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RICS Level 2 Home Surveys
A clear assessment of a property’s condition, highlighting defects, repair needs and matters to investigate before buying. Suited to conventional homes that appear to be in reasonable repair.
What is a Level 2 survey?
A Level 2 survey is a visual inspection of the accessible parts of a property. The report combines condition ratings, photographs and practical advice to help you understand what needs attention.
It identifies significant visible problems and recommends further investigation where necessary.
Select a cover to enlarge.
Inside one of our Level 2 reports
Anonymised extracts from a Level 2 survey report.
D2 Roof coverings
D5 Windows
E3 Walls and partitions
A dedicated section for your conveyancer
Section H brings together matters for your solicitor or conveyancer to investigate, including relevant approvals, guarantees, boundaries and shared responsibilities.
Forward the full report to your conveyancer and draw their attention to ‘Issues for your legal advisers’, so they can follow up the enquiries identified.
Section H: Issues for your legal advisers
Key risks brought together
Section I summarises the risks identified to the building and people, with references back to the relevant report sections. It helps you find the concerns and recommended actions quickly, alongside the fuller explanations in the report.
Section I: Risks to the building and people
Compare the detail, not just the price
A lower fee can be attractive, but it is worth checking what the report includes. Some lower-priced services provide brief descriptions with limited explanation of the findings.
The comparison example shown here uses a generic cover photograph and shorter written sections. Our reports feature the property being surveyed, with fuller observations, supporting photographs and practical advice.
Explore both examples to compare the reporting style and level of detail for yourself.
Comparison example: not a Brighter Surveyors report
An alternative Level 2 report example
Understanding the condition ratings
- Rating 1: No repair is currently needed. Normal maintenance is required.
- Rating 2: Repairs or replacement are needed, but the defects are not considered serious or urgent.
- Rating 3: Defects are serious or require urgent repair, replacement or investigation.
Is a Level 2 survey right for you?
Generally suitable for conventionally built houses and flats that appear reasonably maintained and have not undergone substantial or complex alterations.
Examples include modern estate homes, purpose-built flats and many traditional brick-built houses. Suitability depends on construction, condition and alterations, not age alone.
Send us the property details if you would like help choosing the appropriate survey.
What your report includes
- Condition ratings for the main building elements inspected.
- Descriptions and photographs of significant visible defects.
- Advice on repairs and further investigations.
- Relevant risks to the building, grounds and occupants.
- Matters for your legal adviser, such as approvals, guarantees and shared services.
Understanding the inspection’s limits
The survey covers visible and accessible areas. We do not open up the structure, lift floor coverings or floorboards, or remove insulation and finishes. Hidden defects may therefore remain unidentified.
Services are inspected visually rather than tested. We explain any access restrictions and recommend specialist investigations where appropriate. No survey can identify every defect.
Is a valuation included?
A market valuation is not automatically included. Tell us if you need one and its intended purpose when requesting a quotation. Any agreed valuation will be recorded in your quotation and Terms of Engagement.
When to consider Level 3
A Level 3 survey may be more suitable for listed or historic buildings, unusual construction, substantial alterations, or properties with significant defects. It is also worth considering when planning major renovation.
We can explain which level suits the property and your plans.
Considering a Level 2 survey?
Send us the property details and any concerns. We will advise whether a Level 2 survey is suitable and provide a quotation, with no obligation to proceed.