Gowers Surveyors offer a full range of home surveys by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Whether you are investing in a family home or a rental property, a RICS Level 2 Survey, previously known as a homebuyer survey, may be the right choice for your needs.

What is a RICS Survey Level 2 Survey?

The RICS Level 2 Survey is the mid-range survey that sits between a basic Level 1 Survey and a comprehensive RICS Level 3 Survey.

This report is suitable if you’re buying a conventional house, flat or bungalow built within the last 70 years from common building materials and in reasonable condition but it gives more information, including repair advice. It includes:

  • All the features in the Level 1 Survey;
  • A list of problems that the surveyor considers may affect the property;
  • Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance;
  • Issues that need to be investigated to prevent serious damage or dangerous conditions;
  • Legal issues that need to be addressed before completing your purchase; and Information on location, local environment and the recorded energy efficiency (where available).
  • A valuation and assessment of reinstatement costs if required as an optional extra

The site visit carried out for a RICS Level 2 Survey (homebuyer survey) is based on a non-invasive investigation of all visible and accessible parts of the property. This includes internal and external areas, but does not include locked areas, concealed spaces, moving furniture or disturbing decorative elements.

The report provides information on all elements of the property and includes issues such as structural movement, damp issues, ceilings, walls, floors, electrical and other services etc. It also gives valuable information as to legal concerns such as boundaries and access, which may need checking further by your conveyancer.

The RICS Level 2 Survey follows a clear, easy-to-use templated structure. A traffic light system indicates the urgency of each defect that is found, with a summary of these given at the start of the report.

When is a Level 2 Survey the right choice?

The RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as a homebuyer survey or report, is suitable for the majority of modern UK homes. It is designed for properties that are of conventional construction and in a reasonable state of repair. This typically applies to homes built in the last 70 years or so, though it is always best to make a judgment on a case by case basis.

New builds and recently built properties that are still under warranty by organisations such as the NHBC, LABC or Premier Guarantees, may require nothing more than a RICS Level 1 Survey. Non-standard homes, old properties or listed buildings are more likely to benefit from a more detailed RICS Level 3 Survey. If you’re not sure which survey is the right choice for your property, take a look at our handy comparison table or ask one of our expert surveyors to advise.

Moving house involves a significant investment of time, money and effort. While it might be tempting to avoid the additional expense of a property survey, a detailed report by a qualified independent professional is undoubtedly the best way to understand the condition of a building before you buy it. With the full facts at your disposal, you are empowered to make an informed decision about how to proceed with the transaction.

Does a RICS Level 2 Survey include a valuation?

At Gowers Surveyors, you have the option to include a market valuation of the property, as well as a reinstatement cost assessment for building insurance purposes, in your survey.

The valuation given is based on the current condition as found during the site visit. The value may be lower than the agreed purchase price if expensive repairs are found to be needed. Should this be the case, you would be perfectly within your rights to approach the seller with a proposal to lower the price or ask them to carry out the necessary repairs before exchanging contracts.

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Client Testimonials

Ben Green
Ben Green
24 May 2023
Having used Paul's services for a survey on our upcoming listed building purchase I can assure you that you will get the most thorough, professional and helpful service that you could wish for. The report tallied over 100 pages covering all aspects of the house, walls, frames, windows, roof space, drainage, outbuildings, render, roof tiles, water tanks, electrics, insulation, listed building consent, health and safety and much more. Not only that but Paul's report also told us how to best maintain the house going forwards, using what materials and how often things need doing. This was most definitely worth every penny and has allowed us to make an informed decision on the purchase going forwards. A+ rating from me!
James Marron
James Marron
19 May 2023
I could not recommend Paul Gowers highly enough. Excellent service and a very comprehensive, clear report. An extremely knowledgeable and helpful professional.
Brian Scull
Brian Scull
15 September 2021
I have just had a Survey completed by Gowers of Stamford. I have to say that the team there are superb. From the first contact with Catherine who was courteous, professional and helpful and who also arranged everything. To the surveyor Paul who was marvellous, the report was clear and well presented and easy to understand. Paul was extremely helpful and prepared to spend time discussing all the sections and any issues i had.He was very professional and a pleasure to deal with. I don’t normally do revues but felt compelled on this occasion because they deserve enormous praise and i would thoroughly recommend them.
Cameron Bauldry
Cameron Bauldry
7 July 2021
I needed a building survey doing at short notice after red flags were raised once receiving searches and the sellers paperwork back. Unfortunately Gowers and everyone else I checked with were all booked up for months however Paul took time out of his busy day to speak to me, listen to my situation and provide me with some fantastic advice which I very much appreciate. He is very knowledgeable and the advice given has helped me in the next steps of my house purchase. Thank you again.
Neil Crees
Neil Crees
18 March 2021
The value of using Paul, a local well known professional, was huge. I received immediate personal feedback allowing me to take timely action to avoid what could have been an expensive mistake.
Sam Paul
Sam Paul
10 December 2019
We engaged Gowers to carry out a building survey for an old residential property with multiple issues. Paul Gowers was excellent in his response time to our questions and the level of professional reporting. The service we received was reassuring for us and we would certainly use Gowers again.
Mandy Ingram
Mandy Ingram
6 June 2018
We recently used Gowers Surveyors for a building project involving the Party Wall Act. It was applicable on both boundaries and Paul acted as Agreed Surveyor on one side and Building Owner Surveyor on the other. The build itself was fairly straight forward, but the Party Wall process was definitely not... Paul is the consummate professional. Knowledgeable, reliable, calm and level headed he always made himself available whether in person or at the end of a phone or email to ourselves and our contractors. The project lasted 8 months and he continued to deliver the highest level of professionalism and advice throughout. Cannot recommend him highly enough!

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