Home Buyer Surveys: Making an Informed Purchase
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions many people will make. A Home Buyer Survey helps identify potential issues with a property before you commit, reducing the risk of unexpected surprises after completion. A Home Buyer Survey, also known as a Level 2 Survey, is suitable for most conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition. It provides a clear overview of the property’s condition using an easy-to-understand format, making it ideal [...]
Managing Risk in Commercial Property
Commercial property transactions often involve higher values, longer commitments, and greater risk. A Commercial Survey helps owners, occupiers, and investors understand the condition of a property before making important financial decisions. Commercial Surveys are designed to assess the construction and condition of buildings such as offices, shops, warehouses, factories, and other commercial premises. These surveys provide a clear overview of the property’s physical condition and highlight issues that may affect its use, maintenance costs, or [...]
Understanding the True Condition of a Property
When purchasing an older or altered property, understanding its true condition is essential. A Building Survey provides detailed insight into how a property is constructed, how it is performing, and what issues may need attention now or in the future. A Building Survey, sometimes referred to as a Level 3 Survey, is the most comprehensive inspection available for residential properties. It is particularly suitable for older buildings, properties of non-standard construction, or homes that have [...]
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All firms regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) are required to operate to strict professional and ethical standards. This includes holding appropriate professional indemnity insurance and having a formal complaints handling and dispute resolution procedure in place, designed to protect clients and ensure issues are dealt with fairly and transparently.
Our RICS-regulated Chartered Surveyors working across South Yorkshire and the wider Yorkshire region are committed to delivering a professional, reliable service at all times. However, in the unlikely event that a concern does arise, you can be confident it will be taken seriously and handled in accordance with RICS requirements, with access to independent redress if needed. This framework is in place to provide reassurance, accountability, and peace of mind throughout the surveying process.
A property survey is an essential step in protecting yourself when purchasing a property. It provides an independent assessment of the building’s condition, helping you understand what you are buying before you commit to what is often one of the largest financial decisions you will make.
A survey highlights potential defects, areas of disrepair, and maintenance issues that may not be obvious during a viewing, allowing you to make a reasoned and informed decision. In many cases, the findings can also be used to renegotiate the purchase price or plan future repair costs more effectively.
Unfortunately, property buyers are still caught out by hidden defects that only come to light after completion, when it is too late to address them without significant expense. A professional survey helps reduce this risk by identifying issues early, providing clarity, and offering reassurance before you proceed.
A property survey helps you understand the true condition of the property you are considering, beyond what is visible during a viewing. It provides independent, professional insight into potential defects, areas of disrepair, and future maintenance requirements, allowing you to make an informed decision before committing to the purchase.
Many issues are not immediately obvious to buyers and may only become apparent after completion, when repair costs can be significant. A survey reduces this risk by identifying concerns early, helping you assess whether the property is suitable, budget for future works, or seek further advice before proceeding.
Ultimately, a survey offers clarity, reassurance, and peace of mind, supporting you in making a confident and well-informed property decision.
A RICS HomeBuyer Report, also known as a RICS Level 2 Home Survey, is a professional property survey designed to give you an overview of a property’s condition and value before you commit to buying. It is suitable for most conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition.
The report highlights any significant issues that could affect the property, such as defects, areas requiring repair, or potential risks that may need further investigation. It uses a simple traffic-light condition rating system to clearly show the level of concern for different parts of the property, making it easy to understand.
A RICS HomeBuyer Report can also include a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, providing additional reassurance and helping you make an informed and confident decision about your purchase.
The RICS Level 2 Home Survey & Valuation Report is produced in a standardised format and includes the following sections:
Introduction to the report
Explains the purpose of the survey, who it is intended for, and the overall scope and limitations of the inspection.
About the inspection
Sets out how and when the property was inspected, along with any restrictions that may have affected the surveyor’s ability to access certain areas.
Summary of the condition ratings
Provides a clear overview of the property’s condition using RICS condition ratings, highlighting any issues that may require attention.
About the property
Describes the property type, age, construction, and general characteristics to give context to the findings.
Outside of the property
Reviews the condition of external elements such as walls, roof coverings, chimneys, windows, and rainwater goods.
Inside of the property
Assesses internal elements including ceilings, walls, floors, joinery, and visible signs of damp or defects.
Services
Covers visible services such as electricity, gas, water, heating, and drainage, noting their apparent condition (without testing).
Grounds (including shared areas for flats)
Considers garages, driveways, boundaries, outbuildings, and shared or communal areas where applicable.
Issues for your legal advisers
Highlights matters that should be raised with your solicitor or conveyancer before exchange of contracts.
Risks
Identifies potential risks to the property, occupants, or future maintenance that may require further investigation.
Valuation
Provides the surveyor’s professional opinion of the property’s market value, where this option is included.
Surveyor’s declaration
Confirms the report has been prepared by a RICS-regulated surveyor in accordance with professional standards.
The RICS Home Survey & Valuation Report is provided by our Chartered Surveyors in South Yorkshire.
You can find out more about the RICS Homebuyer Report by clicking HERE.
The RICS Home Survey & Valuation Report is reproduced with the permission of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which owns the copyright.
