RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Understand the Property Before You Buy
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, often searched for as a HomeBuyer Survey, gives you a clear, independent assessment of the property you're buying, helping you understand its condition and any significant matters identified during the inspection.
Before we inspect, we also review the available information about the property, including its age, construction, alterations and wider environmental context. This helps us approach the inspection with an understanding of the individual building rather than treating every property the same.
Your survey is carried out by an RICS surveyor, with the findings explained in clear language and supported by RICS condition ratings.
We provide RICS Level 2 Home Surveys across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Southampton, the New Forest and surrounding areas, as well as selected areas of London.
What’s Included:
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Inspection of accessible internal and external elements
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RICS condition ratings to highlight matters requiring attention
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Reporting on significant defects and matters that may require further investigation
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Consideration of risks affecting the building, grounds and occupants
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Relevant legal matters for your solicitor to investigate
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Review of available environmental and property information
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Drone or pole-camera roof inspection where appropriate, access and conditions allow
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Direct access to your surveyor if you would like to discuss the findings
The survey is non-intrusive, but is designed to give you a clear understanding of the property's condition and the significant matters identified at the time of inspection.
Is a Level 2 Survey Right for Your Property?
A Level 2 Home Survey is suitable for many conventional houses, bungalows and flats where the construction and condition do not indicate that a more detailed Level 3 Building Survey would be appropriate.
If you're unsure, simply send us the property address. We'll take an initial look at the available information and help you decide which level of survey is most appropriate.
Older, extensively altered, unusual or more complex properties may be better suited to a Level 3 Building Survey.
What Happens After Your Survey?
Following the inspection, we'll call you with an initial summary of any significant findings, so you don't have to wait for the written report to understand whether anything important has come up.
Your Level 2 report will normally follow within 3 working days of the inspection. If you'd like to discuss any of the findings afterwards, you can speak directly with your surveyor.
Send us the property address and we'll provide a personalised quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a RICS Level 2 Home Survey?
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey is a professional assessment of a property's condition. It uses RICS condition ratings to highlight significant defects, risks and matters requiring further investigation, helping you understand the property you are buying.
What properties is a Level 2 survey suitable for?
A Level 2 Home Survey is suitable for many conventional houses, bungalows and flats. Older, extensively altered, unusual or more complex properties may be better suited to a Level 3 Building Survey.
If you're unsure which survey is appropriate, send us the property address. We'll take an initial look at the available information and help you decide.
How much does a Level 2 Home Survey cost in Bournemouth and Poole?
Our Level 2 Home Surveys start from £430, with the final fee depending on factors including the property's value, size, type and complexity. We provide Level 2 Home Surveys across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and surrounding areas, as well as Southampton, the New Forest and other areas we cover.
Our service also includes desktop property research and, where appropriate and conditions allow, closer roof inspection using a drone or pole camera.
Send us the property address and we'll provide a personalised quotation.
How long does a Level 2 survey take?
The time required depends on the size, age, construction and complexity of the property. Many Level 2 inspections take approximately 2–3 hours, although we do not rush an inspection to meet a fixed timescale.
Your written report is normally provided within 3 working days of the inspection.
Can you survey a flat or leasehold property?
Yes. Level 2 Home Surveys are suitable for many flats and leasehold properties. We inspect the accessible parts of the property within the scope of the survey and highlight relevant matters that may require further investigation or confirmation by your solicitor.
Is a Level 2 Home Survey suitable for a new-build property?
It can be, depending on what you need from the inspection. A Level 2 Home Survey provides a broader assessment of the property's condition, whereas a dedicated snagging inspection is specifically focused on identifying defects in newly completed work.
If you're buying a new-build property, contact us with the property details and we can advise whether the service we provide is appropriate for your needs.
What is the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey?
A Level 2 Home Survey provides a clear assessment of the condition of the property and is suitable for many conventional homes.
A Level 3 Building Survey is more detailed and is generally more appropriate for older, extensively altered, unusual or complex properties, or where a more detailed assessment of defects and recommended remedial work is required.
Not sure which one you need? Send us the property address and we'll help you decide.