RICS Level 2 Home Survey
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, often called a Homebuyer Survey, is a thorough inspection of a conventional home in reasonable condition. It tells you what's wrong, how urgent it is and what needs looking into before you buy, using a simple traffic-light rating system. We carry them out across Essex, with your report emailed within 5 working days.
About the Survey
The RICS Level 2 Home Survey is the most popular survey for home buyers. It replaced the well-known RICS HomeBuyer Report when RICS introduced its Home Survey Standard, which is why many people still call it a Homebuyer Survey.
The survey is a careful visual inspection of the property, inside and out. Our surveyor looks for significant defects such as subsidence, structural movement, damp, rot and woodworm, and checks the visible condition of the roof, walls, windows, services and grounds. The findings are set out in a clear, structured report, with photographs, so you know exactly what you're buying.
It's designed to help you make an informed decision. If the survey finds problems, you'll have time to get quotes, ask the seller to carry out repairs or renegotiate the price before you exchange contracts.
Is It Right for You?
A Level 2 survey works best for homes built using standard materials and methods that appear to be in reasonable condition. Across Essex, that typically includes post-war and modern houses, estate homes built from the 1960s onwards, purpose-built flats, and many unaltered 1930s semis and bungalows.
If the property is Victorian or Edwardian, has been heavily extended or converted, is of unusual construction or clearly needs work, a RICS Level 3 Home Survey is usually the better choice, as it goes into far more detail on defects and repairs. Buying a brand-new home? Choose a New Build Snagging Report instead.
Not sure? Read our guide to choosing a survey or call us on 07375 390466 with the property details.
The Inspection
The inspection is visual and non-invasive, which means we don't lift fixed floor coverings, open up walls or move heavy furniture. Within those limits, we inspect everything we can safely see and access.
Alongside our visual inspection, we use a moisture meter and, where needed, a thermal imaging camera. Where weather conditions allow, we also use a drone or extendable pole camera to get a closer view of roofs and chimneys.
Your Report
Your report rates each part of the property using the RICS traffic-light condition ratings, so you can see at a glance where the problems are:
The report also highlights any safety hazards and lists matters for your conveyancer (solicitor) to look into as part of the legal process, such as alterations that may need planning permission or building regulations approval, boundary or access issues, and flood risk.
Every report includes plenty of photographs and is written in plain English. It's emailed to you within 5 working days of the inspection, often sooner.
Good to Know
To help you choose the right survey, it's worth knowing what's outside the scope of a Level 2 Home Survey:
An insurance reinstatement cost (the estimated cost of rebuilding the property for insurance purposes) can be added to your Level 2 Survey for an additional fee. If the survey finds something that needs a closer look, such as an electrical or drainage issue, we'll recommend a suitable specialist.
After Your Survey
Reading a survey report on your own can be daunting, especially if it contains amber or red ratings. That's why every Level 2 Survey includes the option of a follow-up phone call with your surveyor once you've had time to read it.
We'll explain what the key findings mean, which issues are routine and which need action, and the sensible next steps, whether that's getting quotes, booking a specialist or going back to the seller.
Across Essex
We carry out Level 2 Home Surveys throughout Essex, from 1930s semis in Leigh-on-Sea and Rayleigh to modern family homes in Basildon, Billericay and Chelmsford. Local knowledge of the area's house types and ground conditions, including the London Clay found across much of South Essex, helps us put our findings into context.
See all the areas we cover, or get in touch with the property address for a quote.
Other Surveys
For older, larger or altered homes
For landlords buying a rental property
For brand-new homes
For a known problem such as cracking or damp
Get in touch
Send us the property details and we'll come back to you with a quote for a RICS Level 2 Home Survey. If we think a different survey would suit the property better, we'll tell you.
Prefer to talk?
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Send us a message, the property listing link and any photos or questions. Handy if you're busy during the day.
If you're unsure which survey you need, tell us about the property and your circumstance and we'll guide you through it.
Essentially, yes. The RICS Level 2 Home Survey replaced the RICS HomeBuyer Report when RICS introduced its Home Survey Standard. Many people still use the old name, which is why it's often called a Homebuyer Survey.
It depends on the size, age and condition of the property. Most inspections of a typical family home take a few hours.
No. We arrange access with the estate agent or seller, so you don't need to attend. You'll be able to talk through the findings with us on the follow-up call.
No. Our Level 2 Home Survey reports on the condition of the property and doesn't include a market valuation. An insurance reinstatement cost can be added for an additional fee.
A Level 2 survey identifies defects and how urgent they are, but doesn't include detailed repair costs. For significant issues, we'll recommend getting quotes from contractors before you exchange contracts.
Sometimes, if the property is of conventional construction, largely unaltered and in reasonable condition. For most Victorian and Edwardian homes, or any property that's been heavily altered, we'd recommend a Level 3 Survey.
We'll explain it in the report and on the follow-up call, and recommend the type of specialist who should take a closer look, such as an electrician, drainage engineer or structural engineer.
The fee depends on the size, age and type of property. Send us the property details and we'll give you a quote.
Our Surveys
From RICS Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys to new build snagging, buy to let and schedules of condition, we'll help you choose the right report for your property.
Get a Quote
Tell us the property address and the survey you need, and we'll come back to you with a quote.
Prefer to talk? Call or WhatsApp 07375 390466.
Lima Surveys is an independent firm of Chartered Building Surveyors based in Leigh-on-Sea, regulated by both RICS and the RPSA. Every survey is carried out and written by a Chartered Surveyor, with a clear photographic report issued within 5 working days and a follow-up call to talk through the findings. We cover the whole of Essex.
Lima Surveys Ltd
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 3PL
Registered in England & Wales, Company No. 13556609
Registered office: C/O Kingsley House, 22-24 Elm Road, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex, England, SS9 1SN.
VAT Reg No. 458 5578 39
T: 07375 390466
E: info@limasurveys.co.uk
