RICS Level 2 
Home Survey 
Home Buyer Report

The RICS Home Survey Standard benchmarked definition describes that the RICS Level 2 Home Survey (Home Buyer Report) is:

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• The mid-range inspection and survey compared to the Level 1 and Level 3 surveys.

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• An objective, economic 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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• Including  information or advice on ongoing maintenance and repairs.

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• That roof spaces, cellars, basements and any other similar areas will be inspected if safe to do so. (Concealed areas normally opened up or used by the occupier.) 

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• It is suitable for a broader range of conventional properties built from 1900 onwards, which are considered in reasonable condition for its age and type.​​​​

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• Not suitable for complex, unique, individual, historic or neglected properties. A Level 3 (Building Survey) or bespoke survey will be required in these cases.  

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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.

This is the most popular level of survey as the mid-range level of inspection and survey.

 

It can include a market value and reinstatement cost, if needed, at additional cost, but there is a Level 2 (Survey Only) option if you prefer. 

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An RICS Level 2 Home Survey by Goodby Martyn will provide an economic overview, insights, highlighting risks and condition ratings on the property you own or buy in a clear, concise and precise way. They can be used by both home owners as "Vendor Surveys" or by home buyers as "Pre-purchase Surveys". 

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 2 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 consultation.

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As a general guide, our standard fees for an RICS Level 2 Home Survey start from £475 to over £2,000, 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.  

 

 

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

A mortgage valuation is not a survey and 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.