A RICS Level 2 Homebuyers Survey is designed for conventional properties in reasonable condition that have not been significantly altered. Typically suited to modern or traditional homes of standard construction, it offers a clear and structured assessment of the property’s condition.
The report identifies visible defects, advises on necessary repairs or further investigations, and equips you with the information needed to make a confident, informed decision before committing to the purchase.
For older, more complex, significantly altered, or non-standard construction properties, we recommend considering a RICS Level 3 Structural Survey for a more detailed assessment and technical analysis.
The RICS Level 2 Homebuyers Survey is generally appropriate for:
If the property is older, significantly altered, or of non-traditional construction, a RICS Level 3 Structural Survey may be more appropriate.
We carry out a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the main building and permanent outbuildings, recording construction details and identifying significant visible defects.
The inspection covers all reasonably accessible areas. Where access is restricted, this will be clearly explained within the report.
Where safe to do so, roof spaces are accessed and inspected. Specialist equipment, including damp meters, thermal imaging cameras and access ladders, is used to support a thorough and accurate assessment.
As standard, we include:
Inspection of accessible roof spaces
Assessment of boundary walls, fences and permanent outbuildings
Review of shared access areas in the case of flats
The survey does not involve opening up the structure (such as lifting floors or moving heavy furniture), nor does it include specialist testing of services such as electrics, gas, plumbing or drainage.
All RICS Level 2 Surveys include a thorough visual inspection of the roof from ground level where possible. If you would like a more detailed view, you can also choose to add an optional 4K drone roof survey.
This provides high-resolution images of the roof, chimney stacks, and other hard-to-reach areas, helping us identify defects more clearly and giving you added peace of mind.
After the inspection, you will receive a clear and easy-to-understand RICS report to help you make an informed decision before committing to the purchase.
The report highlights the condition of the property, identifies visible defects, and explains which issues may need repair, maintenance, or further investigation. It also uses RICS Condition Ratings, so you can quickly see which matters are more urgent and which are less serious.
Your report will:
The inspection is comprehensive yet non-invasive, covering the interior and exterior of the main building together with any permanent outbuildings. It is designed to assess all areas that are reasonably accessible at the time of inspection, with any limitations clearly identified within the report.
Where services are operational, they may be observed in normal day-to-day use. However, the survey does not include specialist testing of electrics, gas, plumbing, heating, or drainage systems.
We assess visible issues relating to:
All RICS Level 2 Surveys include a thorough visual inspection of the roof from ground level where possible. If you would like a more detailed view, you can also choose to add an optional 4K drone roof survey.
This provides high-resolution images of the roof, chimney stacks, and other hard-to-reach areas, helping us identify defects more clearly and giving you added peace of mind.
After the inspection, you will receive a clear and easy-to-understand RICS report to help you make an informed decision before committing to the purchase.
The report highlights the condition of the property, identifies visible defects, and explains which issues may need repair, maintenance, or further investigation. It also uses RICS Condition Ratings, so you can quickly see which matters are more urgent and which are less serious.
Your report will:
Choosing the right survey depends on the type, age, and condition of the property. While both surveys provide professional advice to support your purchase, the level of detail and analysis differs significantly. The comparison below outlines the key differences to help you make an informed decision before committing to the purchase. RICS explains that the appropriate survey level will usually depend on the property’s age, size, condition, complexity, and originality.
| Feature | RICS Level 2 Homebuyers Survey | RICS Level 3 Building Survey |
|---|---|---|
| Property suitability | ✔Suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition | ✔Suitable for older, altered, larger, more complex, or poorer-condition properties |
| Construction type | ✔Best suited to common or standard construction | ✔Suitable for standard and non-standard construction |
| Level of inspection | ✔A visual inspection of accessible areas | ✔A more comprehensive inspection with greater depth and detail |
| Report detail | ✔Clear and concise report highlighting condition and key issues | ✔Detailed and technical report with more in-depth analysis |
| Defects identified | ✔Identifies significant visible defects | ✔Identifies visible defects with a more detailed assessment of condition |
| Cause of defects | ✖Not typically explored in detail | ✔Explains the likely causes of defects |
| Repair advice | ✔Provides advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance | ✔Provides more detailed advice on repairs, maintenance, and future works |
| Estimated Cost Analysis | ✖Not included | ✔Included with all ELR RICS Level 3 Structural Surveys |
| Condition ratings | ✔Includes RICS Condition Ratings | ✔Includes RICS Condition Ratings |
| Further investigations | ✔Recommends further investigation where necessary | ✔Recommends further investigation where necessary |
| Overall outcome | ✔Helps you decide whether to proceed with the purchase | ✔Helps you fully understand the property’s condition, risks, and likely repair costs |
At ELR Building Surveying and Consultancy, we provide RICS Level 2 Homebuyers Surveys with a practical, professional, and client-focused approach. As an independent, family-run Chartered RICS surveying practice, we are committed to delivering clear, honest advice that helps you make confident homebuying decisions.
With almost a decade of experience in Building Control, we understand how buildings should be designed, constructed, and maintained, as well as where common defects are most likely to arise. This gives us a strong technical foundation for assessing a property’s condition and identifying issues that could affect safety, value, or future maintenance costs.
Our reports are clear, straightforward, and evidence-based. We explain what we have found, why it matters, and whether repairs or further investigations should be considered before you commit to the purchase.
Above all, our aim is to give you the clarity, reassurance, and confidence you need to move forward with peace of mind.
The RICS Level 2 Homebuyers Survey provides a clear and practical overview of a property’s condition, giving you the confidence to proceed with your purchase. It is designed to highlight key issues, risks and maintenance matters before you commit. If you are unsure which survey is most appropriate for your property, or would like to review a sample report, please contact us for professional guidance.
