(Formerly called the RICS Condition Report).  

Choose this report if you're buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow built from common building materials and in reasonable condition.  It is typically recommended for properties built within the last fifty years. 

This service includes:

• a visual inspection that is less comprehensive than the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 and the RICS Home Survey – Level 3
• clear ‘traffic light’ ratings of the condition of different parts of the building, services and the grounds, showing problems that may require varying degrees of attention
• a summary of risks to the building, people and grounds and
• an assessment of the relative importance of the defects and problems.

No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken.  No inspection of the drains is  included, and the inspection includes just a basic visual inspection of the roof space. 

The RICS Home Survey – Level 1 does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance and it does not include a valuation. 

The RICS consumer guide to home surveys gives more information on the different survey types.

(Formerly called the RICS Homebuyer's Report)

The Level 2 survey is more extensive than the Level 1 and is available with or without a valuation.

The Level 2 Home Survey includes:

• a more extensive Inspection of the property than for the RICS Condition Report

• a detailed Report based on the inspection;

• and a Valuation, which is an optional part of the report

Our surveyors aim to give you professional advice to help you to: 

1. make a reasoned and informed decision on whether or not to go ahead with buying the property;

2. a list of problems that the surveyor considers may affect the value of the property;

3. advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance; and

4. consider what further advice you should take before exchanging contracts.

The Level 2 is typically recommended for properties built up to 150 years old.
 

What does the RICS Home Survey level 2 Report include?

The report is in a standard format and includes the following sections:

The Surveyor gives condition ratings to the main parts (or ‘elements’) of the main building, garage, and some outside elements. The condition ratings are described as follows.

Condition rating 1
No repair is currently needed. The property must be maintained in the normal way. 

Condition rating 2
Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent. The property must be maintained in the normal way.

Condition rating 3
Defects that are serious and/or need to be repaired, replaced or investigated urgently.

The RICS consumer guide to home surveys gives more information on the different survey types. 

(Formerly called a Structural Survey or RICS Building Survey) 

Choose this report if you're dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you're planning major works. It costs more than other RICS reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property.  It includes: 

• A thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of issues than a Home Survey Level 2 

• A description of visible defects and potential problems.  We use advanced damp meters and thermal image cameras to identify serious defects.

• An outline of repair options and likely consequences of inactivity and

• Advice for your legal advisors.

A Level 3 survey does not include a valuation although this can be included for an additional fee.

The RICS consumer guide to home surveys gives more information on the different survey types.

A Market Valuation is a basic inspection of the property to confirm how much the property is worth. We undertake Market Valuations for private clients, solicitors, Housing Associations and Target.  

We are qualified to carry out Help to Buy, shared ownership, matrimonial and probate valuations. 

Ian is able to assist you with extending the term of the lease on leasehold properties.  He can provide a valuation of the range of premium potentially payable and can also also assist in negotiating with the leaseholder on your behalf.