Level 2 - Mid Range Survey
The Level 2 Survey (Previously referred to as a ‘Homebuyer rep[ort’) is a survey that has built a reputation for delivering a clear, comprehensive and jargon free report for home buyers at an affordable price, with the authority of having been delivered by a qualified chartered surveyor and full member of RICS.
Presented in a standard format, as devised by RICS, the survey applies to houses, bungalows and flats that are conventional in type and construction and are apparently in reasonable condition. This would generally include property conversions and properties similar to below:
- are of Victorian to present-day construction (but we generally suggest 100 years maximum age) although this can be exceeded in some cases.
- have load bearing structures or simple frames
- use conventional building materials and construction methods
- have service systems commonly used in domestic residential properties.
The RICS Level 2 survey is designed to be a mid-range inspection that highlights main areas of defects and urgent repair that provides adequate information to ensure a purchaser can make an informed decision.
The service is specifically designed for clients who are seeking a professional opinion on a property’s condition, at an economic price. It is, therefore, less comprehensive than the RICS Level 3 survey (which provides a more technical and diagnostic assessment). The focus of the service is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property, and identifying and evaluating the particular features that require immediate and longer term repairs.
The inspection looks at all the major elements of the property and provides a condition rating of each:
- Condition Rating 1 - No repair is currently needed;
- Condition Rating 2 - Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent
- Condition Rating 3 - Serious defects present requiring urgent attention.
As a mid-range survey, the inspection is not exhaustive, and no tests are undertaken. There is, therefore, a risk that certain defects may not be found that would have been uncovered if testing and/or a more substantial inspection had been undertaken. However, where there is ‘a trail of suspicion’ the surveyor will take reasonable steps to follow the trail. These ‘reasonable steps’ may include recommending further investigation.
