RICS Level 1 Home Survey
Also known as a RICS Condition Report, the Level 1 Home Survey is designed for modern homes in good condition. It gives you a clear, easy-to-understand overview of the property's condition using simple traffic-light ratings.
Ideal for conventional houses, flats and bungalows built within the last 50 years that appear to be in reasonable condition. If you need a basic, affordable survey that flags the essentials without overwhelming detail, this is the right choice.
Level 1 Condition Report
Our Home Surveyor & Property Valuer Accreditation & Professional Membership
Our RICS Level 1 Home 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 RICS Level 1 Home Survey?
The RICS Level 1 Home Survey — also called a RICS Condition Report — is the most basic level of RICS home survey. It was introduced by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to provide home buyers with a simple, clear and affordable property inspection option.
What It Covers
- The condition of the building's main elements
- Any defects that need urgent attention
- A summary of risks to the building
- Simple traffic-light condition ratings (green / amber / red)
- Clear descriptions of the construction and materials
What It Does Not Cover
- Detailed advice on repairs or maintenance
- A market valuation of the property
- Testing of services (gas, electric, drainage)
- In-depth inspection of hidden or inaccessible areas
- Advice on specific defects beyond identifying them
Is a Level 1 Survey Right for You?
A RICS Level 1 Home Survey is the right choice for some properties — but not all. Here is how to tell if it suits your situation.
Suitable For
- Modern houses, flats and bungalows (built after 1970)
- Properties in apparently good condition
- Conventional construction (brick, block, timber frame)
- First-time buyers on a budget
- New-build homes bought directly from a developer
- Properties you know well (e.g. buying from family)
Not Suitable For
- Older properties (pre-1970 or period homes)
- Properties in poor or unknown condition
- Unusual construction (steel frame, concrete, listed buildings)
- Properties you plan to renovate or extend
- Homes with known structural issues or damp
- Properties with thatched roofs or timber frames
Not sure which survey you need? Speak to a surveyor for free, no-obligation advice.
What Is Included in a Level 1 Survey
Every RICS Level 1 Home Survey we produce includes the following as standard.
External Inspection
Roof coverings, chimneys, gutters, walls, windows, doors and joinery examined from ground level.
Internal Inspection
Ceilings, walls, floors, kitchen and bathroom fittings inspected for obvious defects.
Services Check
Visual check of gas, electricity, water, heating and drainage where accessible.
Traffic-Light Ratings
Every element rated green (no repair needed), amber (defects need repair) or red (serious/urgent).
Clear Photographs
Colour photos of significant defects so you can see exactly what the surveyor found.
Plain English Report
Written in clear, straightforward language with no technical jargon or industry shorthand.
Summary of Risks
A clear summary of the key risks and defects identified during the inspection.
Fast Delivery
Report delivered within 5 working days of the inspection by email.
How the Level 1 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 the Inspection
Choose a convenient date. We schedule within 5–10 working days of your instruction.
Surveyor Visits
The surveyor inspects the property thoroughly, usually taking 1–2 hours for a Level 1 survey.
Receive Your Report
Your clear, traffic-light-rated report is delivered within 5 working days of the inspection.
Level 1 Home Survey Questions
What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 Home Survey?
A RICS Level 1 Home Survey (Condition Report) provides a basic overview of the property's condition using traffic-light ratings. It identifies defects but does not give detailed advice on repairs. A RICS Level 2 Home Survey (HomeBuyer Report) is more detailed and includes advice on defects, maintenance recommendations and a market valuation. The Level 1 is designed for modern homes in good condition; the Level 2 is better suited to older properties or those in average condition. If you are unsure which survey you need, we are happy to advise without obligation — just contact us with the property details.
How much does a RICS Level 1 Home Survey cost?
Our RICS Level 1 Home Survey starts from £495 ex VAT for a typical modern house or flat. The exact price depends on the size, location and type of property. We provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours of your enquiry — the price we quote is the price you pay, with no hidden extras, no travel surcharges and no additional fees for any location within our seven counties (Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Greater London and Oxfordshire).
How long does a Level 1 survey inspection take?
A Level 1 Home Survey inspection typically takes between 1 and 2 hours on site, depending on the size and complexity of the property. The surveyor examines the inside and outside of the property, looking at all accessible areas. The inspection is less detailed than a Level 2 or Level 3 survey, which is why the time on site is shorter and the price is lower. After the inspection, the surveyor writes the report, which is delivered within 5 working days.
Should I get a Level 1 survey on a new-build home?
A Level 1 Home Survey can be appropriate for a new-build home bought directly from a developer, particularly if the property comes with a 10-year warranty (such as NHBC, LABC or Premier Guarantee). However, we often recommend a New Build Snagging Survey for new-builds instead. A snagging survey is a detailed inspection that identifies construction defects, incomplete work and finishing issues that the developer should rectify before you move in. Many new-build buyers combine both — a snagging survey at handover and a Level 1 survey for ongoing peace of mind.
Can I speak to the surveyor after receiving the report?
Yes. Every client who instructs us for a RICS Level 1 Home Survey is welcome to speak directly to the surveyor after receiving the report. You can call to discuss any question you have about the findings, the condition ratings or anything in the report you do not understand. There is no charge for this and no call centre — you speak to the surveyor who inspected your property.
Do you cover my area for a Level 1 survey?
We provide RICS Level 1 Home Surveys across all seven of our counties: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire, Greater London and Oxfordshire. Every surveyor who works with us is based locally and knows the building stock, geology and common defects in their area. There are no travel surcharges for any location within our coverage area.
Get a Fixed-Price Level 1 Survey Quote
Free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours. No VAT added to our fees.