The RICS Homebuyer's Report is a "Level 2" survey and is more extensive than an RICS Condition Report.  It is available with or without a valuation.

The RICS HomeBuyer Service includes:

• a more extensive Inspection of the property than for the RICS Condition Report

• a detailed Report based on the inspection;

• and a Valuation, which is an optional part of the report

Our surveyors aim to give you professional advice to help you to:

1. make a reasoned and informed decision on whether or not to go ahead with buying the property;

2. a list of problems that the surveyor considers may affect the value of the property;

3. advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance; and

4. consider what further advice you should take before exchanging contracts.

What does the RICS Homebuyer Report include?

The report is in a standard format and includes the following sections:

The Surveyor gives condition ratings to the main parts (or ‘elements’) of the main building, garage, and some outside elements. The condition ratings are described as follows.

Condition rating 1
No repair is currently needed. The property must be maintained in the normal way. 

Condition rating 2
Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent. The property must be maintained in the normal way.

Condition rating 3
Defects that are serious and/or need to be repaired, replaced or investigated urgently.

The RICS consumer guide to home surveys gives more information on the different survey types.

This is a "Level 1" survey.  Choose this report if you're buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow contructed of traditional building materials and in reasonable condition.  A Condition Report is recommended for properties built within the last fifty years.  It focuses purely on the condition of the property by setting out the following:

• Clear 'traffic light' ratings of the condition of different parts of the building, services, garage and outbuildings, showing problems that require varying degrees of attention;

• A summary of the risks to the condition of the building; and

• Other matters including guarantees, planning and building control issues for your legal advisors.

A RICS Condition Report does not include a valuation. An inspection of the drains is not included. The Homebuyer's report will include these items. The inspection includes a basic visual inspection of the roof space. 

The RICS consumer guide to home surveys gives more information on the different survey types.

Formerly known a Structural Survey, the RICS Building Survey is a "Level 3" survey.  You could choose the Building Survey if you're dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you're planning major works. It costs more than other RICS reports because it gives detailed information about the structure and fabric of the property.  It includes:

• A thorough inspection and detailed report on a wider range of issues than a Homebuyer's Report;

• A description of visible defects and potential problems;

• An outline of repair options and likely consequences of inactivity; and

• Advice for your legal advisors.

A building survey does not include a valuation although this can be included for an additional fee.

The RICS consumer guide to home surveys gives more information on the different survey types.

A Market Valuation is a basic inspection of the property to confirm how much the property is worth. We undertake Market Valuations for private clients, solicitors and Housing Associations.  

We undertake Help to Buy, shared ownership, matrimonial and probate valuations.