Level 2 Homebuyer Report.
Buy with confidence.
A clear, professional assessment of a conventional property’s condition — in plain English, with a simple traffic-light rating so you know exactly what you’re buying.
What a Homebuyer Report includes
A full visual inspection of the property, with clear advice on its condition and the repairs that matter.
The Level 2 (Homebuyer) Survey
The Homebuyer Report is a Level 2 survey for buyers who want a professional, objective report on a property’s condition at an economical price. It’s less comprehensive than a Level 3 service, focusing on conventional, modern properties in reasonable condition.
When you want more detail to support a big decision on a standard property in good condition, the Homebuyer Report is the right choice.
Who the Homebuyer Report suits
If you want a thorough visual inspection and advice on condition and necessary repairs, this intermediate report is for you — ideal for conventional, modern homes in fair condition.
For older properties, or if you plan to alter or extend, a Level 3 Building Survey delves deeper into materials, performance and hidden defects. If you’re unsure, we’ll help you choose.
What your report gives you
We visually inspect the main elements of the building — walls, roof, windows, floors and doors, inside and out — then explain what we found, what it means, and what to do next.
You’ll also receive an email summary within 48 hours of the inspection, and you can always speak to your surveyor directly.
Defects & their causes. We report on defects and the most likely cause for each one we find.
How to put it right. We explain how to fix it — and what could happen if you don’t.
Who to call. We recommend where to find suitable contractors to carry out the work.
Clear & photo-rich. Detailed, photo-rich and easy to understand, written in plain English.
Traffic-light ratings. Every defect is rated with our simple traffic-light system, so priorities are clear.
Add-ons available with Level 3
No add-ons are available on a Level 2 survey — but for an additional fee you can upgrade to a Level 3 survey and bolt on any of these:
Estimated repair costs
A breakdown of estimated costs and recommended trades for budgeting, negotiating and finding the right contractor.
Aerial drone images
A closer look at roofs, chimneys and the surrounding area from above.
Reinstatement valuation
Insure your building at the right price to make sure your investment is properly protected.
Fast, thorough, and priced up front
We take the time to inspect properly and write your report in plain English. Homebuyer Reports start at £450, depending on the property’s value, size and configuration.
Need something else?
Take a look at our other RICS survey levels.
Level 3+ Building Survey
Everything in Level 3, plus reinstatement valuation, repair costs and aerial images.
Learn more →Useful Articles
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Is Mould in a Flat the Landlord’s or the Leaseholder’s Responsibility?
Damp fed by the building fabric – a leaking roof, failed render, communal pipework – is normally the freeholder’s repair; condensation and mould arising inside the flat are normally the leaseholder’s to manage. How to tell which you are looking at, and what to check before exchange. -
Wall Tie Corrosion: Signs, Risks and What Buyers Should Know
Homes built before 1981 often contain mild steel wall ties that corrode, expand and crack the brickwork. Learn the warning signs of wall tie corrosion, how specialists diagnose and repair it, and what it means for your mortgage and negotiation. -
The YDG House: A Comprehensive Guide for Home Buyers and Investors
Understanding the YDG House The YDG house, a product of the Yorkshire Development Group, represents a unique chapter in the history of British housing. Constructed between 1966 and 1970, these homes were manufactured by Yorkshire Houses… -
Yorkshire Timber Frame Houses
Yorkshire Timber Frame houses are a form of 1960s non-traditional construction characterised by platform timber framing, mixed external cladding, and pitched tiled roofs. While often visually distinctive, their long-term performance is closely linked to moisture control and the condition of the external envelope. Understanding the construction and inspection priorities is essential before purchase, as defects are often concealed within the fabric of the building. -
The Young Elizabethan House: A Comprehensive Guide for Home Buyers and Investors
Understanding the Young Elizabethan House The Young Elizabethan house, a distinctive architectural style, emerged during the late 1960s and early 1970s. This period marked a significant shift in the UK’s housing landscape, driven by the need… -
The Youngman House
The Youngman house is a distinctive non-traditional UK property type developed during the 1960s as part of the post-war housing programme. Typically built as detached bungalows, these houses use a platform timber frame with vertical timber boarding and lightweight roof coverings. While innovative for their time, their construction requires careful inspection, particularly in relation to timber condition, moisture ingress, and ageing roof materials.
Level 2 Homebuyer Report – frequently asked questions
What is a RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report?
A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report (formerly the HomeBuyer Report) is a mid-level survey for conventional, modern homes in reasonable condition. It gives clear traffic-light condition ratings for the main parts of the property and flags significant defects, so you know what you're buying before you commit.
How much does a Level 2 Homebuyer Report cost?
At Flettons, a RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report starts from £450. The exact price depends on the property's size, type and location – enter your details for an instant, tailored quote.
What does a Level 2 Homebuyer Report include?
It covers the general condition of the property with traffic-light ratings for the major elements (roof, walls, windows, services and more), identifies significant defects and urgent issues, and gives advice on repairs and maintenance. It does not include the in-depth structural analysis of a Level 3 Building Survey.
What's the difference between a Level 2 and a Level 3 survey?
A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Report suits conventional, modern homes in reasonable condition, giving condition ratings and flagging significant defects. A RICS Level 3 Building Survey is a deeper, detailed inspection for older, larger, altered or unusual properties, explaining the cause of defects and the repairs likely needed.
Is a Level 2 Homebuyer Report worth it?
Yes – it routinely pays for itself. Identifying defects before you buy gives you the facts to renegotiate the price, budget for repairs, or walk away from a costly mistake. For a few hundred pounds it protects what is usually your largest single investment.
How long does a Level 2 survey take and when do I get the report?
A Level 2 Homebuyer Report is typically ready in around 5 working days. You'll also receive an email summary of the key findings within 24 hours of the inspection, and we keep you updated by email and SMS throughout.
Which survey do I need – Level 2 or Level 3?
Choose a Level 2 Homebuyer Report for a modern, conventional property in reasonable condition, and a Level 3 Building Survey for an older, extended, larger or non-standard home. If you're unsure, we'll advise based on the property.
What's the difference between a survey and a mortgage valuation?
They're not the same. A mortgage valuation is carried out for the lender to confirm the property is worth what they're lending – it is not an assessment of condition. A RICS survey is for you, the buyer, and assesses the property's actual condition and defects.