Home Buyer Reports
RICS Level 2 Home Survey (Homebuyer Survey)
Clear, reliable advice for buyers across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire & Essex
Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. A RICS Level 2 Home Survey gives you the confidence to buy with clarity, highlighting issues, estimating repairs and helping you avoid unexpected costs.
At Sage Chartered Surveyors, we provide Level 2 surveys carried out by experienced local RICS surveyors with deep knowledge of East Anglia’s property types, construction styles and common defects.
Home Buyer Reports
What Is a RICS Level 2 Home Survey?
RICS offers three levels of property survey. Most buyers choose either Level 2 or Level 3, depending on the age, condition and construction of the home.
It provides:
- A clear condition rating system (traffic-light style)
- Identification of defects that may impact value or require repair
- Advice on urgent issues
- Guidance on future maintenance
- Commentary on damp, timber condition, services, roof coverings, walls, floors and more
A valuation can be added to the report when required.
Who Is a Level 2 Survey Suitable For?
Choose a Level 2 survey if the property is:
- Built after 1900
- Of traditional construction
- In generally good or fair condition
- Not significantly altered
- Not unusually large or complex
Perfect for:
- First-time buyers
- Standard houses and flats
- Modern and 20th-century properties
- Anyone wanting reassurance before committing to a purchase
For older, extended or more complex buildings, a Level 3 Building Survey may be more appropriate.
Unsure which survey you need? We’ll advise honestly based on the property. Contact us Here
What’s Included in a Level 2 Home Survey?
Your RICS-compliant report covers:
- External areasRoofs, chimneys, gutters, walls, windows, doors, drainage
- Internal areasFloors, ceilings, stairs, joinery, damp checks, visible defects
- Services (non-invasive observations)Electricity, heating, water, gas/oil systems
- GroundsPaths, driveways, outbuildings, boundaries
- Condition ratingsEasy-to-understand traffic-light ratings for each element
- Advice on repairs & next stepsWhat’s urgent, what’s advisory, and what may affect future maintenance
- Optional valuationAvailable on request (with downloadable sample below)
Click below for an official description of a RICS Home Survey-Level 2 and sample reports:
You can find additional examples in our full library: here
Why Choose Sage Chartered Surveyors for Your Level 2 Survey?
- Independent, RICS-qualified surveyors
- Clear, jargon-free reporting
- Local expertise across four counties
- Fast turnaround times
- Honest advice on whether Level 2 or Level 3 is more suitable
- Optional valuation included if required
- Phone support after the survey
We don’t just send a report, we help you understand it.
Local Level 2 Surveyors Across East Anglia
We provide Level 2 Home Surveys throughout:
- SuffolkIpswich, Bury St Edmunds, Lowestoft, Sudbury and nearby areas
- NorfolkNorwich, King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth, Downham Market and coastal regions
- CambridgeshireCambridge, Peterborough, Ely, Huntingdon and surrounding villages
- EssexColchester, Chelmsford, Saffron Walden, Southend and North Essex towns
Local knowledge is essential, construction methods, soil conditions, flood risks and common defects vary county by county. Our surveyors know the region inside out.
Level 2 vs Level 3 Survey – Which Should You Choose?
| Property Type | Recommended Survey |
|---|---|
| Modern or 20th-century homes | Level 2 |
| Older properties (pre-1900) | Level 3 |
| Properties in poor condition | Level 3 |
| Heavily altered or extended homes | Level 3 |
| Flats & standard houses | Level 2 |
| Complex or unique buildings | Level 3 |
Still unsure? We can advise based on the estate agent listing or property type, contact us here
Book a Level 2 Home Survey
Get a fast, accurate quote for your Level 2 survey.
FAQ: RICS Level 2 Home Survey
Yes — it identifies visible defects, highlights repair needs, and can save thousands by revealing issues before you commit to a purchase.
A valuation can be added. Download the sample report above to see how it appears.
Typically 1.5–3 hours depending on the property size.
Most Level 2 reports are delivered within 2–5 working days.
We conduct non-invasive visual inspections and will recommend specialist tests when needed.
If the property is older, altered or in poor condition, Level 3 may be more suitable. We will always advise honestly.
HomeBuyer Reports
RICS Surveys Traffic Light System
All RICS surveys are conducted in a traffic light system which is made to ensure that survey reports could be easily read by both legal advisers and homebuyers.
Condition Rating 3 (Red)
These elements have defects that are serious and/or need to be replaced or investigated urgently. Failure to do so could risk serious safety issues or severe longterm damage to your property
Condition Rating 2 (Amber)
Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered to be either serious or urgent. The property must be maintained in the normal way.
Condition Rating 1 (Green)
No repair is currently needed. The elements listed here must be maintained in the normal way.
Our Services
Sage Surveyors
We specialise in providing comprehensive assessments tailored to your property needs. Our experienced team employs cutting-edge technology and industry expertise to deliver accurate and timely reports, ensuring you make informed decisions about your home. Trust us for reliable and insightful evaluations.
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