Posted on 27th March, 2026
How Drone Technology is Transforming Residential Property Surveys
When buying a home, there is always an element of risk. Even the most experienced chartered surveyor can only inspect what is physically visible at the time of the survey. Hidden defects, inaccessible roof areas, and hard-to-reach elevations can all present challenges during a traditional inspection.
At Julian Wilkins & Co Chartered Surveyors, we specialise in RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Reports and RICS Level 3 Building Surveys, covering homes across the South Coast including Brighton, Worthing, Littlehampton and Portsmouth, and extending through Surrey and Sussex to London. Our focus has always been on providing detailed, accurate residential property surveys to help buyers make informed decisions.
Improving Property Surveys with Advanced Technology
For many years, we have used camera pole inspections to enhance our ability to view roofs, gutters, chimneys, and other elevated areas. This has allowed us to go beyond standard visual inspections from ground level and provide clients with greater clarity about a property’s condition.
However, residential surveying is evolving, and so are we.
All of our surveyors are now fully trained in the use of drone technology, allowing us to carry out aerial roof inspections and access areas that were previously difficult or impossible to assess from the ground.
The Benefits of Drone Surveys for Home Buyers
While we still carry ladders and use camera poles where appropriate, drones significantly enhance what we can see during a survey. This modern approach offers several key benefits:
- Improved roof inspections – Detailed views of roof coverings, chimneys, flashing, and ridge tiles
- Access to hard-to-reach areas – Including high elevations and concealed sections of the property
- Better-informed decisions – Helping buyers understand potential defects before purchase
By incorporating drones into our inspections, we provide a more complete picture of the property’s condition, helping to reduce the risk of unexpected repair costs after completion.
Reducing Risk When Buying a Property
It’s important to remember that no survey can ever be completely risk-free. Limitations will always exist, and even the best surveyor can only report on what is accessible and visible on the day.
That said, by combining traditional surveying expertise with modern tools like drone inspections, we can significantly improve the level of detail available to our clients.
This means:
- Fewer hidden surprises
- Greater confidence in your purchase
- Stronger negotiating power if defects are identified
- More accurate budgeting for future repairs and maintenance
A Smarter Approach to Residential Surveys
At Julian Wilkins & Co Chartered Surveyors, we are committed to delivering high-quality residential surveys using the latest technology available. Our investment in drone surveys reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, safety, and client service.
Whether you are buying a period property in Sussex, a coastal home in Brighton, or a flat in London, our goal is simple: to give you the clearest possible understanding of the property before you commit.
Below are some example photographs highlighting the types of defects and areas we are now able to inspect more effectively using drone technology. These include issues such as slipped or missing roof tiles, chimney defects, and areas of general roof deterioration that would be unable to see from ground level, even with a camera pole.
