Property Buyer Knowledge Hub
Property guides for clearer decisions when buying a home
Practical survey and property defect guidance for homebuyers across Manchester and the North West.
Use these guides to understand RICS Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, common property defects, dampness,
cracking, movement, roof issues and repair risks.
Start with:
Level 2 or Level 3 guidance
Cracks, damp, roof and timber concerns
Survey, defect and risk guidance
Start here
Featured buyer guides
Start with these guides if you are choosing a survey, comparing survey levels or trying to understand
property risks during the buying process.
What survey do I need?
Use this guide and survey tool to understand whether a RICS Level 2 Home Survey or RICS Level 3
Building Survey may be more suitable for the property you are buying.
Level 2 vs Level 3
Compare the two main RICS survey levels and when each may be appropriate based on the property’s
age, type, condition and complexity.
Survey pricing
Understand what can affect survey fees, including property type, size, age, location, survey level
and visible complexity.
RICS Surveys
Survey guides
Clear explanations of the main RICS survey options, what they include and when each survey level may be appropriate.
RICS Level 2 Home Survey
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.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
A Level 3 Building Survey is usually more suitable for older, altered, extended, larger or visibly
defective properties. It provides more detailed commentary on defects, risks, repair priorities and maintenance.
Which survey is right?
The right survey depends on the property’s age, construction, condition, alterations, visible defects
and your plans after purchase.
Property Defects
Understand visible property defects
Property defect guides help buyers understand common warning signs, likely implications and when further
investigation or a more detailed survey may be needed.
Structural defects
- Subsidence
- Heave
- Structural cracks
- Wall tie failure
- Lintel failure
Damp and moisture
- Rising damp
- Penetrating damp
- Condensation
- Wet rot
- Dry rot
Other buyer concerns
- Roof defects
- Chimney issues
- External fabric
- Renovation risks
- Defect checker
Not sure which survey is right?
Use the survey guidance tool or request a quote. Aspect Surveying can review the property type,
age, condition and concerns raised to advise whether a Level 2 or Level 3 survey appears more suitable.
Deep Dive Guides
Structural and damp guide library
Detailed guides for buyers who want to understand common property defects and repair risks.
Subsidence
Signs of possible ground movement, cracking patterns and buyer considerations.
Structural cracks
When cracking may require further investigation.
Wall tie failure
Horizontal cracking, cavity wall movement and corrosion-related risks.
Rising damp
Signs, causes and treatment considerations.
Penetrating damp
How external defects can allow moisture into the building.
Dry rot
Why fungal decay can be serious in older homes.
Buyer Tools
Free tools for property buyers
Move from reading to action with practical tools designed to help buyers understand survey choice,
visible defects and property risk considerations when buying a home.
Which Survey Do I Need?
Answer a few questions to see whether a Level 2 or Level 3 survey may be more suitable.
Property Defect Checker
Select visible issues such as cracks, damp, roof defects or timber decay and receive general next-step guidance.
Homebuyer Risk Snapshot
Check EPC, flood, radon and coal mining considerations before purchase.
legal advice, environmental search or professional assessment of a specific property.
Need survey advice for your property purchase?
Tell us about the property and we will respond with a suitable survey quote. If the property appears older,
altered, visibly defective or higher risk, we may advise that a Level 3 Building Survey is more appropriate.
