What Is a RICS Level 2 Home Survey?

Kareem Ghani
Oct 21
2 min read

When you’re buying a home, getting a property survey is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It helps you understand the condition of the building before you commit — potentially saving you thousands of pounds in unexpected repairs. One of the most popular types is the RICS Level 2 Home Survey, also known as a HomeBuyer Report.

What Is an RICS Level 2 Survey?

A Level 2 Home Survey is a professional inspection carried out by an RICS-qualified surveyor. It provides an overview of the property’s condition, identifying any visible issues that could affect its value or require repairs.

It’s designed for conventional properties in reasonable condition — typically houses, flats, or bungalows built with standard materials and without major alterations.

What Does a Level 2 Survey Include?

An RICS Level 2 Survey gives you:

A clear summary of the property’s condition, with colour-coded ratings (green, amber, red) to highlight urgent issues.
Advice on repairs and maintenance, including potential risks or areas to monitor.
Comments on damp, rot, subsidence, and structural movement.
Information about the building’s construction, materials, and insulation.
Market valuation and reinstatement cost (if requested).

This survey doesn’t include an in-depth inspection behind walls or under floors, but it’s ideal for most buyers who want a balanced level of detail at a reasonable cost.