The RICS Home Survey Level 3 is the most detailed survey available under the RICS Home Survey Standard. It covers the structure, construction, and condition of the property in depth, and includes advice on repair options and the likely consequences of inaction. It is typically recommended for older, larger, or more complex properties, and for any property where significant defects are suspected.
What is a RICS Home Survey Level 3?
The Level 3 survey (formerly known as a Building Survey) follows the RICS Home Survey Standard and uses the traffic light condition rating system to report on all major elements of the property:
- Condition Rating 3 (Red): Defects that are serious and/or need to be repaired, replaced, or investigated urgently
- Condition Rating 2 (Amber): Defects that need repairing or replacing but are not considered serious or urgent
- Condition Rating 1 (Green): No current issues – normal maintenance required
What’s Included
- Thorough inspection of all accessible parts of the property, inside and out
- Detailed description of the construction and materials used
- Traffic light condition ratings with explanations for all major elements
- Description of visible defects and the identifiable risk of hidden ones
- Advice on repair options with likely timescales and consequences of not acting
- Identification of issues requiring specialist investigation
- Assessment of past alterations and potential compliance issues
- Energy efficiency considerations relevant to the property
- Legal matters for your solicitor to investigate
The inspection does not include testing of services, lifting of fixed floor coverings, or removal of secured panels. Services are observed in normal operation where safe and permission has been given.
The Survey Process
- Initial discussion to understand your requirements and any specific concerns about the property
- Desktop research and background checks prior to inspection
- Arrangement of an inspection date
- Thorough on-site inspection by a qualified RICS Chartered Surveyor, typically 3–5 hours
- Detailed report prepared and delivered within 7–10 working days
- Follow-up discussion available to go through the findings
Is a Level 3 Survey Right for Your Property?
A Level 3 survey is appropriate for older properties (typically pre-1900), listed buildings, properties of unusual construction, those in poor condition, and any property that has been significantly extended or altered. It is also worth considering where a Level 2 survey would be likely to generate numerous referrals for further investigation — in those cases a Level 3 will often give you more useful information.
If you are unsure which survey level is right for your property, contact us or use our Survey Comparison page.
Professional Qualifications
All our surveys are carried out by Chartered Surveyors who are full members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), either MRICS or FRICS, with local knowledge of property types across Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
