RICS HOMEBUYER SURVEYS LEVEL 2
What is a Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey?
Carried out by an MCIOB, MRPSA or RICS Chartered Surveyor (MRICS/FRICS), HomeBuyer surveys are an inspection of the visible parts of the property by a qualified Chartered Surveyor to look for obvious problems.
The RICS Home Survey Level 2, formerly known as the RICS HomeBuyer Report (also termed a Level 2 RICS Survey), is a mid-tier survey designed for the majority of properties in the UK. This presentation format was adopted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and designed to work well with most properties in the UK. The Level 2 Survey is constructed to be clear and to use jargon-free language. Its Rating System is almost the same as the one used for the detailed Building Survey that defines the important elements of the report and any concerns that might be present.
The report will incorporate a general view on the property’s general condition and form an opinion on whether the repairs are needed, but will not undertake a full discussion of the repair options and the likely costs (only a potential outline). It will also provide a very rough guide to rural environmental issues and raise any pertinent legal issues for further investigation by your legal adviser.
Do I need a Manchester HomeBuyer Report?
The RICS Home Survey (Level 2) is intended for the purchasers of typical, reasonably sound properties. It is a walkthrough inspection wherein the surveyor looks at both the inside and the outside of the property and the space around it. The surveyor then writes a report based on what he or she has seen, using a standard form that sets out the property’s condition. The report identifies any significant defects and any other conditions that would adversely affect the property’s value, saleability, or both. It is not a high-tech inspection, nor does it use the services of any high-tech instruments. It doesn’t check the condition of the property’s wiring nor the other electrical systems. It does, however, include a space wherein the surveyor gives an approximation of the property’s value at the end of the report.
Differences between HomeBuyer Survey and Full Building Survey
The HomeBuyer surveys incorporate an insurance reinstatement cost and a market valuation if it is needed but this is excluded in a Full Building Survey.
The HomeBuyer survey report is different from the Full Building Survey report for several reasons. First, the HomeBuyer survey report is produced in a particular report format with a traffic light system, which highlights the condition as urgent (red), non-urgent (amber) and non-defective (green).
The format is simple and easy to read, however, it doesn’t offer the tailoring to individual cases provided by the Full Building Survey report. HomeBuyer surveys apply to conventionally built, relatively new properties appearing to be in a reasonable condition.
Full Building Surveys offer a much more in depth analysis with regard to your requirements and provides a more personalised approach.
What is included in a HomeBuyer survey?
The following is included in a HomeBuyer survey:
- Inspection of all accessible areas
- Commentary on all elements such as roof, ceilings, walls and floors
- Checks on services such as heating, drainage, electrics, gas and hot water
- Structural review including timber integrity
- Damp testing
- Overview of maintenance
- Environmental hazard checks
- Legal matters for your solicitor
- Reinstatement cost valuation and market valuation on request
A Home Buyer Survey is non-invasive, meaning that it is a visual inspection only. Only accessible parts of the property will be inspected. The main focus will be on significant defects that could affect the structural integrity of the property and its value.
What is a Home Buyer Survey?
Home Buyer Surveys are also known as Level 2 Surveys. They involve an inspection by an RICS chartered surveyor of the parts of a property that are easy to reach and visible. It utilises a traffic-light system which highlighted anything in good condition (green), defective but non-urgent (amber) and urgent/serious (red).
How much does a HomeBuyer Survey Cost?
This depends on the size and value of the property, as well as its location. Usually, the price is around £600 on average. However, you should be able to make this back and much more by knowing what needs to be repaired before costs increase. You can also use the report to renegotiate on the survey price.
Difference between Home Buyer Survey Level 2 and Full Building Survey Level 3?
The Homebuyer Report is RISC’s most common survey and it’s a briefer version than the Level Three Building Survey, but more detailed and more comprehensive than a Level One RICS Condition Report.
The Home Buyer Report is better suited to more conventional properties that were fairly recently built and ought to be in relatively good condition. This is because the level of inspection is not as in-depth.
The Full Building Survey, however, is more bespoke and offers a greater level of inspection but is marginally more expensive. It also does not include a brief valuation, whereas the Home Buyer’s Report does. You can always commission a valuation separately if needed.
What is included in a Property Survey and why do you need one?
A surveyor may not be able to see everything, for example wiring and plumbing that are hidden behind walls or under the floor, because property surveys are non-invasive.
It could save you thousands in expensive maintenance and repair bills in the future, especially if it reveals hidden defects or poor construction that a simple mortgage valuation wouldn’t detect. A surveyor will not, however, lift up floorboards or move carpets or move heavy furniture.
Should you get a Home Buyers Survey or a Full Building Survey?
RICS guidelines recommend that Home Buyers Surveys are carried out for properties that are fairly new, conventionally built and appear to be in good condition. If you are looking at an older property, one of non-standard construction or a more dilapidated home, then the more detailed Level 3 Building Survey is recommended.
Surveys of Commercial Property
If you’re thinking of acquiring, leasing, subletting, disposing of, or altering commercial premises in Manchester, you would be well advised to locate a surveyor skilled in the nuances of commercial building surveying – should you spot a defect in a commercial building you can use that information to negotiate an asking price for the property that’s considerably lower than what the seller originally wanted, or you can talk your way out of a bad deal altogether.
Our Manchester-based team of RICS-compliant commercial building surveyors is equipped to handle matters throughout Manchester.
Contact
Our team prioritizes client care above all else. We look forward to being in touch with you so you can instruct a surveyor in Manchester, London, Bristol, Birmingham or Cardiff. You can reach out to us easily. Just fill out our form, and we’ll get back to you with a free quote for your survey. All our surveyors are qualified as members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and we are one of the UK’s leading providers of building survey and valuation services:
- Accredited Professionals: Certified by organizations like RICS, CIOB, and RPSA.
- Customized Survey Reports: inspections to meet your specific requirements.
- Local Expertise: Deep understanding and specialized knowledge.
- Expert Guidance: Professional recommendations and support.
The property survey you commission will be carried out by an accredited professional. Your chartered surveyor will be a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or will belong to some other industry-standard professional body. Rest assured; you will receive highest quality of professional service for your survey.
