What is a RICS Level 2 Home Survey?
Often referred to as a RICS Homebuyer Report, the RICS Home Survey Level 2 includes an inspection of the property and a report on its condition. The aim of the service is to provide you with the information you need to determine whether or not to proceed with the purchase and advise you on any further investigations that may be required prior to purchase.
The report uses a traffic light system to categorise the condition of the property’s elements, and the inspection covers all visible parts of the property, including a visual assessment of the services.
Why choose Murrins for your RICS Level 2 Home Survey?
At Murrins we pride ourselves on offering exception service and expertise, focusing on meeting the unique requirements of our clients and the properties we survey.
- Care & precision – Our Level 2 Home Surveys are carried out with care, and we take our time. We don’t rush through several surveys in a single day, but instead give each property the time it needs to thoroughly inspect it.
- RICS Surveyors – All of our Level 2 surveys are undertaken by RICS surveyors who have extensive experience inspecting properties in your local area.
- Quick turnaround – We issue the completed survey reports within 3-5 working days of the inspection.
- Dedicated support – Your dedicated surveyor will be your point of call throughout, and will give you a call following the inspection to update you on the initial findings, and be available to answer any questions you may have.
What our RICS Level 2 Home Surveys Cover
Our RICS Level 2 surveys meticulously cover all visible parts of the property.
- Commentary on all parts of the building fabric, including roof, walls, floors and finishes.
- Damp readings and commentary on mould and the risk of mould based on the construction of the property.
- Recommendations on further investigations required.
- An inspection of the service installations and commentary on any visual issues.
- Opinions regarding the regulatory compliance of the property and its visible installations.
We received the report just three days after the survey and were really impressed by how detailed and thorough it was. It included photos showing the issues the surveyor had identified, along with really useful explanations and recommendations.
Alex also called us after the inspection to talk us through the main findings, which was incredibly helpful and gave us a much better understanding of the property before receiving the full report.
We were really impressed with the whole service and would definitely recommend Murrins to anyone buying a property. A special thanks to Alex for doing such a thorough job!
Laurence was warm, personable, punctual, and very thorough. Laurence exceeded our expectations both in terms of turnaround time and the professional quality and presentation of the report. Most importantly, we felt genuinely supported throughout the entire process, which made what could have been a stressful situation far more manageable. Ann & Jen
Laurence called me straight after the inspection to flag an important finding and explained it in plain terms, which really helped me understand the situation.
Thanks to his survey, we were able to raise the right enquiries through our solicitor and feel reassured moving forward with our purchase.
I would highly recommend Laurence to anyone looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and supportive surveyor.
RICS Home Surveys Compared
There are different types of surveys provided, offering differing levels of detail. The two that we offer are RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Reports, and RICS Level 3 Building Surveys.
A RICS Home Survey Level 2 provides an assessment of the condition of a property using a traffic light system to categorise the condition of the various elements in the property.
A RICS Home Survey Level 2 is most appropriate for new houses, that are of typical construction and are in good condition.
| Service | Level 2 Home Survey | Level 3 Home Survey |
|---|---|---|
| Description of construction and condition of property. | ||
| Aims to identify problems that need urgent attention. | ||
| Aims to identify things that may need further investigation. | ||
| Aims to highlight anything that may be dangerous. | ||
| Aims to show any potential defects before a transaction takes place. | ||
| Makes recommendations on if further advice is required. | ||
| Enables you to budget for any repairs. | ||
| Aims to advise on any ongoing maintenance that may be required. | ||
| Aims to establish how the property was constructed, what materials are used, and how these will perform in the future, | ||
| Aims to describe visible defects and identify potential hidden defects. | ||
| Aims to outline options for repair and gives timelines for repair where appropriate / possible. | ||
| Provides specific comment on energy efficience. | ||
| Where agreed beforehand, and subject to additional fees, provides an estimate of costs for remedial works. |
FAQs – RICS Level 2 Home Surveys
Read some of the most common questions from people looking a RICS Level 2 Home Survey
A RICS Homebuyer Survey, sometimes referred to as a Level 2 survey, will involve a visual inspection of all visible parts of the building, including roofs, walls, floors, ceilings, and services.
The report will categorise the condition of each part using a traffic light system, marking elements as green, amber, or red, depending on the urgency of the problem.
Green means there are now current issues.
Amber means there are issues but they do not require urgent attention.
Red means there are issues requiring urgent attention.
A Homebuyer Survey can also include an independent market valuation of the property at an additional cost.
The cost a RICS Homebuyer Survey will depend on several factors, including the size and nature of the property, the condition of the property, and if any additional services such as a market valuation are to be included.
Typically, costs range from around £475- £1,200 based on the factors stated above.
We offer a fixed-fee quotation on all building surveys, and so if you would like a no-obligation quote, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The majority of services in a building are concealed within the property's construction. However, the surveyor will inspect those parts that are visible and highlight any obvious concerns or defects.
The Home Survey Level 2 will not comment on the efficiency or safety of electrical, gas or other energy services, as such assessments can only be carried out by suitably qualified electricians and gas engineers.
In cases where further investigation into the efficiency and safety of services is required, the building survey report may make recommendations for further investigation.
The decision on whether to get a RICS Building Survey (Level 3 Survey) or a RICS Homebuyer Survey (Level 2 Survey), is usually based upon the property's age and condition.
A RICS Building Survey is most appropriate where:
- The property is older than 40 years.
- Is likely to have defects.
- Has been adapted or converted.
- Or is of non-traditional construction.
A RICS Homebuyer Survey (Level 3 Survey) is most appropriate for properties which:
- Are relatively new.
- Are in good condition and not expected to have any defects.
- Are of traditional construction, i.e. brick walls and timber framed roofs.
- Have not been adapted.
If you are unsure which type of RICS property survey is most appropriate for you, please contact us, and we will be happy to make a professional recommendation.
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete the inspection, after which the report will then be prepared.
The length of the inspection will depend on the size and complexity of the building, as well as how many issues are found.
Our Level 2 surveys are only carried out by qualified RICS surveyors who have undertaken hundreds of RICS Home Surveys of properties of all kinds across London and the South East of England.
Want to know more about RICS Home Surveys?
The RICS has produced consumer guidance covering the various property survey types. The guidance is written in layman’s terms and helps give consumers an understanding of the details of each survey option.
Want to know more about RICS Home Surveys?
The Inspection Process
During the inspection, our surveyors meticulously examine the main building and permanent outbuildings, recording construction details and visible defects. While we aim to cover as much of the property as possible, limitations are outlined in the report when certain areas are not physically accessible.
To maintain the integrity of the building, our surveyors do not force or open up the fabric of the structure. However, we utilise equipment such as damp meters, binoculars, and torches to ensure a thorough examination. In cases where access is restricted, the surveyor may perform parts of the inspection from ground level or adjoining public property.
The Report
Our detailed report provides an objective description of the property’s condition, highlighting defects and providing condition ratings for various elements. Condition ratings range from R (documents to request before signing contracts) to 1 (no repair currently needed). The report also includes advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Services to the Property
While services are generally hidden within the construction, our visual inspection covers visible parts. We do not conduct specialist tests but provide a comprehensive overview of visible services. The inspection does not assess the efficiency or safety of electrical, gas, or other energy sources.
Outside the Property
Our surveyors inspect boundary walls, fences, permanent outbuildings, and shared areas. For properties with swimming pools and sports facilities, these are treated as permanent outbuildings.
Dangerous Materials and Environmental Issues
We do not make specific enquiries about contamination or environmental dangers but may recommend further investigation if an issue is suspected. The surveyor assumes no harmful materials have been used in construction unless identified during the inspection.
Energy Performance
While we do not prepare the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), we check for discrepancies between the EPC and the property, explaining implications where necessary.
Legal Advisers and Risks
We do not act as legal advisers but may identify issues for legal advisers’ consideration. Risks related to the building, grounds, or safety are summarised in this section.
Book a RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Ready to book your RICS Level 2 Home Survey? Get in touch with our friendly, professional team. We offer free, no-obligation quotations, and provide expert advice on your survey options, so get in touch today.
