RICS Level 2 Survey
The RICS Home Survey Level 2, commonly known as a Home Buyers Report (Level 2), provides a concise overview of a property’s general condition. It is designed to highlight urgent defects and potential risks using a traffic light system to categorise risk to property defects.
Our RICS Home Survey Level 2 service provides a professional assessment of a property's condition, highlighting visible defects, potential risks and areas requiring attention. The survey helps buyers make informed decisions by identifying necessary repairs, ongoing maintenance requirements and issues that may need further investigation before purchase.
From £295 | 5day Report Delivery | Excellent Customer Service | Clear Foucsed Report | Traffic Light Condition Ratings
Professional Property Surveying, Property Valuation and Property Consultancy Services
RICS Level 2 Home Survey – Make an Informed Property Purchase
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you will make. Before you proceed with your purchase, it is important to understand the condition of the property and identify any potential issues that could lead to unexpected costs in the future.
Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a detailed, professional assessment of the property's condition, helping you make an informed decision with greater confidence. Suitable for many conventional houses, flats and bungalows built using standard construction methods and appearing to be in reasonable condition, this survey highlights defects, maintenance requirements and areas that may need further investigation.
What Does a RICS Level 2 Home Survey Include?
The survey involves a visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property, including the main building elements and relevant external areas. It typically covers:
Roof and chimney stacks: A visual assessment of accessible roof coverings, chimneys, and related components.
External walls and structure: Inspection for visible cracking, deterioration, damp-related concerns and other signs of potential defects.
Windows and doors: Assessment of their general condition, visible defects and maintenance requirements.
Internal walls, ceilings and floors: Checks for visible defects, signs of movement, dampness and other issues.
Dampness and timber-related concerns: Investigation of visible indicators of damp, timber decay and wood-boring insect activity where relevant.
Services: A visual inspection of accessible parts of the electrical installation, heating, plumbing, drainage and other services, without specialist testing.
Condition ratings: Relevant building elements are assigned condition ratings to help you understand the urgency of repairs and maintenance.
Further investigations and recommendations: Where concerns are identified, the report highlights areas that may require specialist assessment or additional investigation.
The survey also provides advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance, helping you understand the property's condition beyond its appearance.
The Benefits of a RICS Level 2 Home Survey
1. Make an Informed Buying Decision
Understand the property's overall condition before committing to the purchase, allowing you to make a decision based on professional advice rather than appearance alone.
2. Identify Potentially Costly Defects
The survey can highlight visible issues such as dampness, roof defects, cracking and deterioration that may otherwise go unnoticed during a viewing.
3. Plan for Repairs and Maintenance
Understand which elements require attention, helping you prioritise repairs and prepare for future maintenance costs.
4. Negotiate with Greater Confidence
Where significant defects are identified, the findings may help you discuss the purchase price, request repairs or seek further specialist advice before proceeding.
5. Gain Greater Peace of Mind
Buying a property can be stressful. A professional survey helps reduce uncertainty by providing an independent assessment of the property's visible condition.
Is a RICS Level 2 Home Survey Right for You?
A Level 2 Home Survey is generally suitable for conventional properties built using common construction methods that appear to be in reasonable condition. It may be appropriate for many modern homes, flats and traditional houses.
For older, unusual, significantly altered or visibly neglected properties, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey may be more appropriate because it provides a more comprehensive assessment of the building's condition and construction.
If you are unsure which survey is best for your intended purchase, we can help you choose the most suitable option for the property.
Buy with Confidence
Your future home deserves careful consideration. Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey gives you a clearer understanding of the property's condition, highlights potential concerns and provides practical recommendations to help you move forward with confidence.
Arrange your RICS Level 2 Home Survey today and take the next step towards your new home with greater peace of mind.
Level 2 Survey Case Studies
Property Type: Semi-Detached House
Survey Type: RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Issues Found: No major issues detected
Scenario: The property was a semi-detached house constructed in 2013, the property as at the time of inspection was occupied and well-maintained, the customer is an investor and wanted a RICS Level 2 Home Survey conducted for ease and peace of mind. A thorough inspection was conducted by the surveyor assessing all visible elements of the property – inside and outside, no major issues were detected. The agreed selling price £185k
Result: The buyer was rest assured after reading the observations from the report and advised that the report was well detailed and easy to read and understand.
Outcome: The buyer received a clear detailed, traffic light standard RICS Level 2 Home Survey Report
Property Type: Detached House
Survey Type: RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Issues Found: Minor defects to external timberwork and localised maintenance issues.
Scenario: The property was a detached house constructed in 2018 and was presented in generally good condition at the time of inspection. The buyer was a first-time purchaser and wanted reassurance about the property's condition before proceeding with the purchase at an agreed price of £285,000.
A comprehensive inspection was carried out by the surveyor, assessing all accessible and visible elements of the property, both internally and externally. The inspection identified minor defects to external timberwork, including areas requiring redecoration and routine maintenance. No significant structural concerns were identified within the scope of the inspection.
Result: The buyer received a clear explanation of the property's condition, including the minor defects identified and the maintenance required.
Outcome: The buyer was able to proceed with greater confidence, having received a detailed RICS Level 2 Home Survey Report with traffic-light condition ratings and practical recommendations for future maintenance.
Property Type: Mid-Terraced House
Survey Type: RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Issues Found: Defective roof coverings, deteriorated pointing and evidence of dampness to an internal wall.
Scenario: The property was a traditional terraced house constructed in approximately 1900. The buyer was a young couple purchasing their first home at an agreed price of £165,000. They requested a RICS Level 2 Home Survey to identify any defects that could affect the property's condition or result in additional expenditure after completion.
During the inspection, the surveyor identified areas of deteriorated pointing to the external brickwork, defects to the roof coverings and localised dampness to an internal wall. The report explained the potential causes, the implications of the defects and the need for further investigation where appropriate.
Result: The buyers were made aware of the property's maintenance requirements and the potential costs associated with addressing the identified defects.
Outcome: The buyers received a detailed, easy-to-understand RICS Level 2 Home Survey Report, enabling them to make an informed decision about proceeding with the purchase and budgeting for the necessary repairs.
Property Type: Purpose-Built Apartment
Survey Type: RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Issues Found: Minor defects to internal finishes, sealant deterioration and maintenance concerns affecting communal areas.
Scenario: The property was a two-bedroom apartment within a purpose-built residential development constructed in 2015. The buyer was an investor purchasing the property at an agreed price of £145,000 and wanted to understand its condition before completing the transaction.
The surveyor inspected all accessible and visible elements of the apartment, including the internal finishes, windows, doors, kitchen, bathroom and services where visible. Minor defects were identified, including deteriorated sealant around wet areas and localised damage to internal finishes. The survey also highlighted maintenance concerns affecting the communal areas, which may require clarification from the managing agent.
Result: The buyer received a clear overview of the apartment's condition, together with recommendations for routine maintenance and further enquiries regarding the communal areas.
Outcome: The buyer was provided with a detailed RICS Level 2 Home Survey Report, helping them assess the property's condition and consider the potential maintenance responsibilities associated with the purchase.
Property Type: Semi-Detached House
Survey Type: RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Issues Found: Localised cracking to external masonry, evidence of historic roof repairs and areas of deteriorated external pointing.
Scenario: The property was a semi-detached house constructed in 1955 and had been extended to the rear. The buyer was relocating for work and purchasing the property at an agreed price of £220,000. They requested a RICS Level 2 Home Survey to gain a better understanding of the property's condition before committing to the purchase.
The surveyor carried out a thorough inspection of the accessible and visible elements of the property, including the main building and rear extension. The inspection identified localised cracking to the external masonry, evidence of historic roof repairs and areas of deteriorated pointing. The report explained the significance of these findings and recommended further investigation where necessary.
Result: The buyer gained a clearer understanding of the property's condition and the importance of addressing the identified defects and obtaining further advice where appropriate.
Outcome: The buyer received a detailed RICS Level 2 Home Survey Report with traffic-light condition ratings, helping them make an informed decision about the purchase and plan for future maintenance and repairs.