RICS Home Surveys

RICS Home Survey Level 1: the most basic of the three RICS surveys and is much less comprehensive than a Level 2 or a Level 3 survey.  This is due to a Level 1  Survey comprising a limited inspection and report, and does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance.  This usually means a Level 1 Survey is best suited to conventionally built, modern dwellings in good condition, and is not suitable for older properties, or those in a neglected condition.  We provide this service on properties constructed from 2000 onwards  (subject to suitability).

RICS Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyers Survey): the middle level survey and is more comprehensive than a Level 1 Survey, but less comprehensive than a Level 3 survey.  A Level 2 Survey comprises a detailed level of inspection and report, and includes advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance. This means it suits a broad range of conventionally built properties in a reasonable condition.  This level of service can be conducted on properties built from approximately 1850 onwards (subject to suitability). 

RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Survey and Valuation):  in addition to the above description of the Home Survey Level 2 (HomeBuyers survey), a valuation and reinstatement cost is also included.

RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Building Survey):  the most comprehensive survey available.  A Level 3 Survey comprises an extremely detailed inspection and report.  This service can be conducted on any type and age property and is particularly suitable for properties in a poor condition, unique properties, significantly altered/extended properties, larger properties, or historic/older properties.

Why Have a RICS Home Survey?

Purchasing a property is a significant investment.  RICS strongly recommend you arrange an independent Home Survey prior to purchase.  This is because research states that many purchasers who do not commission an independent Home Survey, find they need to spend thousands of pounds dealing with defects that they were not aware of.  The Council of Mortgage Lenders also recommend that you arrange an independent Home Survey by your own surveyor. This is because the mortgage valuation report is mainly to assess the loan-to-value risk for the lender (not the risk for the purchaser).  Many mortgage valuations are now undertaken on a desktop or drive-by basis (meaning the property is not physically inspected).  Those mortgage valuations, which are undertaken via a physical inspection of the property, involve a very brief inspection.  Hence, a mortgage valuation report cannot be relied upon to make you aware of the many defects that a property may have.  The modest  price  of a Home Survey can save you thousands of pounds by revealing a number of costly issues and can also make you aware of future mortgageability and saleability issues, which could affect future value.  Our  Home Surveys will offer you peace of mind, because you will be able to make the most informed decision possible prior to purchase.  Renegotiation of the purchase price is also often possible.

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