The HomeBuyer Survey (Level 2) is a visual inspection of the property to evaluate the overall condition of the building and highlight any obvious defects. The report will help the buyer make a reasoned and informed judgement on whether or not to proceed with the purchase.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) classes a HomeBuyer Report as a Level 2 survey, which is most appropriate for modern homes of conventional construction that are in a reasonable state of repair. For older properties, buildings that require (or have undergone) major alterations or refurbishment, or those built with non-standard methods and materials, a detailed Building Survey (Level 3) is recommended.

Building Surveys (Level 3) are more comprehensive, offering a detailed inspection of the inside and outside. This type of survey is needed if your property is old, made of unconventional material (like thatch or timber),or has had significant building work done to it. Similarly, if you intend to do building work to the property, a Building Survey is probably the one you will need.

A level 3 survey is absolutely worth it if your property is pre-1950's, non-standard construction, extended or a larger property. You'll also need a level 3 survey on a property which would otherwise only require a level 2, if you are planning major works. We would generally only advise a level 2 survey for reasonably new properties of standard construction.