it turned out to be money wasted.

The report came back stating there were no concerns. Naturally, I felt reassured and moved in expecting everything to be in good condition.

That couldn’t have been further from the truth.

Since moving in, I’ve discovered multiple issues that were completely missed. The most serious is significant damp in my son’s bedroom coming from the roof. A builder has since confirmed this is a long-standing issue and should absolutely have been identified during the survey.

What’s worse:

* The survey report explicitly states there were no issues with the roof or chimney.
* The previous owner confirmed that a prior buyer had flagged this exact issue in *their* survey before pulling out.

So this was clearly not a new or hidden problem.

I raised this with SDL, providing evidence, but they have done everything possible to avoid taking responsibility. It feels like they’re quick to take your money, but the actual inspection is superficial at best. I’ve even been told the surveyor barely entered the loft — despite it being fully boarded and easily accessible.

I am now pursuing this through the small claims court on my solicitor’s advice.

I’m sure I’ll receive a standard corporate response directing me to their complaints process — which I am already following — but I want to warn others:

If you’re considering using SDL, please think again.

This experience has been incredibly stressful and costly, and it could have been avoided with a thorough, professional survey.

Avoid.

Had the pleasure of dealing with Leanne G from SDL twice now for level 2 home buyers surveys and we are blown away with the amount of time Leanne spent going through queries surrounding the survey months after she completed her property report. She is a credit to your company and I can honestly say if I’m ever in a position to need a home buyers report in the future, I would only go back to SDL with the service we received from Leanne alone.

The company were very flexible and offered an earlier appointment time to suit our circumstances.
Surveyor was friendly and professional. It was very informative as he explained how the survey was completed

Lindsey came to survey the house and was absolutely fantastic. She had such a professional and kind manner in all that she did, she was thoughtful considerate and exceptionally polite. She was great in making sure she worked round our baby napping. We couldn’t recommend her services more!
What a joy she was welcoming her into our home. We felt in very good hands.
Thank you

Great service thanks 🙏