RICS Level 2 Survey
A Home survey Level 2, previously known as a “HomeBuyer Report”, is a popular choice of survey suited to most properties under 50 years old of standard construction.
What is a Level 2 Survey?
The RICS Level 2 Survey provides property buyers with a detailed house report of the condition of the property they want to buy.
With the level of detail offered in the survey, such as possible repairs that need to take place or replacements, homebuyers can make a better-informed decision when it comes to deciding whether or not to buy the property.
A Level 2 Homebuyers Survey finds and documents any problems in a property that could cause damage and identifies areas that may need future repairs.
Reports might find issues such as damp or subsidence. The survey is carried out on homes that are in a reasonable condition and only check for visible problems.

The Homebuyer Survey will not detail every single aspect of the building, as it's only a visual inspection
The survey can reveal issues that might impact the value of the property and need further investigation. It includes all major sections of a property that are visible to the surveyor.
As homebuyers have a lot of paperwork to work through and things to think about, the survey uses a simplistic method to describe the condition of the property.
This is the ‘traffic light’ style of rating. This rating system covers the assessment of the main features of the property such as the roof, electrics and the exterior of the building.
The Level 2 Homebuyers Survey is non-invasive, surveyors will not lift up floors or carpets.
The Level 2 Homebuyers Survey includes:
- Background information on the property and location
- An assessment of any damp-proofing, drainage or insulation in the building (although drains are not tested)
- Condition of the building’s timbers and checking woodworm or rot
- Damp test results taken from the walls
- Details of urgent problems which should receive specialist attention before signing a contract
- Details of major faults in easy to get to parts of the property that may affect the property value
The Level 2 Homebuyers Survey is easily understood - written in plain English rather than technical jargon.
What Is Included In The Rics Level 2 Report?
The Level 2 Reports offers an easily digestible set of information which has been gathered from internal and external inspections, including the history and background of the property.
If you have any particular worries or concerns about the property you want to buy, you can let our surveyors know and they will assure that, along with an inspection of all visible and accessible areas, your concerns are also inspected and that any findings are detailed in the final report.
It is invaluable, when buying a home, that you are made aware of all the fine details and elements of the property. This is guaranteed when you get a HomeBuyer report.
Who Needs a HomeBuyer Report?
- Homebuyers looking to identify hidden property issues before purchase
- Sellers wanting to address problems before listing
- Property investors seeking a professional condition assessment
- Mortgage lenders requiring a structural overview
Level 2 vs. Level 3
Condition Ratings
Each section in the report is assessed using the easy to understand ‘traffic light’ system
3
Condition Rating 3
Serious defects that require urgent investigation, and/or possible replacement or repair.
2
Condition Rating 2
Less serious defects which require monitoring, replacement or repair
1
Condition Rating 1
No significant concerns and no requirement for replacement or immediate repair.
What happens if the survey finds a problem
Most surveys will find some sort of issue, depending on the type of property. Issues are usually identified with older properties.
If you have any specific concerns when viewing the property, you can highlight these to us before we carry out the inspection.
We are happy to talk through the report with you over the phone after you've received your report. Therefore, if you do have follow-up questions, that would be the time to ask.
Some of the most common things you might want to investigate are:
- Electrics
- Issues with the roofing
- Central heating
- Damp
- Structural problems which may need an engineer
If we find any of these major problems you may need to take further action, such as:
- Instruct a specialist contractor to carry out further investigations prior to purchase
- Get a quote from a builder/ professional for major works
- Renegotiate the asking price or ask the seller to fix the issues before you complete on the sale
How Long Does A Level 2 Survey Take?
A written report can take one to two days to write up once the physical survey is carried out, which takes up to 5 hours to complete. The completion time will depend upon the property’s size, complexity and the number of defects found during the survey.
Why Choose Greenvale Home Surveying?
At Greenvale Home Surveying, we pride ourselves on delivering professional, reliable, and insightful property surveys tailored to your needs. As a RICS-regulated firm, we adhere to the highest industry standards, ensuring that your Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is both thorough and easy to understand.
Our experienced surveyors not only identify property defects but also take the time to explain their implications, helping you make informed decisions with confidence. With our fast turnaround times, you’ll receive your report within 3-5 working days, allowing you to act quickly when buying a home. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we are committed to providing clear, jargon-free guidance and support every step of the way.
Get Your RICS Level 2 Survey Today
Avoid costly surprises and make an informed decision about your next home. Request a free, no-obligation quote today!
Email Us: info@gvsurveying.co.uk
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