A Home Survey is an assessment of the condition of a property which identifies any major issues for a prospective buyer or seller.

 

Home surveys are undertaken by qualified residential property surveyors, who will visit the property, conduct an inspection and prepare a report outlining any problems they've found.

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All home surveys, whether they are RICS branded or via others (e.g. Skyline, Sava or bespoke) must be compliant with the RICS Home Survey Standard guidelines and procedures.

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There are three levels of home survey:

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Level one: (RICS 'Home Condition Report')

• The most basic ‘proper’ survey you can get

• Describes the condition of the property

• Identifies any risks and potential legal issues and highlights any urgent defects but doesn’t go into detail

• Uses simple ‘traffic light’ ratings to clearly identify the condition of the key elements of the property

• Aimed at conventional properties and relatively new homes with no previous issues

 

Level two: (RICS 'Homebuyer Report', Skyline 'Home Buyer Survey", Sava 'Home Condition Survey')

• Level two surveys are the most popular type of survey, and the standard choice for most conventional properties that are in a reasonable condition and have not been altered

• More detailed than a level one report, this type of survey should highlight any problems such as damp and subsidence

• It includes advice on necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance and points out anything that doesn’t meet current building regulations

• The inspection is non-intrusive, meaning the surveyor will not look behind furniture or under floorboards, so they’ll only be able to identify ‘surface-level’ issues

• The inspection takes between two and four hours to complete​

• For unusual or older (pre-1920) properties, or one that you plan to renovate or extend, it’s best to upgrade to a level-three Building Survey.

 

Level three: (RICS 'Building Survey', Skyline 'Building Survey')

• Essential for larger, older or listed properties, or if you’re planning major works

• The most comprehensive report provides you with an in-depth analysis of the property's structure and condition

• Includes advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options

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The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities developed and published its 'How to' guides which include the 'How to Buy' guide and the 'How to Sell' guide. They are full of useful information especially on how important it is to commission a home survey if you are buying or selling a property.

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My Home Surveys

I passionately believe in helping my clients make the best-informed decision they can about the home they wish to buy or sell.

 

I conduct very thorough survey inspections and my reports are among the most detailed and comprehensive in the industry.

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It is important to know that either a Home Buyer Survey or a Building Survey is not a warranty or guarantee for any future defects at a property.

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