Which survey should I have?

When you are buying a house, there are so many things to think about and now you have a choice of surveys!!!

Read my quick guide to decide which survey is right for you.

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The RICS Condition Report – survey level one

Choose this report if you’re buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow built 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 replacement parts guarantees, planning and control matters for your legal advisers.

An RICS Condition Report is straightforward and does not include a valuation, but your surveyor may be able to provide this as a separate extra service.

Here is a detailed ‘Description of the RICS Condition Report Service’ leaflet.

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The RICS HomeBuyer Report (Survey) – survey level two

Choose this report if you need more extensive information whilst buying or selling a conventional house, flat or bungalow, built from common building materials and in reasonable condition. It costs more than the Condition Report but includes:

all of the features in the Condition Report;
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).

Here is a detailed ‘Description of the RICS HomeBuyer (Survey) Service’ leaflet.

Learn more