RICS Level 1 Survey

Buying a property is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, so it pays to obtain expert advice beforehand.

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Whether you are planning to buy a home or a buy-to-let, as a property owner you will benefit from having valuable information about the condition of the property you have your eye on. A RICS Level 1 Survey, previously known as the Condition Report, is a basic level of building inspection that provides an overview of the general condition of a property and may be the right choice for you.

Is The RICS Level 1 Survey right for me?

In order to know whether the property purchase price is reasonable, you need to know whether the property is in good condition. A survey will give you this information – and can save you thousands of pounds.

Depending on the type of property you are thinking of purchasing, there are three levels of RICS home survey available from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The RICS Level 1 Survey, formerly called the Condition Report, is the lowest priced, entry level survey and is typically used for newer properties and conventional homes in good condition.

This type of survey is often recommended for homebuyers or sellers who want to gain a general understanding of the property’s condition without commissioning a more detailed and costly survey. Choose this report if you’re buying a conventional house, flat or bungalow built within the last 20 years from common building materials and in reasonable condition. 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 may require varying degrees of attention;
A summary of the risks to the condition of the building; and
Advice on planning and Building Control matters for your legal advisers.
It does not give repair advice.

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Why choose Gowers Surveyors?

With offices in Cambridge, Stamford and Peterborough and over 25 years’ experience in all types of property surveying, Gowers Surveyors should be your first port of call for any survey requirement in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Rutland and Northamptonshire.

The company is run by Paul Gowers, a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Chartered Association of Building Engineers and the Faculty of Building. He is a RICS Registered Valuer under the RICS Accredited Valuer Registration Scheme. For your complete confidence and peace of mind, we are regulated by RICS guidelines and protocol.

RICS Level 1 Condition Report FAQs

What does a RICS Level 1 Survey include?

A RICS Level 1 Survey, formerly known as the Condition Report, provides a concise overview of the property’s condition. It includes:

Clear ‘traffic light’ ratings for different parts of the building, services, garage, and outbuildings
A summary of risks to the building’s condition
Advice on relevant legal matters for your solicitor

The survey does not offer repair advice or a property valuation.

When is a RICS Level 1 Survey appropriate?

A RICS Level 1 Survey is typically suitable for:

Conventional properties (houses, flats, or bungalows) built within the last 20 years
Properties constructed using common building materials
Homes in reasonable condition
Buyers or sellers seeking a general understanding of a property’s condition without requiring an in-depth survey

What's the difference between a RICS Level 1 Survey and a mortgage valuation?

A RICS Level 1 Survey focuses on the condition of the property, while a mortgage valuation is primarily for the lender’s benefit. Key differences include:

Purpose: The Level 1 Survey informs the buyer about the property’s condition, whereas a mortgage valuation determines if the property is suitable security for a loan.
Depth: A Level 1 Survey provides more detailed information about the property’s condition than a standard mortgage valuation.
Client: The Level 1 Survey is for the buyer’s benefit, while the mortgage valuation is for the lender.

How long is a RICS Level 1 Survey valid for?

While there’s no official expiration date for a RICS Level 1 Survey, its relevance may diminish over time. Factors to consider include:

Property age and condition
Any renovations or alterations made since the survey
Changes in the local environment or climate

As a general rule, if more than 3-6 months have passed since the survey, you may want to consider obtaining an updated report.

Do I need a RICS Level 1 Survey before buying a house?

While not legally required, a RICS Level 1 Survey is highly recommended before purchasing a property. Benefits include:

Identifying potential issues that could affect your decision or negotiating position
Providing peace of mind about the property’s condition
Potentially saving you money by highlighting problems early

However, for older or more complex properties, you may want to consider a more comprehensive survey, such as a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 Survey.

Do I need a Level 1 or Level 2 survey?

The choice between a Level 1 or Level 2 survey depends on various factors:

Choose a Level 1 survey if:
- The property was built within the last 20 years
- It’s in good condition and constructed with common building materials
- You’re looking for a general overview of the property’s condition

Consider a Level 2 survey if:
- The property is older (over 20 years)
- It has unusual features or construction methods
- You’re planning renovations
- You need more detailed information about the property’s condition and potential issues

If you’re unsure, consult with Gowers Surveyors. Our experienced team can advise on the most appropriate survey for your specific circumstances.

How much does a RICS Level 1 survey cost?

The cost of a RICS Level 1 survey can vary depending on several factors:

Property size and type
Location
Complexity of the building

As a general guide, RICS Level 1 surveys are typically the most affordable option among the RICS survey types. However, for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, we recommend contacting Gowers Surveyors directly. We can provide a tailored quote based on your specific property and requirements, ensuring you receive the best value for your investment in property assessment.

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