Choosing the Right Survey
Buying a house is stressful enough without worrying about what survey type is correct. Simply, if the property you are buying is less than 50 years old, then the Lv2 HomeBuyer Report will usually be adequate unless the property is in a poor condition. If the property is over 50 years old, then the Lv3 Building Survey should be used.
What's the Difference Between the Level 2 Homebuyer Report and Level 3 Building Survey
The main difference between a RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report and a Level 3 Building Survey lies in the depth of the inspection and the detail of the report. The Level 2 is suited for conventional, well-maintained properties, while the Level 3 is a comprehensive, in-depth survey for older, larger, or more complex properties.
Title | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|
Cost | Less cost than the Lv3 Building Survey | More expensive due to the increased time and detail involved. |
Cost Estimates | Does not typically include cost estimates for necessary repairs | Costs can be included if requested prior to the survey |
Report Detail | Uses a "traffic light" rating system to highlight significant, visible defects and urgent issues. | Also uses a “traffic light” rating. However, the Lv3 Building Survey gives a comprehensive report that provides a detailed analysis of the building's structure and construction, describes the cause of any defects with details of the repairs required. |
Inspection Depth | A non-intrusive, visual inspection of all easily accessible areas. The surveyor will not move heavy furniture, lift all floorboards, or clear obstructions. | A more thorough and detailed inspection, including accessible roof spaces and under-floor areas (with permission of the property owner). The surveyor will spend more time on site to investigate potential issues more deeply |
Property Type | Conventional properties, in reasonable condition, built within the last 50 years. | Older (over 50 years old); those in poor condition; properties with unusual construction materials; or those that have been significantly altered. |
Choosing a Surveyor
Any registered member of the RICS can undertake the Lv2 HomeBuyer Report and not necessarily a qualified Chartered Building Surveyor. Quite often, Lv2 HomeBuyer Reports not completed by a qualified Chartered Building Surveyor will recommend that you have a Chartered Building Survey look at any defects identified. To save you time any money, our advice is that you use a Chartered Building Surveyor for you Lv2 HomeBuyer Report.
Note, only a qualified Chartered Building Surveyor can undertake the Lv3 Building Survey.
You should be aware that some companies will not advise that the Lv2 HomeBuyer Report is not suitable for older properties as they are not Chartered Building Surveyors. This results in many reports recommending that you have a Chartered Building Surveyor look at any defects found. We have also found that in properties resurveyed, defects have been missed. Therefore, our advice is that you use a Chartered Building Surveyor for all your survey needs.