What this survey is designed to do
The Level 2 Home Survey is intended to help you make an informed decision on whether to go ahead with the purchase, take account of any repairs or replacements that may be needed, and consider what further advice you may need before exchange of contracts.
- Identify significant visible defects and areas of concern
- Highlight urgent issues and repair priorities
- Help you budget for repairs and maintenance
- Recommend further investigation where appropriate
How the inspection works
The inspection is visual and non intrusive. It covers as much of the property as is reasonably and safely accessible at the time, but the building fabric is not opened up and concealed areas cannot be fully assessed.
- The inside and outside of the main building are inspected
- Permanent outbuildings are normally included
- Services are visually reviewed, but not specialist tested
- Hidden defects may still exist in inaccessible or concealed areas
Why buyers choose a Level 2 Home Survey
A Level 2 survey gives buyers a clear overview of the property’s condition, drawing attention to the issues most likely to affect decision making, budgeting and peace of mind.
Clear condition ratings
The report uses condition ratings to show which parts of the property need urgent attention, routine repair or normal maintenance.
Practical repair guidance
You receive clear commentary on the significance of the main defects noted during the inspection and what they may mean for you as a buyer.
Better informed decisions
The findings can help with negotiation, repair budgeting, deciding whether to proceed, and identifying where specialist advice may be sensible.
Properties that are more conventional in type
- Houses, flats and bungalows of standard construction
- Homes that appear to be in reasonable condition
- Properties without obvious major alteration or complexity
- Buyers wanting a clear overview before exchange of contracts
When a more detailed survey may be sensible
- Older, period or listed properties
- Homes that have been significantly altered or extended
- Properties of non standard construction
- Buildings showing signs of movement, dampness or significant defects
If you are unsure, our survey comparison guide can help you decide whether a Level 2 or Level 3 Home Survey is likely to be more appropriate.
Useful guidance before you book
Many buyers choose a Level 2 Home Survey when the property is of conventional construction and appears to be in reasonable condition. It gives clear, practical advice without the additional depth of a Level 3 survey.
- For price guidance, see how much a home survey costs.
- If you are buying an older or altered property, consider our Level 3 Home Survey.
- If defects are found, our guide on negotiating after a survey may be useful.
- You can also read whether a Level 2 survey is enough for your purchase.
Local RICS Level 2 surveys across the Midlands
Severn Surveyors Ltd provides Level 2 Home Surveys across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.
Worcestershire and the West Midlands
We cover Worcester, Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Redditch, Malvern, Kidderminster, Halesowen and surrounding locations.
Gloucestershire and Herefordshire
We cover Gloucester, Cheltenham, Cirencester, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Hereford and nearby towns and villages.
Oxfordshire and nearby areas
We cover Oxford, Abingdon, Didcot, Bicester, Banbury and other locations where the property is suitable for our service area.
Is a Level 2 Home Survey suitable for every property?
No. A Level 2 survey is usually best suited to conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition. Older, extended, altered or more complex homes may be better suited to a Level 3 Home Survey.
Can the survey help with negotiation?
Yes. Where significant defects are identified, the findings may help you discuss repairs, specialist investigations or price negotiations before exchange of contracts.
Get a fixed fee for a Level 2 Home Survey
Send the property postcode and a few details. We will confirm whether a Level 2 Home Survey is suitable and provide a fixed fee.
Level 2 Survey, Level 2 House Survey and HomeBuyer Survey
A Level 2 Survey is often the right choice for conventional houses, flats and bungalows that appear to be in reasonable condition. It is also commonly searched for as a Level 2 House Survey, HomeBuyer Survey, Home Buyers Survey or Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey.
Our Level 2 surveys focus on visible defects, urgent risks, dampness, roof issues, movement, timber defects, services limitations and matters you may wish to consider before proceeding with a purchase.
Level 2 Survey FAQs
Is a HomeBuyer Survey the same as a Level 2 Survey?
Yes. Many buyers still use the phrase HomeBuyer Survey or Home Buyers Survey, but the current RICS terminology is usually Level 2 Home Survey.
How much does a Level 2 Survey cost?
The Level 2 survey cost depends on the property type, size, value and location. See our house survey cost guide for typical pricing guidance or request a fixed fee quote.
Is a Level 2 Survey enough?
A Level 2 Survey is usually suitable for standard properties in reasonable condition. Older, heavily altered, unusual or visibly defective buildings may need a Level 3 Survey.
Which survey do I need when buying a house?
If you are buying a house, a survey helps you understand the property's condition before you fully commit. Many buyers search for a house buying survey, a property survey when buying a house or a survey when buying a house because they want clear advice before exchange.
What is a Level 2 house survey?
A Level 2 house survey, also known as a HomeBuyer Survey, is usually suitable for conventional houses and flats that appear to be in reasonable condition. It focuses on significant defects, urgent matters and issues that may affect your buying decision.
House purchase survey advice
For many house purchases, a Level 2 Survey provides a practical balance between cost and detail. If the property is older, heavily altered or in poor condition, a Level 3 Survey may be more suitable.
Unsure which survey you need? Read our guide to HomeBuyer Survey vs Building Survey.