RICS Home Surveys
You know you want a RICS survey. The question is which level gives you the right amount of detail for the property you’re buying. The answer depends on the type of home, its age and condition, and how much reassurance you need before you commit.
RICS Home Survey Level 2
The RICS Home Survey Level 2 is designed for conventional properties in reasonable condition, typically post-1900 homes built from standard materials. It gives you a clear overview of the property’s condition, highlights common defects, and uses a traffic-light rating system that’s straightforward to read and act on.
RICS Home Survey Level 2 with Valuation
This option includes everything in the Level 2 survey, with the addition of a surveyor’s professional opinion on the market value of the property and an insurance reinstatement figure. It’s a useful choice if you want a condition report and an independent valuation in a single instruction.
RICS Home Survey Level 3
The RICS Home Survey Level 3 is the most thorough inspection available to homebuyers. It’s the right choice for older homes, properties with visible issues, properties that have been extended over 50% of their original footprint, or anywhere that needs a detailed assessment of structure and condition before you proceed.
Why Choose Countrywide Home Surveys?
Countrywide Home Surveys is regulated by RICS, so every survey meets rigorous professional standards. Our RICS Qualified Surveyors are based across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, combining national reach with genuine local knowledge of the areas and property types they cover. We work independently from mortgage lenders and estate agents, so the assessment you receive reflects the property’s condition, not anyone else’s interests.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A RICS Level 2 survey provides a clear overview of a property's condition and is suited to standard, modern homes in reasonable repair. A RICS Level 3 survey is a more detailed inspection that identifies the causes of defects and outlines likely repair implications. Level 3 is the right choice for older, larger, or more complex properties, or anywhere you need a comprehensive assessment before committing to a purchase.
Most first-time buyers purchasing a standard, modern property will find a RICS Level 2 survey meets their needs. It highlights the key issues, explains what they mean in plain English, and gives you the confidence to proceed or renegotiate. If you are buying an older home, a non-standard property, or somewhere with visible signs of wear or alteration, a Level 3 survey gives you a more complete picture and greater protection.
RICS stands for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the independent professional body that sets standards for surveyors in the UK. A RICS-regulated survey means the inspection has been carried out by a RICS Qualified Surveyor following consistent professional standards, and that you have access to a formal complaints process if something goes wrong. Choosing a RICS-regulated provider means the report you receive is objective, professionally produced, and holds up to scrutiny.