The different types of homebuyer surveys explained
A Homebuyer Survey, now known as a Home Survey Level 2, is a framework for inspecting residential properties for common problems.
Once a potential buyer knows about these potential issues, they can decide how to proceed with a sale.
This article explains what a Homebuyer Survey is, what it involves, and when you should get one.
What is a Homebuyer Survey?
A Homebuyer Survey is an inspection and report completed by a chartered surveyor on a homebuyer’s behalf. It checks for common problems and closely examines a property’s value. It’s typically instructed after an initial offer is accepted.
Someone purchasing a new house or flat uses a Homebuyer Survey to decide how they want to proceed. For example, they might negotiate a lower price, pull out of the deal, or continue as they were.
Homebuyer Surveys are frameworks. The chartered surveyor fills them out as appropriate, complete with photos and detailed notes.
They’re carefully set out by the UK’s governing body for chartered surveyors, RICS. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors was set up in 1868 to enforce residential and commercial development standards, ensuring safety and consistency. In 1881, it received its Royal Charter from Queen Victoria.
Why is a Homebuyer Survey now known as a Home Survey Level 2?
A couple of years ago, RICS formally updated its home survey names. The surveys themselves remain essentially the same. These name changes make it much easier and more transparent for customers.
Under these updates, the Homebuyer Survey became known as a Home Survey Level 2. These two terms represent precisely the same thing – they’re just the older and newer names, respectively. You’ll see them being used interchangeably on our site and those of other chartered surveyors.
The Builder’s Survey was also altered and is now called a Home Survey Level 3. A home valuation can be called a Level 1 survey.
Customers can see exactly what they’re getting by moving over to a numerical level-based system. The higher the level, the greater the detail of the survey.
A Level 1 (Valuation) is a relatively simplistic overview concluding in a financial estimate. A Level 2 (Homebuyer Survey) goes into much more detail, examining common problems and how they might affect the building and its owner. Finally, a Level 3 Home Survey (Builder’s Report) hones-in on structural integrity.
What does a Homebuyer Survey cover?
A Homebuyer Survey involves a chartered surveyor looking for common problems, such as the following:
- Rot (wet or dry)
- Damp
- Woodworm
- Subsidence
- Asbestos
- Japanese Knotweed
- Roof problems
- Mains services issues
- Other structural problems
The surveyor will take equipment with them, such as a moisture meter, to check for damp. They’ll also carry standard things like a tape measure, camera, clipboard, etc.
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a PDF report. At GB Home Surveys, we always aim to get this to you within a week.
What properties is a Homebuyer Survey effective for?
A Homebuyer Survey is usually appropriate for properties meeting the following conditions:
- Constructed within the past few decades
- Built from standard construction materials
- Put together using standard building techniques
- Constructed per local regulations and with recorded inspections (if applicable)
- Not renovated, old (pre-1950, perhaps), barn conversions, cottages, heavy-traffic buildings (like old shops or cafes) or clearly damaged properties
In other words, a Homebuyer Survey (Home Survey Level 2) is best for standard properties and most home sales.
It’s worth getting a Home Survey Level 3 (Builder’s Report) if you’re planning significant changes or renovations.
Instruct a Homebuyer Survey from GB Home Surveys
GB Home Surveys is proud to be a dedicated local business. Our employees work in regional teams nationwide, in areas such as Bristol, Bath, Devon, the Cotswolds, Cardiff (and the broader South Wales area), the West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire.
As such, they know the local markets like the backs of their hands. Each of our chartered surveyors is, of course, a RICS member. We guarantee they’ll do their job thoroughly and efficiently, always acting in your best interests.
Could a Homebuyer Survey help you as you move home? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us for a friendly chat. Alternatively, check out our free Homebuyer Survey Quote Calculator.
We look forward to hearing from you.
