RICS Level 2 Home Survey (HomeBuyer Report)
Not every property needs the depth — or the cost — of a full structural survey. For conventional houses and flats built in the last century and in reasonable condition, the RICS Level 2 Home Survey (formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report) is often the right instrument: a professional, standardised inspection that tells you what condition the property is really in before you commit to buying it.
What a Level 2 Survey Covers
Our chartered surveyor inspects all visible and accessible parts of the property — roof coverings, chimneys, walls, floors, windows, services, drainage, garages and permanent outbuildings — and reports on their condition using the RICS traffic-light rating system. Condition Rating 1 means no repair currently needed; Rating 2 flags defects that need attention but are not serious or urgent; Rating 3 identifies defects that are serious or need urgent investigation. The report also highlights legal matters your conveyancer should pursue and any risks to the building, grounds or people.
Level 2 or Level 3 — Which Do You Need?
The honest answer depends on the property, and we will tell you if we think you are ordering the wrong survey. A Level 2 survey suits conventionally built, post-1930s properties in apparently reasonable condition that have not been significantly altered. If the property is older, visibly defective, of non-standard construction, extended, or one you plan to renovate, our Level 3 Full Building Survey is the safer choice — it examines the fabric of the building in far greater depth and includes commentary on repair options and consequences of inaction.
What You Receive
You receive a clear, jargon-free report, typically within three to five working days of inspection, with photographs of key defects, traffic-light ratings for every element, and a summary you can act on — whether that means renegotiating the price, asking the seller to remedy defects, or proceeding with confidence. Your surveyor is available after delivery to talk the findings through with you; we believe the conversation after the report is as valuable as the report itself.
Why Choose Prince Surveyors
Prince Surveyors is an accredited RICS, CIOB and/or RPSA practice carrying out home surveys across London and the Home Counties. Because our team also handles valuations, party wall matters and new-build snagging, we see the consequences of missed defects from every angle — and inspect accordingly.
Call us for a same-day quotation, or book your Level 2 Home Survey online today.
Still weighing up your options? Read our plain-English comparison: Level 2 vs Level 3 Survey – which do you need?