RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Leeds
BUYING A HOME
Independent RICS Level 2 Home Surveys in Leeds, from chartered building surveyors based in Horsforth, working across Yorkshire and further afield.
The survey
What an RICS Level 2 Home Survey is
An RICS Level 2 Home Survey is a mid-level report for relatively straightforward, modern properties. It is the survey many buyers still know as the homebuyer survey.
The surveyor inspects the parts of the property that can be readily accessed, including lofts, cellars and sub-floor spaces. The report gives colour-coded condition ratings for the main parts of the building, the services, garages and outbuildings, and sets out the problems that could affect value, the repairs and maintenance needed, and the points to raise with your legal adviser.
The surveyor looks for visible problems that are serious, dangerous or that could affect the property's value. The structure is not examined in detail, and defects that are down to wear and tear are not the focus.
You can speak to the surveyor who inspected the property about the findings.
Which survey do I need?
Is a Level 2 survey right for your property?
We'll always recommend the survey a property needs, and nothing more.
A Level 2 survey usually suits
✓ A conventional house or flat built from common materials
✓ In reasonable condition
✓ Not being extended or significantly altered
Consider a Level 3 survey if the property is
— Older, larger or of unusual construction
— Listed, period, stone-built or rural
— Extended, altered or in poor condition
— One you plan to renovate or extend
The report
What is and is not included
In the report
— Inspection of the readily accessible parts of the property, including lofts, cellars and sub-floor spaces
— Colour-coded condition ratings for building elements, services, garages and outbuildings
— A summary of the condition of the building
— Problems that could affect the property's value
— Repair and maintenance recommendations
— Issues that need further investigation to prevent damage or hazards
— Location, environment and energy efficiency information
— Guidance on guarantees, planning and building control, and matters for your legal adviser
Not part of a Level 2 survey
— A detailed examination of the structure
— Defects that are down to wear and tear
— Parts of the property that cannot be readily accessed
Available as extras: market valuation, rebuild cost for insurance, drone roof inspection
For a more detailed inspection, with causes and repair options, see the RICS Level 3 Building Survey.
COMPARE
Level 2, Level 3 or a defect report?
Not sure which fits? See all our home surveys, or call us for advice.
RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Condition ratings, key defects and issues for your solicitor.
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RICS Level 3 Building Survey
Our most detailed inspection, with causes and repair options.
Specific defect report
Worried about one issue, such as cracking or damp? Get an expert view of the cause and the fix, without a full survey.
QUESTIONS
About the Level 2 Home Survey
What is the difference between a Level 2 and a Level 3 survey?
A Level 2 survey is a mid-level report for relatively straightforward, modern properties. A Level 3 Building Survey is our most detailed inspection, with causes and repair options, and suits older, larger, altered or unusual properties. If you are worried about one issue, such as cracking or damp, a specific defect report looks at that problem without a full survey.
Isn't my lender's valuation enough?
A mortgage valuation is carried out for your lender, to confirm the property is good security for the loan. It isn't a survey of the property's condition. A Level 2 or Level 3 survey is carried out for you.
Can I speak to the surveyor?
Yes. You can speak to the surveyor who inspected the property about the findings.
Can I add a valuation or a rebuild cost figure?
Yes. A market valuation, a rebuild cost figure for insurance and a drone roof inspection are available as optional extras.
Who carries out the survey?
Knight Surveys is a family-run, RICS-regulated practice founded in 2024 and based in Horsforth, Leeds. The directors are David J Knight MRICS MISVA, a Chartered Building Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer who qualified in 1990, and Joe Knight MSc MRICS.
Get a fee quote
Tell us about the property
Send an enquiry and we'll call you to discuss the property, or we can email the fee quote if you prefer.
CALL
0113 293 0600
admin@knightsurveys.co.uk
VISIT
Network House, Lister Hill, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5AZ
