The HomeBuyer Survey (Level 2) is a visual inspection of the property to evaluate the overall condition of the building and highlight any obvious defects. The report will help the buyer make a reasoned and informed judgement on whether or not to proceed with the purchase. They can be instructed as a ‘survey only’ or as a ‘survey and valuation’.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) classes a HomeBuyer Report as a Level 2 survey, which is most appropriate for modern homes of conventional construction that are in a reasonable state of repair. For older properties, buildings that require (or have undergone) major alterations or refurbishment, or those built with non-standard methods and materials, a detailed Building Survey (Level 3) is recommended.
Starting from £400 including VAT
At Cosey Homes, we compile our reports on a well-built and formatted template which is designed to be industry jargon-free and easy to follow. We use the RICS standard reporting traffic light system, thus enabling clients to easily understand areas of the property that need attention.
Level 1 / Green: no action is required
Level 2 / Amber: defects requiring attention and repair but not urgently
Level 3 / Red: serious defects requiring urgent attention and repair
Download an example of the RICS HomeBuyers Report (Level 2) here.
You can request a RICS Level 2 Survey – Homebuyers Survey quote by completing a simple form.
Contact our expert surveyors today for a free quote
✓ Visual inspection of the property designed to assess its overall condition and state of repair
✓ Highlighting major faults and defects and their possible implications, along with recommendations for further action
✓ Visual inspection of all building elements inside and out, including walls and ceilings, roof and guttering, windows and doors
✓ Visual appraisal of services including gas/oil heating, electricity, water and drainage, with recommendations for further inspections where necessary
✓ ‘Traffic light’ grading system used to indicate the severity of any defects identified
✓ Highlighting any urgent repair issues as well as future maintenance requirements
✓ Where applicable, observations about planning & building control, disputes and other legal matters, for further investigation by the conveyancer
✓ An independent valuation of the property *where the ‘survey and valuation’ option has been chosen
Starting from £400 including VAT
Your local Cosey Homes RICS-accredited surveyors are highly experienced and knowledgeable and are usually available to carry out reports within a week of instruction. You can also request a call from the surveyor on the day of the visit for a rundown of significant findings.
All you need to do is call our office and give the property details and we will arrange the rest for you. If there is an estate agent involved, we will arrange access with them directly.
Click here for an instant online quote for an RICS HomeBuyers Survey (Level 2) or call Cosey Homes on 0330 053 5823 to speak to one of our team.
Our RICS Home Buyers Survey starts from £400 including VAT and are offered across the UK.
Click here for an instant online quote for a RICS Homebuyers Survey (Level 2) or call Cosey Homes on 0330 053 5823 to speak to one of our advisers
In addition to your Homebuyers report, you can choose to include an independent valuation of the property. The surveyor will assess the agreed sale price and give a professional opinion on how reasonable this price is. A Homebuyers Report (Level 2) can be instructed with or without an independent valuation of the property, Choosing to go ahead with a valuation will give you confidence in your decision to go ahead with the sale.
An RICS HomeBuyer Report (Level 2) is designed for modern residential properties built in the last 70-80 years (post-war). These include houses, bungalows and flats that are conventional in type and are apparently in reasonable condition.
An RICS HomeBuyer Report (Level 2) is a mid-range survey while an RICS Building Survey (Level 3), formerly known as a full structural survey, is an in-depth investigation. If you require a highly detailed assessment of the condition of the property, perhaps because the building is very old, very large or requires substantial renovation work, a Building Survey (Level 3) will be the better choice of the survey.
The surveyor will not test any services or installations, nor be able to comment on elements that are not visible. The HomeBuyer Survey (Level 2) will include a brief appraisal of the roof, heating system and any damp issues present, based on a non-invasive, visual inspection of accessible areas only.
If the survey detects serious defects with the property, this will be highlighted in amber or red. We usually advise that the matter be investigated further by way of a specific defects survey, and you may be able to use the information to try to renegotiate the purchase price. Or you may decide to withdraw from the purchase altogether.
If you’ve had an unexpectedly ‘bad’ survey, you are well within your rights to reduce your offer to cover the cost of fixing the problem. Get quotes from independent contractors who can provide cost estimates, and use the information to go back to the seller along with an offer that you believe is more appropriate.
A Level 2 Home Survey will take 2-4 hours to complete. Buyers should book their survey once they have had their offer accepted. This will help to avoid any delays in the house-buying process. You’ll need to agree with the seller ahead of time when the survey will take place.
A Level 2 Survey does not include invasive checks or technical assessments that go beyond a standard visual inspection. For example, your surveyor will not lift fitted carpets or move heavy furniture.
