ACCREDITATION TO TRUST
Which RICS Survey Is Best for Your Needs?
One of the first steps in the process of buying a property is arranging a survey. This will help you make a more informed decision on whether to purchase the property, what is a reasonable price, and whether you should take further advice before you commit.
While your mortgage lender will arrange a valuation, this is solely for its own benefit; the home survey is for yours. You are also under no obligation to share the results of the survey with the seller. A RICS home survey will highlight potential problems with a property, as well as giving you an independent valuation. Getting a survey carried out can help you avoid the average £5,750 repair bill that homebuyers face once they have moved into their new home. There are typically three aspects of a survey: an inspection of the property, a report of the surveyor’s findings, and, at Level 2 and 3 reports, a valuation. Different homes require different types of survey. However, you should always discuss your requirements with your surveyor who will be able to advise you further.
Level 1 survey
This report focuses purely on the condition of your property by rating the different parts of the building and flagging up any areas that need attention. It is a matter-of-fact assessment of the condition, and does not provide any advice or a valuation. Like the other RICS surveys, the Condition Report is based on a thorough visual inspection, but in this case, the scope is slightly reduced and information is presented without going into specific detail. This report format is recommended when buying conventional houses, flats or bungalows constructed from common building materials, and which appear to be in reasonable condition. If you are buying a new-build property, for instance, a Condition Report will generally suffice
Level 2 survey
This report gives you more detailed information than the Condition Report and also provides an independent valuation of the property. It generally costs more than the Condition Report, but includes a more extensive inspection, greater detail, and the surveyor’s professional opinion on the market value of the property. The report will also include an insurance reinstatement figure for the property, a list of problems or defects that the surveyor considers may affect the value of the property, advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance, issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions, legal issues that must be addressed before conveyancing is completed, and information on the location and local environment. The HomeBuyer Report is recommended when more extensive information is needed on conventional houses, flats or bungalows constructed from common building materials, and which seem in reasonable condition. This can include homes built within the past 20 years, or older homes with a history of good upkeep.
Level 3 Survey
This survey offers an extensive inspection of property condition and gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property. A building survey does not include a valuation, but this may be provided as an extra service. A RICS Building Survey includes a thorough inspection and detailed report of a wider range of issues, a description of visible defects and potential problems caused by hidden flaws, an outline of repair options and the likely consequences of taking no action, and guidance for legal advisers, as well as details of serious risks and dangerous conditions. The RICS Building Survey is recommended for large, older or rundown properties, buildings that are unusual or altered, and properties that will be subject to major works. These factors can be especially important for pre-war properties, or those that may have been affected by events such as flooding.
We Are here to help
If you are still unsure of which survey you will require speak to a member of our team. We're more than happy to point you in the right direction, whether you decide to use our services or not. You are under no obligation.
Chartered Surveyors
All RICS surveys are carried out by RICS accredited members carrying a minimum of £1 million PI insurance cover. On appointment of your surveyor we will provide you with accreditation number and insurance policy.