Is this the right report for you?
Our RICS Home Survey Level 2 gives you a thorough visual assessment of a property’s condition, carried out by a fully qualified RICS-accredited surveyor. The report covers the main elements of the building inside and out, uses a clear traffic light rating system, and provides practical advice on repairs and maintenance, so you can make a fully informed decision before exchanging contracts.
A house, flat or bungalow built from ordinary materials (brick, block, timber-framed with brick facing) — not something unusual like a timber-framed cottage, a thatched roof, or a converted barn
A property that’s roughly in reasonable condition, without obvious signs of neglect, and hasn’t been heavily extended or altered over the years
A buyer who wants a clear, honest steer on condition, without paying extra for the much deeper structural investigation a Level 3 survey involves
If the property is older (particularly pre-1900), listed, unusually built, or has had significant work done to it — an extension, a loft conversion, exposed timber framing — our Level 3 report further down this site will suit you much better, because a Level 2 survey isn’t designed to dig into that level of technical detail.
What's in the report
A condition rating for every part of the building
This is where the famous “traffic light system” comes in. Every element — roof, chimneys, walls, windows, floors, plumbing, electrics, drainage — gets a rating:
This is designed so that even someone with zero building knowledge can flick through the report and immediately see which areas of the house need attention, without having to decode technical language.
Practical advice on repairs and future maintenance
Beyond the traffic-light score, the report explains in plain terms what any amber or red-rated item actually means, roughly what kind of work it involves, and what you should budget for as the new owner — so you’re not caught out six months after moving in.
A visual, non-invasive inspection
Your surveyor inspects everything they can safely and reasonably access — the roof space, the main structure, visible drainage, and each habitable room. They use a damp meter and a torch as standard.
An optional valuation add-on
As standard, a Level 2 survey reports on condition only. You can add a market valuation with a fee.
OUR PROCESS
How booking a survey with us works
Tell us about the property
A quick call or online form — the address, property type, and your timeline is all we need to get started.
This is also where we confirm which survey is right for the property — a standard Level 2 for a typical home in reasonable condition, or a Level 3 for anything older, listed, or structurally unusual. If you’re not sure which applies, tell us what you know and we’ll advise honestly.
We match you with the right surveyor
We match your property to a RICS-qualified surveyor with relevant local and technical experience. You’ll get a confirmed inspection date.
The inspection
Your surveyor works through the property systematically: roof space, main structure, visible services, damp readings, and every accessible room, photographing anything notable along the way.
Your report
You receive a comprehensive written report with traffic light condition ratings, a full description of construction and materials, defect analysis with probable causes, repair recommendations, risk summaries, energy commentary and if anything raises questions, your surveyor is available afterwards by phone to walk you through it.
Ongoing support if you need it
If you need clarification on a specific finding or help explaining the report to your solicitor, your surveyor remains available well after delivery — not just on the day it’s issued.
LEVEL 2 SURVEY FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a RICS Level 2 survey the same as a HomeBuyer Report?
Yes. HomeBuyer Report is the older name for the same product — RICS renamed it to “Level 2 Survey” as part of a wider standardisation of survey levels, but it’s the identical service.
Will a Level 2 survey tell me if the property is worth what I'm paying?
Not by default — a Level 2 survey reports on condition, not value. If you want a professional opinion on price, you can add an optional market valuation to your survey at the time of booking.
Does the surveyor move furniture or lift carpets during the inspection?
No. A Level 2 survey is a visual inspection of what’s reasonably accessible — the surveyor won’t move heavy furniture, lift fitted carpets or floorboards, or drill into walls. If something can’t be seen, the report will say so rather than guess at what’s underneath.
What happens if the survey finds a serious problem?
A red (Rating 3) finding doesn’t mean the sale has to fall through — it usually means getting a specialist to look at that specific issue before you proceed, or using the finding to renegotiate the price with the seller. Your surveyor can talk you through realistic next steps.
Can I get a Level 2 survey on a flat?
Yes, though for leasehold flats it’s worth telling us in advance, since the surveyor will also want to note anything relevant to shared areas, the roof (if applicable), and communal responsibilities alongside the flat itself.
How soon before completion should I book?
As soon as your offer is accepted. Booking early gives you the most time to act on the findings — negotiate, request repairs, or in rare cases reconsider the purchase — before you’re contractually committed.