RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey
Your next home is one of your most important purchases. Get the facts before you commit with a RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey offering a clear, reliable overview of a property’s condition and key issues you should know about before exchange.
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What is a Level 2 Homebuyer Survey?
A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey (previously known as a Homebuyer Report) is a professional property inspection designed for conventional homes that are in reasonable condition and built from standard materials. It gives you a clear picture of the property’s condition, highlights any significant defects, and helps you make an informed decision before exchange.
Suitable for:
Buyers who want practical condition advice without the price of a full structural survey
Houses, flats, and bungalows built in the last ~100–130 years
Properties that appear in good or fair condition
What’s Included in the Survey
Visual Inspection
A qualified RICS surveyor conducts a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas, inside and out — without moving furniture or lifting fixtures. The survey covers:
Services (water, heating, gas and electrical – visual checks only)
Roof, chimneys, gutters and external walls
Ceilings, floors, stairs and internal walls
Windows, doors and joinery
Roof void and visible loft spaces (where safe to access)
Timber and damp issues (using moisture meters where appropriate)
External grounds, permanent outbuildings and boundary walls
How It Works
- Get a quote – Tell us about the property you’re buying.
- Book your survey – We’ll arrange a date to inspect the property.
- Survey inspection – A RICS surveyor inspects the home and prepares your report.
- Receive your report – Delivered clearly, usually within a few working days.
- Next steps – We can talk through findings and advise on concerns.
FAQs
Q1. What is a RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey?
A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is a mid-level property inspection designed for conventional homes that appear to be in reasonable condition. It identifies significant defects, urgent issues, and matters that may affect value.
The report uses the RICS traffic-light condition rating system to help you clearly understand the severity of any issues identified.
Q2. What type of property is suitable for a Level 2 survey?
A Level 2 survey is generally suitable for:
- Properties of traditional construction
- Homes built within the last 100–130 years
- Properties that appear to be in reasonable condition
- Flats, houses and bungalows of standard design
If the property is older, altered, unusually constructed, or appears to be in poor condition, a Level 3 Building Survey is often more appropriate.
Q3. What does the survey include?
The survey includes a visual inspection of accessible parts of the property, including:
- Roof coverings, chimneys, gutters and external walls
- Ceilings, floors, internal walls and joinery
- Windows and external doors
- Loft spaces (where safe access is available)
- Damp readings where appropriate
- Permanent outbuildings and grounds
- A visual inspection of services (no testing)
All findings are reported using RICS Condition Ratings (1–3).
Q4. Does the Level 2 survey include a valuation?
A market valuation and insurance reinstatement cost can be included as an optional extra.
If you require a valuation for negotiation or reassurance purposes, this can be added at the time of booking.
Q5. Does the survey test electrics, gas or plumbing?
No testing of services is carried out.
The surveyor will visually inspect accessible parts of the installations and report any obvious concerns. If further investigation is considered necessary, this will be recommended in the report.
Q6. How long does a Level 2 survey take?
Most inspections take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
The written report is typically delivered within a few working days of the inspection.
Q7. Will the survey identify damp or structural issues?
If visible signs of damp, movement or structural concerns are present at the time of inspection, these will be reported.
However, the survey is non-intrusive. Furniture is not moved, floor coverings are not lifted, and concealed areas cannot be inspected.
Q8. Can I renegotiate the price after a Level 2 survey?
Yes. If significant defects are identified, the report can be used to support price renegotiation or to request that issues are addressed prior to exchange.
Many buyers use the findings to make informed decisions about repair costs and overall risk.