RICS survey

RICS Level 2 Home Survey

A clear, structured survey for conventional properties in reasonable condition, setting out condition ratings, defects that matter and the advice you need before you commit. A RICS Level 2 Home Survey is sometimes referred to as a Homebuyer Report.

Chartered surveyor with a tablet inspecting the roofline of a modern brick semi-detached house
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Drone Roof Inspection Included

With RICS Level 3 Building Surveys

RICS Level 2 Home Survey is usually suitable for

  • Conventional houses, bungalows and flats
  • Properties built using standard construction methods
  • Homes that appear to be in reasonable, well-maintained condition
  • Buyers who want clear RICS condition ratings
  • Buyers who want significant defects identified and prioritised

Consider another service if

  • Older and period properties
  • Unusual or non-standard construction
  • Properties that have been significantly altered or extended
  • Properties in poor or visibly deteriorating condition
  • Situations where detailed defect diagnosis is required

WHAT YOUR LEVEL 2 HOMEBUYER SURVEY INCLUDES

A clear, structured assessment of the property's condition.

The surveyor inspects the accessible parts of the property and reports on what matters, using RICS condition ratings so you can see at a glance which findings need attention.

Roof & Chimneys

Roof covering, chimneys and roof spaces (where accessible)

Walls & Structure

External and internal walls, structure and foundations

Windows & Doors

Windows, doors and joinery, including operation and condition

Damp & Moisture

Damp, condensation and other moisture related issues

Internal Areas

Ceilings, floors, walls, partitions, stairs and internal features

Services & External

Services, external elements and outbuildings

Your report includes

  • RICS condition ratings
  • Significant defects identified
  • Photographic evidence
  • Advice on repairs and further investigations
  • Matters for your solicitor
  • Direct follow-up with your surveyor

WHAT A LEVEL 2 HOMEBUYER CAN HELP IDENTIFY

Everyday defects a normal house can still hide.

Most Level 2 properties are conventionally built and reasonably maintained, but even a well-kept home has defects worth knowing about. These are the everyday issues a Level 2 survey most often brings to a buyer's attention.

Serviceable tiled roof on a UK brick house with a single slipped tile and weathered chimney flashing

Roof maintenance

Minor defects such as slipped or damaged coverings, weathered flashings and localised maintenance requirements.

Light condensation on a double glazed window with a small patch of moisture staining below the cill

Damp & moisture

Visible signs of dampness, condensation and moisture-related issues that may require attention or further investigation.

White uPVC window on a UK brick house with a misted failed double glazing unit

Windows & doors

Condition of windows and doors, including glazing, seals, operation and visible deterioration.

Black uPVC gutter and downpipe on a red brick wall with localised weathered mortar pointing

External maintenance

Everyday external maintenance issues affecting walls, render, pointing, rainwater goods and other accessible elements.

Well-kept living room with a hairline ceiling crack and minor signs of wear

Internal condition

Visible defects affecting ceilings, walls, floors and finishes, including signs that may require maintenance or further investigation.

Modern wall-mounted combi boiler with tidy copper pipework in a maintained UK utility room

Services & safety observations

Visible condition of accessible services and installations, with recommendations for specialist testing where appropriate.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT LEVEL

When should I consider a Level 3 instead?

A Level 2 survey tells you the condition of the property and flags what needs attention. A Level 3 goes further, explaining why a defect has happened and what putting it right is likely to involve.

RICS Level 2 Home Survey

Conventional properties in reasonable condition

  • RICS condition ratings for the main elements
  • Significant defects identified and prioritised
  • Advice on repairs and further investigation
  • No drone roof inspection included as standard
  • No repair cost guidance included

RICS Level 3 Building Survey

Older, altered, unusual or higher-risk properties

  • A more detailed inspection and report, with greater analysis of significant defects, likely causes, repair requirements and longer-term implications.
  • Detailed defect analysis with likely causes
  • Repair cost guidance where appropriate
  • Drone roof inspection where safe, legal and operationally possible
  • Fuller commentary on maintenance and longer-term risks

What isn't included in a Level 2 Home Survey?

A Level 2 survey is a visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property. Knowing where it stops is as useful as knowing what it covers.

Where something cannot be inspected, or where what we can see suggests a closer look is warranted, the report says so and recommends the further investigation that would be proportionate.

  • Destructive or intrusive investigation
  • Moving furniture, stored goods or fitted finishes
  • Lifting floorboards or fitted floor coverings
  • Comprehensive testing of the services
  • Specialist electrical or gas testing
  • CCTV drainage investigation
  • Asbestos sampling or testing
  • A repair cost schedule
  • A drone roof inspection as standard

How it works

Your Home Survey in four simple steps

A clear, condition-rated report on a conventional home, delivered by a Chartered Surveyor you can speak to afterwards.

1

Get a quote

Tell us the property type, age and size and we'll confirm that a Level 2 Home Survey is the right choice, with a fixed quotation.

2

We inspect

An experienced Chartered Surveyor carries out a visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property using appropriate non-invasive inspection equipment.

3

Your report

You receive a clear, photographed report identifying significant defects, condition ratings, risks and recommended next steps.

4

We talk it through

Speak directly with the surveyor who inspected the property about the ratings, what they mean and how they affect your purchase.

Ready to get started?
Get a quote →

FAQs

RICS Level 2 Home Survey questions

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