RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey Devon
h&s Surveyors is an established firm of Chartered Surveyors providing RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Surveys across South Devon, including Exeter, Newton Abbot, Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
A Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey helps prospective buyers understand the condition of a property before purchasing, identifying visible defects, potential maintenance requirements and issues that may need further investigation.
This survey is generally suitable for conventionally constructed homes in reasonable condition. Our experienced surveyors provide clear, professional reports to help buyers make informed decisions before exchanging contracts. We also offer RICS Level 3 Building Surveys and property valuations for those requiring different levels of assessment.
What is a RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey?
An RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is a detailed inspection and report designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to provide prospective HomeBuyers with important information regarding the condition of the property they are looking to purchase.
The written survey report is produced in user-friendly and jargon-free English, making it a valuable document accessible to everyone. Its aim is to help you:
- Make an informed decision on your impending property purchase
- Discover and budget for any urgent or major repairs to the building
- Consider if any other advice should be sought prior to exchanging contracts
- Gain peace of mind in knowing all important facts about the property
- Use the survey findings as a basis for renegotiating the purchase price, where relevant
As a Level 2 mid-range survey, the RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is not as comprehensive as the Level 3 RICS Building Survey. The report is compiled on the basis of a non-invasive site inspection. This means our surveyors won’t be able to look under floor coverings or in other concealed areas, drill holes or conduct any invasive methods of investigation.
Is a RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey right for my property?
The RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is the most popular report requested by property buyers. The survey is most suitable for conventional properties that are in a reasonable state of repair.
- Modern buildings and standard-construction older homes built within the last 100 years
- Properties of standard design
- Homes built with conventional construction methods
- Buildings that are in a good overall condition
If the property you are planning to buy is a period home or listed building, has undergone major alterations or extensions in the past, or you are planning to carry out extensive refurbishments and alterations, a RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is unlikely to be the right choice of survey for your needs. In this case, we would strongly advise you to consider a Building Survey instead.
What is covered by a RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey?
A RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey provides an assessment of a property’s visible condition, helping buyers identify significant defects, maintenance requirements and issues that may need further investigation.
The survey examines accessible parts of the property and provides a written report outlining the surveyor’s findings.
A Level 2 survey can help identify:
- Structural concerns: Visible signs of structural movement, cracking or other defects that may require further assessment.
- Dampness and timber decay: Evidence of moisture-related issues, timber deterioration and associated concerns.
- Building condition: The condition of accessible building elements, explained using RICS colour-coded condition ratings.
- Repairs and maintenance: Areas requiring attention, including defects that could lead to more significant problems if left unresolved.
- Further investigations: Issues that may require specialist assessment where the cause or extent of a defect cannot be established through a visual inspection.
- Legal considerations: Matters to raise with your solicitor before proceeding with the purchase.
The survey helps buyers understand the property’s condition and consider any necessary repairs, maintenance or additional investigations before exchanging contracts.
As a Level 2 survey is non-invasive, concealed defects or problems within inaccessible areas may not be identified.
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Why Choose Us?
- 25+ Years Experience
- Family run business
- Regulated by RICS
- Excellent reviews
- Comprehensive surveys
- Competitive quotes
We are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to ensure we are delivering the highest standard of service.
Download the RICS HomeBuyers Survey Guide
DownloadWhich RICS Survey Is Right for Your Property?
The most suitable RICS survey depends on the property’s age, construction, condition and any planned alterations. The table below helps you identify which level of survey may be appropriate.
| Property Type or Circumstances | Recommended Survey | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Modern or conventionally constructed property in reasonable condition | RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey |
Identifies significant visible defects, maintenance requirements and issues needing further investigation. |
| Older or listed property | RICS Level 3 Building Survey |
Provides a more detailed assessment of the building’s condition and potential defects. |
| Property with significant alterations or extensions | RICS Level 3 Building Survey |
Offers greater detail where alterations may have introduced additional complexity. |
| Property in poor condition | RICS Level 3 Building Survey |
Provides a more comprehensive assessment of defects and potential repair requirements. |
| Property where major renovations are planned | RICS Level 3 Building Survey |
Provides greater detail to help buyers understand the building’s condition before undertaking substantial work. |
Choosing the right survey
Buying a house is possibly the single largest transaction that you are likely to undertake in your lifetime. A building is a major asset, so how can you be sure it’s worth the investment? Houses in this country can be of different ages and forms of construction; they may have defects or design faults or show signs of poor workmanship. The problems can be numerous and serious and prove expensive to remedy.
This is why it is important for you to arrange for a Surveyor to carry out a property survey prior to commitment to purchase. Commissioning your own home survey is the simple, economical way to avoid unpleasant and perhaps costly surprises after moving in.
What Our Clients Say
FAQs
Many homeowners underestimate the value of commissioning a report of their prospective new home. In some cases, this is due to not understanding the benefits of a property survey, while others mistakenly believe that their mortgage valuation will tell them about any defects.
Having a RICS survey is the only way to get a professional opinion about the condition of the building you are about to buy. Even if you think the property is sound, surveyors are trained to spot the symptoms of a problem that typically go missed by the average person, potentially allowing you to save thousands in unexpected repair costs when you move in.
A comprehensive survey will help you determine the true value of any property so that you can make an informed decision about proceeding.
You can minimise the risks of purchasing a property by asking a Surveyor to answer these questions: Is the agreed price reasonable? Are there any drawbacks I don’t know about? Are there any significant defects or urgent repairs? If so, what do I do about them?
At Hammond & Shaw, we offer friendly and professional advice to help you make the right property decision, with a full survey and valuation service for all types of residential property. Get in touch today to discuss your specific requirements and get a free, no obligation quotation.
Many people wrongly believe a mortgage valuation is a property survey. However, a mortgage valuation is purely for the use of mortgage lender and cannot be relied upon by you to protect your interests. Increasingly, mortgage lenders are willing to accept a mortgage application without a surveyor having physically inspected the property.
Although the cost of a survey may seem an unnecessary extravagance when making a decision to buy it could highlight costly repairs, help to re-negotiate the purchase price and potentially save thousands.
The following advice is given by both the consumer association Which? Magazine and the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML):
Even if you are seeking a mortgage and may be paying for a Mortgage Valuation report, it is advisable and prudent to arrange a property survey by your own Surveyors. The best way to reach an informed decision on such an important investment is to have a professional property survey before you decide to go ahead and commit yourself legally.