A Level 2 Home Survey to the RICS Home Survey Standard, for homebuyers who want a clear picture of a property’s condition before they commit.

Is this the right survey for you?

A Level 2 Home Survey suits most conventional houses and flats in reasonable condition. It gives you an overview of the whole property, flags the things that need attention, and tells you what to do about them.

It is likely to be right for you if:

• You are buying a conventional house, bungalow or flat built in the last 100 years
• The property appears to be in fair condition and has not been heavily altered
• You want an independent opinion on the whole building, not just one problem
• You want to understand repair priorities before exchange, and use them in negotiation if needed

It may not be the right choice if the property is very old, unusual, in poor condition, or has been extensively altered. In those cases a Level 3 Building Survey from an RICS surveyor is usually more appropriate. If your concern is a specific crack or signs of movement, our Specific Structural Inspection or General Structural Inspection will give you a more detailed answer on the structure.

What the survey covers

The Level 2 survey is a visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property, inside and out. It includes:

• Roof coverings, chimneys, gutters and rainwater goods, viewed from ground level and accessible windows
• External walls, render, pointing and damp proof course
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Roof space, where there is safe access
• Internal walls, ceilings and floors
• Visible signs of damp, rot and timber defects
• Visible signs of cracking, movement or structural distress
• A visual check of services, without testing
• Grounds, boundaries, outbuildings and garages

Each element is given a condition rating from 1 to 3 so you can see at a glance where the priorities are.

What it does not cover

• Services are not tested and no opinion is given on their safety or efficiency
• No opening up, lifting of floorboards, or moving of heavy furniture
• Areas that are not safely accessible on the day
• Areas hidden by fitted furniture, floor coverings or stored items
• A valuation is not included
• Specialist reports, such as damp and timber, drainage or electrical, may be recommended where needed

The report says clearly where something could not be inspected and why.

How it works

1. Complete the enquiry form with the property address and a Rightmove link if you have one. We reply with a fixed fee quote within one working day.
2. Sign the terms of engagement online. Pam then arranges access with the agent or seller and confirms your appointment.
3. The inspection takes around two to three hours depending on the size of the property.
4. Your report is emailed to you within five working days.