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RICS Home Surveys

Which survey is right for you?

A house survey can seem like an extra cost at an expensive time but by choosing not to get a survey you are taking a large and unnecessary risk. Your new home is likely to be one of your biggest purchases so it makes sense to know exactly what you are buying. Most properties need some repairs but being aware of the extent of these can help you budget and save you from unexpected costs and disruptive works. A house survey will also let you know when a property just isn’t worth it and you should walk away.

Our reports are tailored to each property as we believe individually prepared reports are of considerably more benefit to our clients - and the feedback we receive supports this.

Choosing the right home survey to meet your needs, knowledge and experience is essential and the information below explains more about the range of surveys we offer. We like to ensure our house surveys match our clients’ expectations so if you are unsure which report you require, please contact us and Richard or Frances will guide you.

RICS Home Survey - Level 1
RICS Home Survey - Level 2

The RICS Level 1 Home Survey (previously known as an RICS Condition Report) is the most basic house survey in the range. It provides a clear and concise statement on the condition of each element of the property and details any legal issues for your solicitor to investigate. The inspection is shorter and less detailed than for other house surveys and no advice is included in the report.

The RICS Level 1 Home Survey is most suitable for newer properties and purchasers with significant experience of property.

The RICS Level 1 Home Survey follows a standard format with a paragraph on each element of the property under the sections ‘Outside the Property’, ‘Inside the Property’, ‘Services’ and ‘Grounds’. Each element is given a Condition Rating to indicate areas of particular concern and highlight where remedial works are required. Issues for your solicitor to investigate are detailed. Photos are not included and no comment is made on the local area and environment. A valuation is not included as standard in an RICS Level 1 Home Survey but this can be provided on request for an additional cost.

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey (previously known as an RICS Homebuyer Report) is our most popular house survey and is suited to the majority of properties and purchasers. The Level 2 survey includes statements on the construction and condition of each element of the property and provides advice on necessary works and further investigations. We include a large number of photographs in each survey to help illustrate our findings and the detailed survey inspection increases the chance of defects being uncovered.

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey is suitable for most properties and purchasers and is the most popular house survey among our clients.

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey follows a standard format with a paragraph on each element of the property under the sections ‘Outside the Property’, ‘Inside the Property’, ‘Services’ and ‘Grounds’. Advice is given on remedial works and further specialist investigations that are required. Each element is given a Condition Rating to indicate areas of particular concern and highlight where remedial works are required. Issues for your solicitor to investigate are detailed. Photos are included and comment is made on the local area and environment.

For an additional fee, the RICS Level 2 Home Survey can include a valuation and building reinstatement cost for insurance purposes.