What does a RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey include?

A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey includes a visual inspection of all accessible areas, condition ratings (1 to 3) for every major element, comments on significant defects and their implications, a list of items for your solicitor to verify, and guidance on ongoing maintenance. It also includes a market valuation if you choose the survey with valuation option.

How much does a Homebuyer Survey cost in London?

Homebuyer Survey costs typically range from £450 for properties up to £300,000 to £900+ for higher-value properties. The fee depends on the property value and location. Get a personalised quote from Surveyor Sorted in minutes.

How long does a Homebuyer Survey take?

The inspection itself usually takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property. Your written report is delivered within 5 to 7 working days of the inspection.

Is a Homebuyer Survey worth it?

Yes. A survey is one of the most important steps you can take when buying a property. It can reveal hidden defects that allow you to renegotiate the purchase price, identify ongoing maintenance requirements, and give you confidence in your purchase. The cost of a survey is a small fraction of your total investment.

What is the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey?

A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is recommended for conventional properties in reasonable condition. Typically modern builds or well-maintained homes. A Level 3 Building Survey is more thorough and is recommended for older properties (pre-1950), extended or altered homes, or any property where you have concerns about its condition.

RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey

Clear condition ratings on every major element, with a market valuation included as standard.

£450

Fee from

5 to 7

Days to report

4.8★

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Regulated firm

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1Fee, on screen.Type your property value into the form. The number you see is the full price, the final total you pay.
2Valuation included.A RICS market valuation comes with every Level 2 Homebuyer Survey, at no extra cost.
3Earliest inspection date offered immediately.We arrange access with the agent or vendor. You do not need to coordinate anything.
4Report date confirmed at booking.5 to 7 working days from inspection. You know the date before you pay.
5A written inspection summary, usually within 24 hours of the visit.Plus a call with our surveying team once you have read the full report.
6RICS Regulated Firm 816557.MRICS surveyors. Registered Valuer on every valuation.
7Sample reports, shown in your quote.Real and local reports conducted by our team, so you see what you get before you commit.
8Your own interactive portal.One link with your quote, sample reports, inspection date, terms, payment, live booking status and the report the moment it is ready.
9Aftercare, after the report.What the defects mean, what to fix first and what it should cost, through offeraccepted.co.uk.
10Pay on booking, card or bank transfer.Klarna and Clearpay available through Stripe checkout if you would rather spread it.

Step 1 of 2 · Your property

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Your fee

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What you receive

What's included

✓

Condition ratings 1 to 3

Every major element assessed: structure, roof, walls, floors, electrics, heating, drainage and more.

✓

Significant defects flagged

Problems that may affect the value or require urgent attention are clearly identified.

✓

Solicitor's issues list

Matters for your legal team to investigate, including planning permissions, guarantees, and warranties.

✓

Ongoing maintenance advice

Guidance on the maintenance and repairs needed to keep the property in good condition.

✓

Services overview

A summary of the gas, electricity, water, and drainage services, and whether specialist investigation is recommended.

✓

Report in plain English

No jargon. Every section written to be understood, with a clear summary and next steps.

Not covered by a Level 2 survey

·Areas that are inaccessible or concealed
·Detailed investigation of drainage or drains
·Specialist reports (electrical, gas, structural engineering)

If your property may need more detailed investigation, consider a Level 3 Building Survey.

See the detail

Download a sample report

See exactly what a completed Homebuyer Survey looks like. The layout, condition ratings, and level of detail.

Download sample PDF

Choosing a survey

Is a Level 2 right for your property?

Level 2 is ideal if…

✓The property was built after 1950
✓It's in reasonable, well-maintained condition
✓It's a conventional construction (brick, tile, standard)
✓It hasn't been significantly extended or altered
✓You don't have major structural concerns

Consider Level 3 if…

→The property was built before 1950
→It's a listed building or unusual construction
→You've noticed cracks, damp, or structural movement
→Property has undergone previous works, or significant alterations (extensions & conversions)
→You want the most comprehensive inspection available

View Level 3 Building Survey →

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What does a Level 2 Homebuyer Survey include?

The survey covers all accessible and visible elements of the property: structure, roof, walls, windows, floors, ceilings, heating, drainage and more. Each element is given a condition rating from 1 (no repair needed) to 3 (defects that require urgent attention). You'll also receive a list of issues for your solicitor to verify and ongoing maintenance advice.

How much does a Homebuyer Survey cost?

Our fees start from £450 for properties valued up to £300,000 and scale with the property value. We provide a fixed-price quote upfront. No hidden fees. Get your personalised quote using the form on this page.

How long does the inspection take?

The on-site inspection usually takes 2 to 4 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property. Your full written report is delivered within 5 to 7 working days of the inspection.

Do I need to be present during the survey?

You're not required to attend, but you're welcome to join. We can arrange access directly with the estate agent or vendor. If you do attend, our surveyor will be happy to answer questions during or immediately after the inspection.

Is a Level 2 or Level 3 survey right for my property?

A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition. Typically modern builds or well-maintained homes built after the 1950s. If the property is older, has been significantly extended, shows signs of movement or serious damp, or is of non-standard construction, a Level 3 Building Survey is more appropriate. If you're unsure, get in touch. We're happy to advise.

Can I use the survey to renegotiate the purchase price?

Yes. And many buyers do. If the survey reveals defects you weren't aware of, you can use the findings to negotiate a reduction in the purchase price or request that the vendor carries out repairs before exchange. Our surveyors can provide indicative repair costs to assist with this.

From £450 · Report in 5 to 7 working days

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View a sample Homebuyer Survey report

See the level of detail included in a Surveyor Sorted Level 2 Homebuyer Survey. This redacted sample shows the traffic-light condition ratings, key findings, and recommendations you will receive.

PDF · 85 pages9.1 MB

View sample report