RICS Level 2 Home Survey

The surveyor’s main purpose in providing
the service is to help you:

• make a reasoned and informed decision on whether or not to go ahead with buying the property;
• make an informed decision on what is a reasonable price to pay for the property;
• take account of any repairs or replacements the property needs; and
• consider what other advice to take before exchanging contracts (if the property is in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man) or concluding an offer (if the property is in Scotland).

The report covers the inside and outside of the
building, the services and the site and includes:

• details of the general condition and particular features of the property;
• condition ratings for elements of the structure of the building, the services and any garages and permanent outbuildings;
• particular points you should refer to your legal advisers;
• specific risks associated with the property;
• other relevant considerations – for example, the location, the local environment and the energy performance of the property (if this information is available).

RICS Level 2 Home Survey

RICS Level 3 Home Survey

Type of

property

Traditional houses, flats, bungalows and so on, in apparently reasonable condition .

Any residential or other property,
in any condition.

Type of service

 A shorter, less detailed report in a
standard format.

 A detailed report that is tailored
to suit your needs.

Aims of service

To help you:

• make a reasoned and informed decision on whether to go ahead
  with buying the property;
  
  
• make an informed decision on what
  is a reasonable price to pay for the property;
  
  
• take account of any repairs or replacements the property needs; and
  
  
• consider what other advice you need
  to take before exchanging contracts

To give you:

• a detailed assessment of the condition and construction of the property; and
  
  
• technical advice on any problems and work needed to put them right

Special features

Provides condition ratings for elements of the building, services and any garages and permanent outbuildings.

Provides full details of the property’s construction, materials, uses, defects, and need for future maintenance. Condition ratings for elements of the building, services and any garages and permanent outbuildings.

Valuation

Not included but can be included at an additional cost.

Not included but can be included at an additional cost.

Form of report

RICS Level 2 Home Survey which
is a compact, standard format.

RICS Level 3 Home Survey is more detailed and technical than the RICS Level 2 Home Survey.
And includes photographic evidence of defects.