Level 2 Homebuyers Survey
At Marshall Laurence Surveyors, we offer comprehensive RICS Home Buyer Reports to help you make informed decisions when purchasing a property.
What is a Level 2 Homebuyers Survey Report?
A Level 2 Homebuyers Survey, also called an RICS HomeBuyer Report, is designed to give you a clear and practical overview of a property’s condition before you commit to purchase. This professional survey highlights visible defects, urgent repairs, and potential risks that could affect your purchase decision.
Ideal for standard properties in reasonable condition, a Level 2 Homebuyers Survey offers peace of mind without the extra detail of a full structural survey. If you’re buying in London, where homes often come at a premium.
By choosing an independent RICS surveyor, you gain expert advice and peace of mind, ensuring you make a well-informed decision before committing to your new home.
Our Level 2 HomeBuyers Survey checks cover:
Subsidence
Identifies signs of movement or structural instability.
Damp
Highlights moisture ingress, condensation, or mould risks.
Roof & Loft
Assesses the visible condition of roof coverings, timbers, and insulation.
Facade & External Walls
Reviews brickwork, render, and finishes for defects.
Services (Overview Only)
General review of visible heating, water, drainage, and electrics.
Pests & Timber Decay
Checks for woodworm, insect activity, or timber deterioration.
What does a Level 2 Building Survey look like?
Here is an example of the Level 2 Building Survey you will receive from us.
Our reports follow the RICS standard format, making them clear, professional, and easy to follow. Each element of the property is assessed using a traffic light rating system, so you can immediately see the level of concern:
Condition Rating 3: Red
Urgent defects requiring immediate repair.
Condition Rating 2: Amber
Defects or maintenance issues to address soon.
Condition Rating 1: Green
No significant issues.
Further Investigation
Where more specialist testing is recommended (e.g. drainage surveys, electrical testing, structural engineer input).
Optional Drone Survey
Using high-resolution drone technology, we capture detailed images and video to assess the condition of your roof safely, quickly, and accurately.
Why Choose Us?
RICS Chartered Surveyors
Fully qualified, regulated, and experienced
Clear, Jargon-Free Reports
Easy-to-understand findings with traffic light ratings.
Fast Turnaround
Reports delivered promptly to keep your purchase on track.
Local Expertise
In-depth knowledge of properties across London and the South East.
Personal Support
Direct contact with your surveyor to guide you through the report and advise on your next steps.
Receive Your Instant Quote
Our survey fees are transparent and competitive, calculated based on the property’s size, location, and value.
Request your free, no-obligation Level 2 Homebuyers Survey quote for your London property today.
Book Your Level 2 Homebuyers Survey in London
Buying a home in London is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make – make sure it’s the right one.
Call us on 02080642480
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Level 2 Homebuyers Survey?
A Level 2 Homebuyers Survey, also known as an RICS HomeBuyer Report, is a mid-level house survey carried out by an RICS Chartered Surveyor. It provides buyers with a clear and reliable overview of the property’s condition before purchase. This type of survey is designed to identify visible defects, urgent repairs, and potential risks, such as damp, structural movement, or roof issues. It gives peace of mind by helping buyers in London and across the UK make informed decisions, and it can also be used as a negotiation tool if costly repairs are identified.
2. How is it different from a Building Survey (Level 3)?
A Level 2 Survey (HomeBuyer Report) is ideal for conventional, modern properties built with standard construction materials and in reasonable condition. modern, conventional properties that are built with standard materials and appear to be in reasonable condition. By comparison, a Level 3 Building Survey is more detailed and is recommended for older homes, larger properties, listed buildings, or houses that have been significantly altered or extended. If you are buying in London, where many properties are period homes, a Level 3 may be more appropriate, but for most standard purchases, a Level 2 Homebuyers Survey provides the right level of assurance.
3. Do I need a Level 2 Survey if the property looks fine?
Yes. Many issues, such as damp, roof defects, or structural movement, are not obvious during a standard viewing. A Level 2 Homebuyers Survey, carried out by a qualified RICS Surveyor, ensures you’re fully aware of potential problems that could be costly later.
4. What does a surveyor check when buying a house?
When carrying out a house survey, a qualified RICS Chartered Surveyor will check a wide range of elements, including:
• The condition of the roof, walls, ceilings, and floors
• Signs of damp, mould, or rot
• Evidence of subsidence or structural movement
• The windows, doors, and joinery
• Visible plumbing, drainage, and electrics
• The overall condition of the heating system
• The state of outbuildings, garages, and boundary walls
• Risks such as Japanese knotweed or nearby environmental factors
The surveyor will also look for compliance with building regulations and highlight potential safety issues.
5. What does a Level 2 Homebuyers Survey cover?
A Level 2 Homebuyers Survey (RICS HomeBuyer Report) provides a clear and structured overview of the property. It covers:
• Visible defects and urgent repairs (such as damp, roof problems, or cracks in walls)
• Condition of key building elements (roof, floors, walls, windows, doors, and services)
• Potential risks affecting the property (such as flooding, movement, or subsidence)
• Advice on maintenance and future repairs
•An easy-to-read traffic light system showing the severity of each issue
Unlike a mortgage valuation, this survey is designed to protect the buyer’s interests by giving a true picture of the property’s condition.
6. Who carries out the survey?
All inspections are completed by fully qualified and insured RICS Chartered Surveyors. Our surveyors are regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), ensuring the survey meets strict industry standards. When you book a Level 2 Survey, you can be confident that your property will be assessed by an expert with years of experience in identifying potential risks and defects.
7. How long does the survey take?
The duration of a house survey varies depending on the property type. For most homes, the inspection typically takes 1–3 hours. Larger, more complex, or older properties may require more time for a thorough assessment.
8. When will I receive my report?
We usually deliver your RICS Survey report within 3–5 working days after inspection. For clients working with strict timescales, we can also offer faster turnaround options, ensuring you get the information you need in time to make confident purchase decisions.
9. What happens if issues are found?
The survey report uses an easy-to-understand traffic light rating system to categorise issues by severity. If problems are identified, you can use the findings to renegotiate the purchase price, request repairs, or plan future maintenance.
10. Is a Homebuyers Survey mandatory in London?
No, a Homebuyers Survey is not a legal requirement in London or elsewhere in the UK. However, with property prices in London at a premium, it is strongly advised. A Level 2 Homebuyers Survey could highlight problems such as damp or roofing defects that may otherwise be missed. Identifying these issues early can help you avoid unexpected costs and protect your investment.
11. Can I speak to my surveyor after receiving the report?
Absolutely, once you receive your report, we encourage clients to discuss the findings with our RICS Chartered surveyor. This allows you to ask questions, gain a deeper understanding of the results, and receive tailored advice on the next steps before you proceed with your purchase.
12. How do I arrange access for the survey?
We handle this for you. Our team will contact the estate agent or seller directly to arrange access, keeping the process simple and stress-free.
13. What if I need the survey urgently?
If you’re working to a tight deadline, let us know. We offer an expedited service in London to ensure you receive your report as quickly as possible.
What Our Customers Say
Latest Resources
Looking to learn more about surveying and how it can help your project? Our latest articles and guides break things down in simple, practical terms. From helpful tips to updates on the newest tools, this section gives you clear insights and support every step of the way.
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The Importance of a Homebuyer’s Report
Why Should I Get A RICS Professional To Snag My House?
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