RICS Level 2 Surveys for Home Buyers
The right survey for most newer standard properties.
Carried out by a Chartered Building Engineer.
Reports within five working days.
Why a level 2 Survey
If you are buying a standard property in reasonable condition, you do not need a Level 3. You do need a survey that goes beyond what the mortgage valuation tells you, because the mortgage valuation is for the lender, not for you.
A Level 2 survey is a visible inspection of the property and a report on its condition. It identifies defects and major problems that could affect your decision to buy, what to negotiate on, or what to plan for after you move in.
Example Level 2 finding: spray foam insulation, identified on a level 2 survey
What a Level 2 Survey Covers
The inspection is a non-invasive visible assessment of the property. We look at:
Structure
Walls, floors, ceilings, roof structure visible from the loft hatch, signs of movement or settlement
Roof and chimneys
Coverings, flashings, chimneys, parapets, accessible via a drone.
Rainwater goods
Gutters, downpipes, signs of overflow or leaks
Walls externally
Render, brickwork, pointing, signs of damp penetration
Windows and doors
Condition, operation, signs of decay or failed seals
Internal finishes
Walls, ceilings, floors, signs of dampness, cracking, or movement
Loft space
Accessible via the hatch, inspection of roof structure, insulation, and any visible signs of timber decay or pest activity
Services
Visible electrical, plumbing, and heating installations, condition and approximate age
Bathrooms and kitchens
Fixtures, fittings, signs of damp or workmanship issues
Outside areas
Boundaries, drives, paths, garages, outbuildings visible at the time of survey
We do not lift carpets, move heavy furniture, or test services to the point of failure.
Where we cannot see something properly, we say so and recommend the next step.
The Report
You get a written report by email within five working days of the inspection.
Traffic-light condition ratings
Every element of the property is rated 1 (no issues), 2 (needs attention but not urgent), or 3 (needs urgent attention). The ratings are visible at a glance so you can see immediately where the issues are.
Photographs
Every defect that we flag is photographed and the photograph is in the report. You can see what we saw rather than reading about it.
Plain English
No jargon without a translation. Where a technical term is unavoidable, we explain it the first time it appears.
Reasoned next steps
For every defect we identify, we say what we think you should do about it and roughly when.
Sample page from a recent Level 2 report. Personal details redacted.
Who a Level 2 Survey Is For
A Level 2 is the right call if:
The property is of standard construction (brick, block, or timber frame within standard tolerances)
It was built after 1945
It is in apparently reasonable condition with no obvious signs of distress
It has not been significantly altered or extended
You want a survey that tells you what to expect, what to budget for, and whether to push back on the asking price
If any of those do not apply, a Level 3 is likely to be the better choice. If you are not sure, send us the property details and we will tell you which one we would recommend.
How it works
1
Send us the property details. Same-day quote.
2
We attend the property for the inspection.
Two to four hours on site for most Level 2s.
3
We telephone you to talk through what we found.
4
Written report by email within five working days.
5
We are available afterwards for follow-up questions.
What Our Clients Say
Rhian Evans
Pre-purchase survey
"We were really impressed by the service we received from Jemade Palmer. Communication was always prompt and professional, and Uzoma made us feel that no question was a stupid one. We were always dealt with by the same person and were kept up to date with the progress of our survey. We received a detailed 76 page report on our property where we felt all jargon was explained, making the document extremely accessible. Moving house has the potential to cause a lot of stress but Jemade Palmer made the process incredibly easy and I would not hesitate to use them again in the future."
Areas we cover
We provide Party Wall services across Surrey and Berkshire, with regular instructions in Guildford, Woking, Reading, Godalming, Farnham, Camberley, Aldershot, Kingston upon Thames, and Twickenham. We also act on instructions in central and west London.
Godalming
Farnham
Woking
Reading
Camberley
Kingston upon Thames
Aldershot
Twickenham
London
Hampshire
Guildford
Common Questions
How long does a Level 2 take on site?
Between two and four hours for most properties. Larger or more complex properties take longer.
How quickly can you attend?
For most pre-purchase surveys we can be at the property within a few days of enquiry. Reports follow within five working days.
Will you go on the roof?
We inspect the roof from ground level and from the loft hatch where accessible. A drone reaches the rest of the roof, chimneys, and gutters without scaffolding.
Can I be at the property during the survey?
Yes, if the seller agrees. Many clients prefer to be there for the last twenty minutes so we can walk them round the findings before we leave.
Is the post-survey phone call extra?
No. The phone call is part of the survey.
Ready to Get Started?
Send us the property details. Same-day quote.
