What services we provide
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.
Traffic Light Condition Ratings
Every element of the property is assessed and rated using RICS’s standardised traffic light system. Rating 1 (green) means no action needed, Rating 2 (amber) flags non-urgent repairs, and Rating 3 (red) highlights serious defects requiring immediate attention before you proceed.
Repair & Maintenance Advice
The Level 2 report includes written advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance requirements. This helps you budget accurately for any work needed and understand your responsibilities as the future owner of the property.
Interior & Exterior Inspection
The surveyor inspects the inside and outside of the main building, roof space, permanent outbuildings and boundary areas. A damp meter, binoculars and torch are used as standard, and accessible concealed areas such as lofts, basements and cellars are inspected where safe to do so.
Optional Market Valuation
If you need more than a condition report, our Level 2 Survey and Valuation option adds the surveyor’s professional opinion on the property’s current market value, along with an insurance reinstatement figure, giving you everything you need in a single visit.
How we work
Discussion
Before the inspection, your surveyor will talk through any specific concerns you have about the property; such as visible cracks, damp patches or recent alterations; so these can be given particular attention during the survey.
Desktop Study
Your surveyor carries out background research on the property before attending, reviewing available information about the area, construction type and any relevant environmental or planning considerations.
On-Site Inspection
The surveyor visits the property and carries out a detailed visual inspection of all accessible interior and exterior elements, using professional equipment to assess condition, spot defects and record findings systematically.
Report Delivered
You receive a clear, structured written report with traffic light condition ratings for every major element, a summary of risks, advice on repairs and maintenance, and any recommendations for further specialist investigations.
Post-Survey Support
Once you have reviewed your report, your surveyor is available to walk you through the findings, answer questions and help you decide on next steps; whether that is negotiating on price, requesting repairs or commissioning further specialist reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the RICS Level 2 Survey — the popular mid-range choice for conventional homes in reasonable condition.
What is a RICS Level 2 survey?
A Level 2 survey is a mid-range home survey carried out by a RICS surveyor. It gives you a clear, jargon-free report on the condition of a property, flagging any obvious or significant problems and the things that may need attention. It’s the most popular choice for conventional homes in reasonable condition.
What does the survey cover?
The surveyor carries out a visual inspection of all the main parts of the property they can safely access — walls, roof, windows, ceilings, floors, services (heating, electrics, drainage) and the grounds. They report on defects, ongoing maintenance issues and anything that could affect your decision to buy. It does not involve lifting floorboards, moving heavy furniture or testing services.
What are the condition ratings?
Findings are scored using a simple traffic-light system. A rating of 1 means no repair is currently needed, 2 means a defect that needs attention but isn’t serious or urgent, and 3 means a serious or urgent problem that should be investigated or fixed as a priority. This makes the report quick to scan and easy to act on.
What’s the difference between Level 2 with a valuation and without?
The standard Level 2 (“survey only”) focuses purely on condition. The “survey and valuation” version adds the surveyor’s professional opinion of the property’s market value and, usually, an estimated rebuild cost for insurance. Choose the version with a valuation if you’d like an independent view on the price you’re paying.
Is the valuation the same as my mortgage valuation?
No. A mortgage valuation is carried out for your lender to confirm the property is adequate security for the loan — it isn’t a survey and isn’t for your benefit. A Level 2 valuation is an independent figure prepared for you, alongside a full condition assessment.
Which properties is a Level 2 survey suitable for?
It’s designed for conventional houses, flats and bungalows built from common materials and in reasonable condition. If the property is older, listed, has been heavily altered or extended, is in poor repair, or is of unusual construction, a Level 3 survey is usually the better choice.
Will the survey find absolutely everything wrong with the property?
No survey can. A Level 2 is a non-intrusive, visual inspection, so anything hidden behind walls, under floors or beneath fixed coverings can’t be assessed. The surveyor will note where they couldn’t gain access and recommend further investigation where appropriate.