Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys. Which one should I choose?

Buying a property is likely to be the biggest purchase in our lives. Therefore, you will want to make sure that it is a reasonable proposition for purchase and to ensure there are no nasty surprises once you have been handed the keys.

The risk of this is eliminated by providing yourself with as much information on the property in order to make as much of an informed decision as possible, as well as peace of mind.

But how informed would you like to be?

You may be buying a property built since the turn of the millennium. It will be in good condition and you'll have a reasonable level of confidence that it will be a good purchase. On the other hand, you could be buying a "project" or a "fixer-upper", perhaps built in the Victorian era or pre-WWII. You can see it requires a level of repair and refurbishment, defects are visible, but you are unsure how long the to-do list is.

This is where a survey comes in. But where do you start?

Although not mandatory, a survey carried out by an independent RICS-accredited surveyor will provide you with such information in the form of a concise written report on the true condition of the property in question. Because of the above mentioned differentiations in age and condition of the UK's housing stock, there is no one-size-fits-all report appropriate for every property.

The RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Home Surveys are designed to provide different levels of detail regarding a property's condition. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between a Level 2 (HomeBuyer Report) and a Level 3 (Building Survey):

Level 2 (also known as HomeBuyer Report)

- Purpose: Provides a general overview of the property’s condition.

- Content: Includes a visual inspection of the property, highlighting significant issues, along with an assessment of the property's value.

- Details Covered: Focuses on common problems such as dampness, structural issues, and potential repairs needed.

- Recommendations: Offers guidance on repairs and maintenance but does not typically include extensive detail on building materials or construction techniques.

- Ideal For: Suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition, often used by buyers who want a clear and concise report.

Level 3 (also known as Building Survey)

- Purpose: Offers a comprehensive assessment of the property, ideal for older or more complex buildings.

- Content: Involves a detailed inspection that covers the property’s structure, condition, and potential issues in depth.

- Details Covered: Examines specific construction methods, materials, and any potential problems in detail, often including recommendations for repairs and maintenance.

- Recommendations: Provides more extensive advice on issues and potential future works.

- Ideal For: Best suited for larger, older, or unique properties, or for buyers who want a thorough understanding of the property’s condition.

In summary, a Level 2 survey provides a good overview and is less detailed, while a Level 3 survey is much more in-depth, making it suitable for more complex properties or buyers seeking a thorough understanding of their potential investment.

Why ALS Consulting for your survey?

- Fully accredited surveyors: We are RICS-certified surveyors with extensive experience in the field, ensuring a high-quality assessment of the property compiled into report format compliant with the RICS Home Survey Standard.

- Local Knowledge: We are very familiar with the property market across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as well as common environmental issues in the area.

- Clear Communication: Reports are designed to be easily understood, ensuring clients are well-informed about their property.

- Personalized Service: You may offer tailored services that meet individual client needs, ensuring a positive experience from start to finish.

- Competitive Pricing: We offer fair and transparent pricing for our services, providing you with great value to prepare for your property purchase.