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RICS Homebuyer Surveys are a mid-level survey popular with most people buying a conventional property in a reasonable condition. They are less detailed – and less expensive – than RICS Level 3 Building Surveys but more comprehensive than RICS Level 1 Condition Reports.
A Homebuyer survey can uncover problems that may affect the property’s value and require further investigation like subsidence and damp. It includes all major parts of the property visible to the surveyor.
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey (which can be either with or without a valuation) is suitable if you are thinking of buying a conventional house, flat or bungalow, built with common building materials and appears to be in reasonable condition. It will provide you with information and advice on construction, condition and repairs.
During the inspection the surveyor will look over the roof, walls, windows, pipes, timber, and other visible aspects of the home to check for significant defects. The report provides condition ratings and advice on any repairs and on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future. Homebuyer surveys are ‘non-intrusive’ so the surveyor will check what’s visible.
The RICS Level 2 Home Survey can be purchased with or without a valuation. If you choose to have a valuation, your report includes a market value, an insurance reinstatement figure and a list of problems the surveyor considers may affect the value of the property.
The survey is usually carried out by a Chartered Surveyor who will be a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in which case he or she will have the letters MRICS or FRICS after his or her name. The RICS ensures that all its members maintain professional standards in their work.
We recommend speaking to your chosen surveyor about any concerns you have about the property up front. When choosing your surveyor, you can request to see sample reports and aim for a qualified Chartered Surveyor who is willing to answer questions before you book, to explain the type of survey you need and be willing to discuss the survey report with you.
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