Level 1

Choose this report if you’re buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow built from common building materials and in reasonable condition. This service includes:

• a visual inspection that is less comprehensive than the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 and the RICS Home Survey – Level 3
• a report based on the inspection

The surveyor who provides the RICS Home Survey – Level 1 service aims to:

• describe the part or element in enough detail so that it can be properly identified
• provide a clear and concise expression of the surveyor’s professional assessment of each part or element
• describe the condition of the part or element that justifies the surveyor’s assessment and
• help you gain an objective view of the condition of the property

No tests of the building fabric or services are undertaken.

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

Level 2

Choose this report if you need more extensive information whilst buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow, built from common building materials and in reasonable condition. This service includes:

• a physical inspection of the property with the focus on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property. This intermediate level of service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds, but still without tests. and
• a report based on the inspection

The surveyor who provides the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (survey only) service aims to give you professional advice to:

• make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying the property
• take into account any repairs or replacements the property needs, and
• consider what further advice you should take before committing to purchasing the property

Level 2

As the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 above but includes:

• the surveyor’s professional opinion on the ‘market value’ of the property
• an insurance reinstatement figure for the property
• a list of problems that the surveyor considers may affect the value of the property

The surveyor who provides the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (survey and valuation) service aims to give you professional advice to help you to:

• make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying the property
• make an informed decision on what is a reasonable price to pay for the property
• take into account any repairs or replacements the property needs, and
• consider what further advice you should take before committing to purchasing property

Level 3

Choose this report if 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 the other RICS reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property. This service includes:

• a thorough inspection of the property its services and the grounds and is more extensive than a survey level two
• concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected if it is safe to do so (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars)
• although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation – in other words, they are switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so
• a detailed report based on the inspection

The surveyor who provides the RICS Home Survey – Level 3 service aims to give you professional advice to:

• help you make a reasoned and informed decision when purchasing the property, or when planning for repairs, maintenance or upgrading the property
• provide detailed advice on condition
• describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects,
• propose the most probable cause(s) of the defects based on the inspection
• outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair

The surveyor may also be able to provide an estimate of costs for identified repairs if agreed with you in advance, for an additional fee.