HOME SURVEY / LEVEL 2 / MBC

Home Survey Level 2 (survey only)

The Level 2 survey is the most popular choice for standard residential properties in reasonable condition. It goes further than a Condition Report: as well as traffic light ratings, you get advice on defects that may affect the property, guidance on maintenance, and matters worth resolving before exchange of contracts.

MBC / ILLUSTRATIVE REPORT ANATOMYHOME SURVEY / LEVEL 2 INTERACTIVE
D1 / CONDITION RATING 2
2Repair needed

Defect with practical next steps

The visible defect is described, its significance explained and a sensible repair timescale given.

Tap an element to inspect the reporting depthLEVEL 2 / Describe + advise

01 / PROPERTY + DEPTH

Who a Level 2 survey suits

Please note: this practice offers the Level 2 survey-only format. The Level 2 report with valuation is not offered — if you need a valuation, that is a separate exercise carried out by a valuer.

Every Level 2 survey is carried out personally by Jarelle Mills MCIOB in accordance with the current RICS Home Survey Standard.

PROPERTY FIT
  • 01

    Conventional houses, flats and bungalows built after around 1900

  • 02

    Properties in apparently reasonable condition without major alterations

  • 03

    Buyers who want practical advice on repairs and maintenance, not just ratings

  • 04

    First-time buyers who want defects explained in plain language

REPORT CONTENT

What the report includes

  • 01

    Traffic light condition ratings for all accessible elements

  • 02

    A description of visible defects and their significance

  • 03

    Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance

  • 04

    Issues to ask your legal advisers to investigate before exchange

  • 05

    Identification of risks to the building, grounds and people

  • 06

    A clear Level 2 report with condition ratings and practical next steps

REPORT KEY / CONDITION RATINGS

Read the number.
Then read the reason.

Every Home Survey level uses the same three-part visual language. The depth of explanation changes; the meaning of the rating does not.
D1Example report element2

CONDITION RATING 2 / PLAN REPAIR

Defect requiring attention

A repair or replacement is needed, but the issue is not considered serious or urgent.

What to do
Plan the work and understand the likely implications.
What it does not mean
It is not a quotation and does not predict the repair cost.
NI Not inspected

A separate grey marker is used when an element could not be inspected. Ratings describe condition and urgency—not cost—and must always be read with the written finding.

02 / METHOD

How it works

A clear line from property fit to a report you can act on.
  1. 01

    REPORT GATE / 1

    Enquiry and quote

    Send the address and property details through the enquiry form for a fixed quote and confirmation that Level 2 is the right choice for the building.

  2. 02

    REPORT GATE / 2

    Booking and terms

    Access is arranged with the agent or vendor and terms of engagement are issued before the inspection.

  3. 03

    REPORT GATE / 3

    Inspection

    A thorough visual inspection of accessible areas including the roof space and, where safe, the sub-floor void — typically two to four hours on site.

  4. 04

    REPORT GATE / 4

    Report and follow-up

    Your report is normally delivered within five working days, followed by a phone call to walk through the findings and answer questions.

03 / BEFORE YOU INSTRUCT

Questions worth answering first.

Scope, access, limitations and what happens after the inspection—explained before they become surprises.

Why don’t you offer the Level 2 with valuation?

Valuations are a distinct discipline with their own RICS requirements. This practice concentrates on building condition — the survey-only format keeps the advice focused and independent. A lender’s mortgage valuation is arranged separately in any case.

Is a Level 2 survey enough for an older property?

Usually not for pre-1900 buildings. Older construction behaves differently and defects are more interconnected, which is what the Level 3 Building Survey is designed for.

Will you look in the loft?

Yes — the roof space is inspected where there is safe access, along with visible sub-floor areas where hatches exist.

What happens if you find something serious?

Serious issues receive a condition rating 3 with an explanation of the risk and a recommendation for further investigation. Significant findings are flagged to you promptly rather than left to the written report.

NEW INSTRUCTION / Home Survey Level 2

Choose the depth the building earns.

Send the property address and the situation for a fixed quote and an honest recommendation.

Request a quote