RICS Home Survey Level 2
A Level 2 Home Survey, formerly called the HomeBuyer Report, is the middle of the three RICS survey products. It is a visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property carried out by a Chartered surveyor, followed by a clear written report.
What a Level 2 survey is.
Each element of the property (roof, walls, services, drainage and so on) is rated against a three-point traffic-light scale. Where a defect requires further investigation or specialist input, it is flagged with practical commentary.
What’s included.
Visual inspection
All readily accessible parts of the property, inside and out, including the roof void where safe to access.
Condition ratings
1 (no immediate action), 2 (defect, not urgent), 3 (defect, requires attention before completion).
Photographs
Every flagged item photographed and referenced in the report.
Plain-English commentary
A narrative section explaining what we found, what it means and what to do about it.
Follow-up call
A consultation with the inspecting surveyor, included.
What Level 2 does not cover.
Level 2 is deliberately scoped. It is not invasive: we do not lift fixed floor coverings, move heavy furniture, dismantle joinery or test installed services. Where any of these are a particular concern, Level 3 is more appropriate.
Level 2 vs Level 3, the practical difference.
A Level 2 survey identifies the condition of the property and any significant defects, with condition ratings and recommendations for repair. A Level 3 survey goes further: a detailed assessment of the construction, the likely causes of any defects and the remedial options available, together with budget cost guidance for significant repairs. For older, larger, altered or more complex properties, which describes much of prime London, Level 3 is usually the more appropriate choice.
The process.
Initial call
A short conversation to confirm Level 2 is the right product for this property.
Fixed-fee proposal
In writing, before instruction.
Access & inspection
We coordinate access with the agent. Inspection is typically two to three hours.
Report
Delivered as a PDF within five working days.
Follow-up call
Discuss findings, prioritise actions, plan next steps.
Frequently asked.
Is Level 2 enough for a Victorian or Edwardian house?
Generally not. For period property, listed buildings, altered or extended houses, or anything pre-1930 of typical London construction, we recommend Level 3. The additional commentary on construction and defects is where the value sits.
How long does an inspection take?
As a guide, inspections typically take around two hours for flats and approximately three hours for houses. The actual time will depend on the size, age, condition and complexity of the property, as well as the level of access available on the day.
Other services our clients ask for.
RICS Home Survey Level 3
The most detailed RICS survey available. A thorough inspection and written commentary on construction, defects, repair priorities and likely costs. Suited to…
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Independent RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer) and Level 3 (Building) surveys, prepared personally by a RICS Surveyor.
Learn more →Pre-Construction Advisory
Independent, RICS-led review of a project before construction begins. Buildability, cost plan, programme, procurement and risk, interrogated at the point where changes…
Learn more →A clear view of the property, in under a week.
Tell us the property and the exchange timeline. We send a fixed-fee proposal the same working day.