RICS Level 2

Home Buyer Survey

A RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is a type of property survey carried out by a qualified surveyor who is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It is one of the more common surveys chosen by buyers, especially for relatively modern or standard homes.

Here’s what you can expect from a RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report:

1. General Overview

  • A RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report provides an assessment of the property's condition and highlights any major defects or issues that could affect its value or future use.

2. Visual Inspection

  • The survey is typically a visual inspection of the property, meaning the surveyor will look at all accessible areas, but they won't move furniture or dig into walls.

3. Key Areas Covered

  • Structural Condition: The surveyor will check for any major structural issues, such as cracks or subsidence.

  • Roof, Walls, Windows, and Doors: It includes checking the condition of external elements like the roof, gutters, windows, and doors.

  • Electrical and Plumbing: The survey will point out any obvious issues related to electrical systems, plumbing, and heating, although it’s not as detailed as a specific electrical or plumbing inspection.

  • Damp and Timber: It will identify any signs of damp, rot, or timber pests that might cause long-term damage.

4. Advice on Repairs and Maintenance

  • It will provide advice on necessary repairs and general maintenance to keep the property in good condition.

5. Valuation

  • It can also include an estimated market value of the property (but this is not the same as a full valuation report).

6. Risk Factors

  • It will point out any risks that may be involved, such as flood risk or issues that could affect the property’s insurance.

7. Recommendations

  • The survey will list recommended actions for repairs or further investigations, such as if a specialist should check a specific area more thoroughly (e.g., if there is suspected dry rot).

Who is it suitable for?

  • Buyers of newer or standard properties who need a detailed, but not overly technical, overview of the condition.

  • It’s also useful if you want to know about potential issues without spending as much as a more thorough building survey (Level 3).

While the RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is quite thorough, it’s still important to note that it does not include detailed testing of systems, and it's not as comprehensive as a building survey. If you’re buying an older home or one that may need significant repairs, you may want to consider a Level 3 Building Survey instead.