Legal Requirements, Pricing & Compliance for Property Owners and Duty Holders

Asbestos is a health and safety concern present in buildings across London. Although the ban on the use of asbestos occurred in 1999, it is evident that Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) are present within residential and commercial buildings constructed prior to 2000.

Asbestos surveys are mandated by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), which is essential to fulfill the protective needs of the occupants and satisfy the requirements of the authorities.

This guide provides information on the average cost of an asbestos survey, when it is obligatory, and what is covered during the survey process.

When is an Asbestos Survey Required?

1. Commercial Buildings in Use

All non-domestic premises and common areas within residential buildings must also have an asbestos register and management plan. These include:

• Offices
• Shops
• Warehouses
• Restaurants
• Schools
• Healthcare facilities

2. Before Construction, Renovation or Servicing Works

If the building was constructed before 2000, intrusive works must not begin before an R&D (Refurbishment & Demolition) Asbestos Survey.

Examples include:

• Kitchen/Bathroom replacement
• Rewiring or plumbing upgrades
• Removing ceilings, walls, floors
• Loft conversions and structural changes

3. Prior to Demolition

A full-access Demolition Asbestos Survey is required to identify all ACMs before demolition begins.

4. When Selling or Leasing Commercial Properties

Buyers and solicitors often request asbestos documentation for due diligence.
Lack of compliance may delay transactions.

5. Landlords Managing Common Areas

Areas requiring inspection include:

• Hallways
• Stairwells
• Plant rooms
• Service ducts

Landlords must ensure continuous monitoring and updates.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failure to follow CAR 2012 may result in:

• HSE enforcement notices prohibiting work
• Significant fines and legal action
• Shutdown of projects and business operations
• Liability for exposure and illness claims

Asbestos Survey Cost in London (2025 Pricing Guide)

Prices vary based on property size, complexity, access and number of samples required.

London prices are typically 10–25% higher due to demand and access limitations.

Laboratory Testing and Sampling Costs

Domestic surveys generally require 3–10 samples.
Commercial buildings often require more depending on complexity.

Types of Asbestos Surveys

Management Asbestos Survey

• Required for occupied buildings
• Non-intrusive inspection
• Helps create/update the asbestos register

Refurbishment Asbestos Survey (R&D Survey)

• Intrusive inspections before renovation
• Occupants must be vacated in areas undergoing inspection

Demolition Asbestos Survey

• Full destructive inspection before demolition
• Property must be vacant

All survey work must comply with HSG264 – Asbestos: The Survey Guide.

What Should a Compliant Asbestos Survey Report Include?

A full report must provide:

• Detailed site inspection results
• UKAS laboratory test certificates
• ACM location drawings and photo documentation
• Material risk assessment with priority scoring
• Recommended management or removal actions
• Updated asbestos register (where applicable)

What Affects the Cost of an Asbestos Survey?

A pre-survey risk assessment is always carried out.

What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?

Not all asbestos requires removal.

Survey reports clearly prioritise required safety actions.

Duty Holder Responsibilities (CAR 2012 – Regulation 4)

Duty holders may include:

• Building owners
• Landlords
• Managing agents
• Employers controlling premises

They must:

• Maintain an asbestos register
• Monitor ACMs for condition deterioration
• Inform workers and contractors of risks
• Update asbestos management plans regularly

Book a Professional Asbestos Survey in London

Safety Spectrum London Limited
London’s trusted asbestos compliance specialists

Domestic Clients
Fast appointments, fully insured surveyors, competitive pricing

Call: +44 20 4628 6504
Book Online: www.safetyspectrumlondon.co.uk

Commercial Clients & Property Managers
Portfolio compliance, formal reporting & ongoing management support

Email: info@safetyspectrumlondon.co.uk
Request a quote: www.safetyspectrumlondon.co.uk

High-quality inspection. Clear compliance. Reliable turnarounds.
Ensure legal compliance. Protect health. Avoid costly delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an asbestos survey on a domestic property?
Only if built before 2000 and undergoing renovation/demolition.

What is the cost of an asbestos survey in London?
Generally between £220–£550 depending on size.

Difference between a management survey and a refurbishment survey?
Management = non-intrusive. Refurbishment = intrusive.

How long do results take?
1–3 business days depending on lab turnaround.

Can residents be home during the survey?
Yes for management surveys.
No for refurbishment surveys in intrusive areas.

Is every material sampled?
Sampling follows HSG264 guidelines. Where uncertain, materials may be presumed ACM.

Does asbestos always require removal?
No. Safe ACMs can be managed in place.

Do I need a survey before selling a property?
Not legally, but often requested for older buildings.

Who can conduct asbestos surveys?
Trained surveyors working to HSG264 with UKAS lab testing.

How long is a survey valid?
Indefinitely, but annual re-inspection advised when ACMs are present.