RICS Level 1
Home Survey
Condition Report

The RICS Home Survey Standard benchmarked definition describes that the RICS Level 1 Home Survey (Condition Report) is:

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• The least extensive and comprehensive inspection and survey compared to the Level 2 and Level 3 surveys.

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• An objective, succinct report on the condition of the building, its services and grounds.

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• Highlighting obvious risks to people, building and grounds as well as relevant legal issues.

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• It does not include information or advice on ongoing maintenance and repairs.

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• It is suitable for conventionally built, modern properties, which are in acceptable or reasonable condition for its age and type.​​​​

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• The full definition, what's included and what's not included will be within our Free consultation and the terms of engagement with you.

We would say that conventionally built means traditional, "normal" or ordinary constructed properties that are not considered complex, individual, out of the ordinary or non-standard.

 

At Goodby Martyn, we would suggest that a Level 1 survey is suitable for properties that meet the above criteria built within the last 20 to 25 years.

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Additionally, in our experience, as there is no advice or information on repairs and maintenance, in our opinion, it's not very helpful to people who require more help, information and assistance, such as first-time buyers and those who are not very familiar with surveys, construction and buildings.

DO I NEED A SURVEY? 

A Home Survey is not a legal requirement in England and Wales. You do not have to have a survey but a survey is good to have to learn about the construction, condition and market value of the property you want to call home. Be Home Survey Aware. Be clear and confident. Make an informed decision. A Home Survey is like a health check or an MOT / car service on a property.

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HOW MUCH DOES A LEVEL 1 SURVEY COST?

Our fees are based on our time, the size of the property, the price band of the property and any bespoke or extra requirements you may have. We will confirm our fees and costs to you during our free consultation. 

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As a general guide, our standard fees for an RICS Level 1 Home Survey start from £290 to over £1,000, depending on the time taken on site, time to produce the report, our InBrief Debrief meeting with you, the size and price band of the property.  

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HOME SURVEY AND A MORTGAGE VALUATION? 

A mortgage valuation is not a survey and is for the benefit of the Bank, lender or Building Society only; not you, the purchaser or home owner. A Home Survey is for your benefit only.

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The mortgage valuation is a limited check and inspection of the property for the lender, Bank or Building Society to ensure it meets their lending criteria and for their Valuer to place a market value on the property for lending or mortgage purposes.

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A survey will be more in depth and detailed than a mortgage valuation and will consider, assess and report on many more aspects and elements of a property than a mortgage valuation. The survey is likely to raise awareness of condition, defects, areas of concern and other issues that will typically not be found on the majority of most mainstream lender's mortgage valuation reports.   

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If you have more questions or would like to discuss your needs with us, call Gareth or Tom today, on 01904 236 844 or email surveyors@goodbymartyn.co.uk.