RICs Home Survey - Level 2

Surveys

Buying a home or property is a huge commitment and one of the most expensive purchases you ever make, so it is important to know what you are buying. At Brankins Chartered Surveyors, we are committed to helping our clients make the right decision on whether to proceed with their property purchase. This will provide peace of mind and can highlight any defects that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. We offer a RICS Level 2 Home Survey Service with and without a valuation.


We can advise you which Survey service is appropriate for your requirements. Please feel free to complete our online enquiry form or email valuations@brankins.com

RICS Home Survey - Level 2

The RICS Level 2 home survey (formerly known as a home buyer report) is our most popular survey and is suited to the majority of conventionally built properties and purchasers. It is unlikely to suit complex buildings, significantly extended or altered buildings, unique, older historic properties, or properties in a neglected condition. It aims to help clients make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with buying a property. Our surveyor will consider your individual concerns and modify your report accordingly. 


The level 2 report follows a clear traffic light rating system and will describe the condition of each area of the property, highlighting any cause for concern or minor and major problems. There are two types of Level 2 Home Surveys:


•The Home Survey – Level 2 (survey only) Service

•The Home Survey – Level 2 (survey and valuation) Service


Download: RICS Home Survey Level 2 – Sample report

Download: RICS Home Survey Level 2 With Valuation– Sample report


The Home Survey – Level 2 (Survey Only) Service

The report assesses the general condition of the main interior and exterior elements of a property. This intermediate level of service includes a more extensive visual inspection of the building, its services, and grounds, but without tests being undertaken. The detailed survey inspection increases the chance of defects being uncovered.

The report follows the standard format with a paragraph on each property element and a condition rating to indicate areas of concern. This condition rating system allows you to easily see which elements of the property require urgent attention or further investigation. There is also a risk section which summarises all the defects and issues that present a risk to the building, the grounds, or people. The report will identify any issues that your legal advisers may need to investigate further.


RICS Level 2 Survey and Valuation

The Home Survey – Level 2 (Survey and Valuation) Service includes the above, plus a valuation of the property. This service also allows you to make a confident and informed decision on what is a reasonable price to pay for the property, based on the Surveyors knowledge and expertise. Additionally, by citing this valuation, a buyer can potentially reduce the current asking price of the property. This will guarantee that they are not being overcharged or misled during the sale.


If you choose to opt for the Home Survey – Level 2 (Survey and Valuation) Service, the report will also include the current Market Value of the property. The Market Value is based on comparable evidence of similar properties sold recently within the immediate locality. A reinstatement cost is also provided, which is the cost of rebuilding an average home of the type and style inspected. This cost can help you decide the level of buildings insurance cover that you require.


If you would like to discuss any of the above, on a no obligation basis, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can advise you which Survey service is appropriate for your requirements. Please feel free to complete our online enquiry form or email valuations@brankins.com 

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RICS Home Survey - Level 2

✓ The RICS Level 2 home survey (formerly known as a Homebuyer Report) is our most popular Survey.

✓ A detailed report providing a clear and concise overview of the market value, marketability and general condition of the property. 

✓ If the home being surveyed is of standard construction and was built after 1900, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) recommends the RICS Level 2 Home Survey.

✓ Our surveyor will consider your individual concerns and modify your report accordingly. 


Brankins offer two types of Level 2 Home Surveys:

❖ The Home Survey Level 2 (Survey and Valuation)  

❖ The Home Survey Level 2 (Survey only)


RICS Home Survey Level 2 [Survey and Valuation]

The Home Survey Level 2 with valuation includes:

✓ An internal and external inspection of all the property elements.

✓ A summary of condition ratings and Surveyors’ overall opinion. 

✓ Background information on the property and location.

✓ A visual inspection for services such as electricity, gas, and water.

✓ An assessment of any damp-proofing, drainage, or insulation in the building (although drains are not tested).

✓ Condition of the building’s timbers and checking woodworm or rot.

✓ Damp test results taken from the walls.

✓ Issues for your legal advisors to pay attention to. 

✓ Details of urgent problems that require specialist attention before signing a contract.

✓ An estimate for the cost of re-building the property for insurance purpose. (This cost can help you decide the level of buildings insurance cover that you require).

✓ Current Market Value of the property, based on comparable evidence.


Condition Ratings:

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey Report has 3 condition ratings to evaluate and describe the condition of the property and how urgently it needs repairing. The conditions are defined by RICS as:

  • Condition Rating 1 (Green) – No repair currently needed.
  • Condition Rating 2 (Amber) – Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be serious or urgent.
  • Condition Rating 3 (Red) – Defects that are serious and/or need to be repaired, replaced or investigated urgently.
  • R – Documents we may suggest you request before you sign contracts.
  • NI – Not inspected.


RICS Home Survey Level 2 [Survey and No Valuation] 

The Home Survey Level 2 Survey Only service includes:

✓ This service is identical to a Level 2 Home Survey with Valuation mentioned above, although does NOT include a reinstatement figure or market valuation. 


*Please see our Documents section in the advice section for the full definition of each Survey Level.* Please do not hesitate to contact us, we can advise you which Survey service is appropriate for your requirements. Please feel free to complete our online enquiry form or email valuations@brankins.com

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