RICS Level 2 Home Surveys

Buying a property is a major commitment. An RICS Level 2 Home Survey gives you a clear understanding of its condition before you exchange contracts, helping you avoid unexpected problems and make a more informed decision.

Kenny Relf Surveyors provides RICS Level 2 Home Surveys in Chichester and throughout West Sussex and Hampshire. We are independent residential surveyors based in Chichester, offering clear reports, practical advice and direct support throughout the home-buying process.

Buying a home? Get a clear picture before you commit.

An RICS Level 2 Home Survey is a detailed visual inspection and report designed to identify significant problems that may affect a property.

It is often known as a HomeBuyer Survey or HomeBuyer Report, although the current name is the RICS Home Survey Level 2.

The surveyor inspects the accessible internal and external parts of the main building, permanent outbuildings and grounds. The report explains the property’s construction, condition and significant visible defects, together with matters requiring repair, further investigation or legal enquiries.

The inspection is non-intrusive. The surveyor will not lift fitted flooring, move heavy furniture, open up the building structure or test electrical, gas, heating or drainage installations. Any areas that cannot be inspected are identified in the report.

Your report will provide a structured assessment of the accessible parts of the property, including:

• Chimneys and roof coverings
• Gutters, downpipes and external drainage
• External walls and finishes
• Windows and external doors
• Roof spaces and visible roof structure
• Ceilings, walls, floors and internal joinery
• Fireplaces, chimney breasts and flues
• Kitchens and bathroom fittings
• Visible parts of plumbing, heating and electrical installations
• Garages, permanent outbuildings and grounds
• Dampness, timber deterioration and insulation where accessible
• Matters requiring further specialist investigation
• Risks affecting the building, grounds or occupants
• Issues that your legal adviser should investigate

RICS explains that services are usually concealed within the building, so the Level 2 inspection covers their visible parts but does not include specialist testing.

The report uses clear condition ratings to help you understand which problems matter most.

Condition Rating 1

No repair is currently needed. The element should be maintained in the normal way.

Condition Rating 2

A defect requires repair or replacement, but it is not considered serious or urgent.

Condition Rating 3

A serious defect requires urgent repair, replacement or further investigation.

The report also identifies elements that were not inspected and highlights matters that may require attention from your conveyancer.

A Level 2 Survey is usually suitable for:

• Houses, flats and bungalows of conventional construction
• Properties built using common materials
• Homes that appear to be in reasonable condition
• Properties without extensive alterations or obvious major defects
• Buyers who require more detail than a basic condition report

The appropriate survey level depends on the property’s age, size, condition, complexity and construction. RICS recommends discussing these factors with the surveyor before choosing a service. 

A more detailed Level 3 Building Survey may be more appropriate if the property:

• Is particularly old, large or extensively altered
• Is listed or of unusual construction
• Appears neglected or in poor condition
• Has known structural movement or significant defects
• Requires major renovation
• Uses non-standard materials or construction methods
• Needs detailed advice about repairs

If you are unsure, speak to us before booking. We will recommend the most appropriate survey rather than automatically suggesting the most expensive option.

Local knowledge

We are based in Chichester and inspect properties throughout West Sussex and Hampshire. Our local work includes homes in Chichester, Bognor Regis, Selsey, the Witterings, Emsworth, Havant, Waterlooville, Portsmouth, Petersfield, Arundel, Littlehampton and the surrounding areas.

Clear, practical reports

Our reports are written in straightforward language. We explain the defects identified, why they matter and what you should do next, without filling the report with unnecessary technical terminology.

Direct access to your surveyor

You can speak directly with the surveyor who inspected the property. We remain available to explain the findings and answer reasonable questions after you receive the report.

Independent advice

We act for you and provide an impartial assessment of the property. Our purpose is to help you understand the risks and make a properly informed decision.

RICS Regulated

Kenny Relf Surveyors is regulated by RICS for the provision of surveying services and has committed to meeting the applicable RICS professional requirements