RICS survey service
RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Clear condition advice for conventional properties in reasonable condition.
A Level 2 Home Survey is generally suitable for conventional houses and flats that appear to be in reasonable condition. It provides condition ratings and comments on significant visible defects.
Best suited to
Suitable for common property types built using standard construction methods.
Best where there are no obvious signs of major disrepair, significant movement or complex defects.
Useful where you need RICS condition ratings and practical comments on significant visible defects.
Who it suits
Who should choose a RICS Level 2 Home Survey?
Conventional properties
Suitable for common property types built using standard construction methods.
Reasonable condition
Best where there are no obvious signs of major disrepair, significant movement or complex defects.
Clear condition overview
Useful where you need RICS condition ratings and practical comments on significant visible defects.
Survey guidance
Level 2 Home Surveys in Manchester and the North West
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey is suitable for many conventional houses and flats in Manchester and the North West where the property appears to be in reasonable condition. It provides a clear overview of the property’s condition, highlights significant visible defects and helps buyers understand matters that may require repair, maintenance or further investigation.
The report is designed to give practical advice before purchase, including comments on external and internal elements, dampness, roof space where accessible, visible cracking, rainwater goods, joinery, services in general terms and other condition-related matters.
If the property is older, significantly altered, extended, visibly defective or more complex, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey may be more appropriate because it allows for more detailed commentary on defects, repair priorities and maintenance.
What is included
What does the survey include?
The inspection covers accessible parts of the property and the report explains visible issues, likely implications and recommended next steps according to the survey level.
- External walls, roof coverings and rainwater goods
- Internal walls, ceilings, floors and visible joinery
- Accessible roof space where safe and possible
- Dampness, ventilation and moisture issues
- RICS condition ratings to prioritise matters
- Comments on significant visible defects and next steps
What it can help identify
Visible defects and condition concerns
Depending on the property and survey level, the inspection may comment on visible issues that commonly matter to buyers.
Damp and moisture
Comments on visible dampness, staining, condensation, ventilation issues and moisture-related concerns where apparent.
Cracking and movement
Comments on visible cracking, distortion and signs that may require monitoring, further investigation or specialist advice.
Roof and external fabric
Comments on accessible roof coverings, rainwater goods, external walls, chimneys and maintenance issues.
Survey comparison
How the survey levels compare
Level 1
- Basic condition overview
- Newer conventional properties
- Most limited survey level
- Limited repair advice
Level 2
- For conventional properties
- Best where condition appears reasonable
- Uses RICS condition ratings
- Comments on significant visible defects
Level 3
- For older, altered or complex properties
- More detailed defect commentary
- Greater repair and maintenance advice
- General cost guidance where appropriate
Professional limitations
What a survey does not replace
Not a specialist test or legal search
A RICS survey is not the same as a valuation, structural engineer’s report, drainage survey, electrical test, gas safety check, environmental search, flood report, mining report or legal report.
Further investigation may be needed
Where specialist issues are suspected, the report may recommend further investigation by a suitable contractor, engineer, legal adviser or specialist consultant.
FAQs
RICS Level 2 Home Survey FAQs
What is a RICS Level 2 Home Survey?
It is a standard RICS home survey for conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition.
Does a Level 2 survey include condition ratings?
Yes. A Level 2 survey uses RICS condition ratings to help identify and prioritise significant visible defects.
When might Level 3 be more suitable?
Level 3 may be more appropriate if the property is older, altered, extended, visibly defective, larger or non-standard.
Ready to request a RICS Level 2 Home Survey quote?
Tell us about the property and we will respond with a suitable survey quote.
