HomeBuyer Survey
The HomeBuyer Survey — also called the RICS Level 2 Home Survey or HomeBuyer Report — is the most popular and widely instructed residential property survey in England and Wales. It gives you a thorough inspection of the property's condition with clear advice on defects, repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Suitable for most conventional properties built within the last 150 years that are in reasonable condition. Includes a market valuation and reinstatement cost assessment as standard.
HomeBuyer Report
Our Home Surveyor & Property Valuer Accreditation & Professional Membership
Our HomeBuyer Surveys are carried out by qualified surveyors who belong to the professional bodies that set UK property standards. Every report is prepared to recognised guidance and is completely independent, so you can rely on the findings when you buy, sell or value a home.
What Is a HomeBuyer Survey?
The HomeBuyer Survey — the name most people know it by — is a RICS Level 2 Home Survey. It was introduced by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as a standardised, mid-level property survey designed to give home buyers a detailed picture of a property's condition without the cost and depth of a full structural survey.
What It Covers
- The condition of all visible and accessible parts of the building
- Traffic-light condition ratings for every element (green, amber, red)
- Defects identified with clear descriptions and repair advice
- Ongoing maintenance recommendations
- A market valuation of the property
- A reinstatement cost assessment for insurance purposes
- Colour photographs of significant defects
What It Does Not Cover
- Invasive testing or inspection of concealed areas
- Detailed structural calculations or load-bearing assessments
- Testing of gas, electrical or drainage installations
- Specialist damp or timber surveys (available separately)
- Detailed cost estimates for remedial works
Is It Right for You?
The HomeBuyer Survey is suitable for most standard residential property purchases — but there are some cases where a different level of survey may be more appropriate.
Suitable For
- Conventional houses, flats and bungalows
- Properties in reasonable condition
- Standard construction types
- First-time buyers
- Home movers purchasing their next property
Not Suitable For
- Very old or listed properties
- Properties in poor condition
- Buildings with unusual construction
- Properties you plan to renovate
Not sure which survey you need? Speak to a surveyor for free, no-obligation advice.
What Is Included
Every HomeBuyer Survey we produce includes the following as standard.
Condition Ratings
Traffic-light system rating every accessible building element — green, amber or red.
Defect Identification
All significant defects identified, described and assessed for seriousness.
Repair Advice
Clear guidance on what repairs are needed, when, and what might happen if left unaddressed.
Market Valuation
Independent assessment of the property's current market value included as standard.
Insurance Reinstatement
Estimated rebuild cost for buildings insurance purposes.
Photographs
Colour photographs of significant defects included in the report.
How the HomeBuyer Survey Process Works
From enquiry to report — straightforward and transparent.
Get a Quote
Contact us with the property details. We respond within 24 hours with a fixed-price quote.
Book Inspection
Choose a convenient date. We schedule within 5–10 working days of your instruction.
Surveyor Inspects
The surveyor spends 2–4 hours at the property inspecting every accessible area inside and out.
Receive Report
Your detailed HomeBuyer Report, including valuation, is delivered within 5–7 working days.
HomeBuyer Survey Questions
Is a HomeBuyer Survey the same as a Level 2 survey?
Yes. The HomeBuyer Survey and the RICS Level 2 Home Survey are the same thing. RICS introduced the 'Level' terminology (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3) in 2021 to make the different survey types clearer for consumers. The HomeBuyer Report and the Level 2 Home Survey are identical in scope and content. Some clients and professionals still use the older 'HomeBuyer' name out of habit.
How much does a HomeBuyer Survey cost?
Our HomeBuyer Survey (RICS Level 2) starts from £525 ex VAT for a typical property. The exact price depends on the size, location and type of property. We provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours with no hidden extras and no travel surcharges for any location within Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Greater London and Oxfordshire.
Should I get a HomeBuyer Survey on a flat?
Yes, a HomeBuyer Survey is suitable for flats in purpose-built blocks or converted houses, provided they are of conventional construction. The surveyor inspects the flat itself including walls, ceilings, floors, windows, kitchen and bathroom fittings. However, the surveyor cannot inspect parts of the building that are not within the flat — such as the main roof, external walls of the block, communal areas, lifts or foundations. For leasehold flats, we also recommend reviewing the lease terms, service charge and planned major works with your solicitor.
How long until I receive my HomeBuyer Report?
We deliver your HomeBuyer Report within 5–7 working days of the inspection. The physical inspection typically takes 2–4 hours. If we find anything urgent — such as a serious structural defect or safety concern — we will call you the same day rather than waiting for the written report.
Get a Fixed-Price HomeBuyer Survey Quote
Free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours. Includes market valuation as standard.