The RICS Home Survey Level 2 provides a comprehensive assessment of your potential new home across Cheshire and Greater Manchester. This intermediate-level survey delivers detailed insights into a property’s condition, highlighting defects and potential problems while offering professional advice on repairs and maintenance. It’s the ideal choice for conventional properties in reasonable condition where you need more in-depth information than a Level 1 survey provides.
What is a RICS Home Survey Level 2?
The RICS Home Survey Level 2 is a standardised service that includes a thorough visual inspection of the property, both inside and out. It follows the rigorous standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is available in two formats: survey only or survey with valuation.
This survey is more comprehensive than the Level 1 survey, providing additional details about potential defects, maintenance requirements, and repair considerations. Using the clear ‘traffic light’ condition rating system, our Level 2 survey helps you understand the severity of issues found:
- Condition Rating 3 (Red): Defects that are serious and/or need urgent repair, replacement, or further investigation
- Condition Rating 2 (Amber): Defects that need repairing or replacing but aren’t considered serious or urgent
- Condition Rating 1 (Green): No current issues – normal maintenance required
What’s Included in the RICS Home Survey Level 2?
Our Level 2 survey provides detailed information about the property’s condition, including:
- A thorough inspection of all accessible parts of the property
- Clear ‘traffic light’ condition ratings for all major elements of the property
- Detailed assessment of issues that may affect the property’s value
- Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance requirements
- Identification of issues requiring further investigation
- Information on the property’s location and local environment
- Details about the property’s construction and significant features
- Energy efficiency assessment (when an EPC is available)
- Legal issues to address before completing your purchase
- Optional market valuation and rebuilding cost assessment (with the survey and valuation option)
The Survey Process
When you choose a RICS Home Survey Level 2 with Mickleson Surveyors, our comprehensive process includes:
- Initial consultation to understand your specific concerns and requirements
- Property research and background checks prior to the inspection
- Arrangement of a convenient time for the survey
- Thorough visual inspection by a qualified RICS chartered surveyor (typically 2-4 hours)
- Examination of accessible roof spaces, grounds, floors, and services
- Preparation of a detailed, easy-to-understand report with clear recommendations
- Delivery of your report within 5 working days
- Follow-up consultation to explain findings and discuss any concerns
The survey is non-invasive and doesn’t include testing of services, lifting floorboards, or moving furniture.
Why Choose a RICS Home Survey Level 2?
The Level 2 survey is particularly suitable for:
- Conventional properties in reasonable condition
- Properties built after 1900 with standard construction
- Homes that have been modified or extended
- Properties you plan to live in for many years
- Homes where you’re planning minor renovations or improvements
- Buyers who want more detailed information than a Level 1 survey provides
This survey is the most popular choice for most homebuyers in Cheshire and Greater Manchester, offering the right balance of detail and value. It provides significantly more information than a mortgage valuation or Level 1 survey, while being more affordable than the comprehensive Level 3 survey that’s typically reserved for older or more complex properties.
If you’re considering adding a valuation, the ‘survey and valuation’ option includes a market value assessment based on the surveyor’s expertise and knowledge of the local property market, plus a reinstatement cost for insurance purposes.
Professional Qualifications
All our Level 2 surveys are conducted by experienced chartered surveyors who are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). With extensive knowledge of property types and common issues found in Cheshire and Greater Manchester, including specific insights into properties in areas like Stockport, Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Altrincham, and Knutsford, our surveyors provide expert advice you can trust.
For conventional properties in reasonable condition where you need detailed insights but not the extensive examination of a Level 3 survey, the RICS Home Survey Level 2 offers the perfect balance of thoroughness and value. Compare with our Level 1 survey or learn about our Level 3 survey to determine which is right for your needs, or compare using our Survey Comparison tool.
