Exterior & roof
Visible roofs, chimneys, rainwater goods, walls, windows, doors and external details are considered for condition and defects.
RICS Home Survey Level 2
Buying a conventional home in reasonable condition?
A Level 2 Home Survey provides a focused assessment of the property's visible condition, significant defects and matters requiring attention before you commit to the purchase.
RICS regulated practice Physical inspection Condition ratings
Focused condition reporting
Condition. Significance. Next steps.
- overall opinion of the property;
- visible defects and condition ratings;
- risks and further investigations where appropriate;
- matters to consider before exchange.
Proportionate survey
Clear condition advice without unnecessary complexity
Level 2 is intended to give a buyer a balanced view of a conventional property's condition. The inspection considers accessible parts of the building and reports significant defects, risks and maintenance matters within the agreed scope.
The report is not a guarantee that every hidden defect will be found. It is a professional visual inspection designed to help you understand the property before exchange and identify where further investigation or specialist advice is justified.
What we assess
A structured inspection of the accessible property
The exact inspection depends on the building and access available on the day.
Interior & roof space
Accessible rooms, ceilings, walls, floors, fireplaces, joinery and roof-space elements are inspected visually.
Services & facilities
Visible parts of services are considered in general terms where accessible. Specialist testing is outside the standard Home Survey scope unless separately agreed.
Grounds & context
Relevant external areas, drainage indicators, boundaries and other visible factors are considered where they may affect the property.
What the report gives you
A clearer picture before exchange
Overall opinion
A concise view of the property and the main matters that should influence your purchase decision.
Condition ratings
Elements are prioritised so you can see where repair, replacement or further investigation deserves attention.
Further investigation
Where the inspection cannot reasonably establish an important issue, the report can recommend appropriate additional investigation.
What to do now
Practical next steps help you decide what to raise with your solicitor, obtain quotations for, investigate further or plan for maintenance.
Is Level 2 right for this property?
Often suitable for conventional homes - but not every conventional home
The final choice should reflect the actual property and your concerns rather than relying on one factor such as age or price.
Level 2 may suit
- conventional houses, flats and bungalows;
- common construction and materials;
- property appearing to be in reasonable condition;
- no obvious major complexity or extensive alteration;
- a buyer wanting focused condition advice.
Consider Level 3 when
- the property is older, unusual or substantially altered;
- visible condition is poor or there are multiple significant defects;
- construction is complex or non-standard;
- major refurbishment or alteration is planned;
- you want more extensive analysis and repair advice.
Known problem?
A Home Survey and a specialist defect investigation answer different questions
If the main issue is a specific crack, recurring damp, water ingress or disputed building work, tell us before booking. The purchase survey can consider the property as a whole, while a separate focused investigation may be required for a particular concern.
Home Survey
- whole-property purchase context;
- condition and significant defects;
- risk and maintenance priorities;
- pre-exchange advice.
Specific investigation
- defined defect or symptom;
- more focused evidence gathering;
- cause and context where reasonably assessable;
- targeted next steps.
Common questions
RICS Level 2 Home Surveys
What type of property is a Level 2 survey usually suitable for?
Level 2 is generally suited to conventional residential property built from common materials and in reasonable condition. The property age, alterations, visible defects and your concerns still need to be considered before the survey level is confirmed.
Does a Level 2 survey use condition ratings?
Yes. The RICS Home Survey format uses condition ratings to help show the relative urgency of defects and maintenance matters, supported by written explanation.
Is the inspection destructive?
No. The standard Home Survey inspection is non-destructive. Concealed areas are not opened up unless a separate scope has been expressly agreed.
Does Level 2 include a market valuation?
Not automatically. SurveyAll keeps condition surveys and formal valuation work clearly scoped. If you also require a valuation, tell us the intended purpose and we can confirm the appropriate valuation route.
What if the property has major cracking, damp or another specific concern?
Tell us before booking. A Level 2 survey may still be appropriate for the overall purchase, but a separate specialist investigation or a Level 3 survey may be more suitable for a significant known concern.
South East London
Level 2 Home Surveys for buyers across South East London
SurveyAll covers Greenwich, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley, including strong local coverage around Plumstead and Woolwich.