RICS survey service
RICS Level 1 Home Survey
A basic condition overview for newer, conventional properties.
A RICS Level 1 Home Survey is the most basic RICS survey level. It may be suitable for newer, conventional properties that appear to be in good condition where only a basic condition overview is required.
Best suited to
Most suitable for modern or newer homes built using conventional construction methods.
Best where the property appears well maintained and there are no obvious visible defects or repair concerns.
Useful where you need a limited condition overview rather than detailed defect or repair advice.
Who it suits
Who should choose a RICS Level 1 Home Survey?
Newer properties
Most suitable for modern or newer homes built using conventional construction methods.
Good apparent condition
Best where the property appears well maintained and there are no obvious visible defects or repair concerns.
Basic overview only
Useful where you need a limited condition overview rather than detailed defect or repair advice.
Survey guidance
Level 1 Home Surveys for newer conventional properties
A RICS Level 1 Home Survey is a basic condition overview for newer, conventional properties that appear to be in good condition. It is the most limited RICS survey level and is not intended to provide detailed repair advice.
This survey level may be suitable where the property is modern, built using standard construction and there are no obvious concerns about damp, cracking, movement, roof condition, alterations or general disrepair.
If the property is older, altered, extended, visibly defective or if you want more detailed advice, a Level 2 Home Survey or Level 3 Building Survey may be more appropriate.
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.
- A basic visual inspection of accessible parts of the property
- Overview comments on the property’s general condition
- Identification of urgent or significant visible matters where apparent
- General comments to help buyers understand whether further advice may be needed
- A more limited level of detail than Level 2 or Level 3
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.
How it works
A simple survey process
Request a quote
Tell us about the property and the survey you are considering.
Receive advice
We respond with a quote and can advise if Level 2 or Level 3 appears more suitable.
Confirm and book
If you are happy to proceed, you complete the booking form and terms.
Access arranged
We arrange access with the estate agent, vendor or access contact.
Inspection completed
The survey is carried out and the report is prepared.
Follow-up support
You can ask questions about the findings and next steps.
FAQs
RICS Level 1 Home Survey FAQs
What is a RICS Level 1 Home Survey?
It is the most basic RICS home survey level and is generally intended for newer, conventional properties that appear to be in good condition.
Does a Level 1 survey give repair advice?
It is limited and does not provide the same level of repair advice as a Level 2 Home Survey or Level 3 Building Survey.
When should I choose Level 2 or Level 3 instead?
If the property is older, altered, extended, visibly defective or you need more detailed advice, a Level 2 or Level 3 survey may be more appropriate.
Ready to request a RICS Level 1 Home Survey quote?
Tell us about the property and we will respond with a suitable survey quote.
