Property Surveys

Who is an RICS Level 1 for?

A RICS Level 1 Survey is the most basic of the three surveys. It’s designed for home buyers or homeowners who are seeking a professional and objective report on the condition of a property.

When is a RICS Level 1 Survey suitable?

A RICS Level 1 Survey is best suited to conventionally built, modern properties that are in satisfactory condition. It will not suit older or complex properties, or those in a neglected condition.

What will the surveyor do?

The surveyor will carry out a visual inspection of the property (which is less extensive than a Level 2 Survey or a Building Survey) and will not carry out any tests on the fabric or services (e.g. electrics, plumbing, heating) of the building.

What will be included in the report?

The report will objectively describe the condition of the building, its services and grounds, and will provide an assessment of the relative importance of any defects or problems.

The report will also highlight any relevant legal issues and/or obvious risks to the building, people, or grounds.

A RICS Level 1 Survey report will not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance.
 

Who is an RICS Level 2 for?

A RICS Level 2 Survey is an intermediate
survey designed for home buyers or homeowners who are seeking a professional opinion on the condition of the main elements of a property. It’s less comprehensive than a RICS Level 3 Survey.

When is a RICS Level 2 Survey suitable?

A RICS Level 2 Survey will suit a broad range of conventionally built properties.It is unlikely to suit complex buildings (e.g. those that have been significantly extended or altered), most unique or older historic properties, or properties in a neglected condition.

What will the surveyor do?

What will be included in the report?

The report will objectively describe the condition of the building, its services and grounds, and will provide an assessment of the relative importance of any defects or problems. It will include basic advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues, and, if the surveyor has access to the current EPC report, they will state the energy efficiency rating, check for any obvious discrepancies between the EPC and the property, and explain the implications. The report will also highlight any relevant legal issues and/or obvious risks to the building, people, or grounds. The surveyor will be able to provide advice on suitable additional services where the homeowner / home buyer is planning on refurbishment work.

Who is an RICS Level 3 for?

A RICS Level 3 Survey is designed for home buyers or homeowners who are seeking a professional opinion based on a thorough inspection of the property.

When is a RICS Level 3 Survey suitable?

A RICS Level 3 Survey particularly suits older properties built before 1850, those of unusual construction, properties with major extensions or alterations, or those that you already know to have significant defects that need attention. You should also consider a Building Survey if you’re planning any refurbishments or extensions.

What will the surveyor do?

The RICS Level 3 Survey is the most extensive survey available. The surveyor will carry out a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services (e.g. electrics, plumbing, heating) and the grounds.

Concealed areas such as roof spaces, basements and cellars will be inspected if it is safe to do so. Although the survey will not include any testing on the fabric or services of the building, they will be observed in normal operation i.e. they will be switched on or off and/or operated where the occupier has given permission and it is safe to do so.

What will be included in the report?

The detailed report will objectively describe the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It will describe their condition and provide an assessment of the relative importance of any defects or problems.

In addition to this, it will:

• Describe the identifiable risk of potential or hidden defects in areas that have not been inspected
• Propose the most probable cause(s) of any defects based on the inspection
• Outline the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explain the likely consequences of non-repair
• Make general recommendations in respect of the priority and likely timescale for necessary work and
• Give an indication of likely costs (if required).