Types of Survey - RICS Homebuyer Report Survey | RICS Condition Report | RICS Structural Survey
When purchasing a property, it is important that you order a property survey, so that YOU can understand the state of the property, the condition and whether the property is worth buying. Using a Homebuyer Report or a building survey carried out by a RICS chartered surveyor, you can be sure that you have expert opinion guiding you and providing you with vital information about your potential new home or investment.
The question is however...
Which survey should I choose and what is the difference in the types of Homebuyer surveys?
The table below will quickly summarise the 3 types of survey available from Homebuyer Surveying and their RICS chartered surveyors.
|
Condition
(Level 1)
|
Homebuyer
(Level 2)
|
Building
(Level 3)
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Condition Report | RICS Homebuyer Report | Premium Building Survey |
| A description of the construction and condition of the property | Included | Included | Included |
| Highlights serious problems with the property | Included | Included | Included |
| Identifies areas requiring urgent repair | Included | Included | Included |
| Alerts you to areas or materials which may be a hazard | Included | Included | Included |
| Provides you with additional advice on a particular defect or issue | Not Included | Included | Included |
| Provides reinstatement cost for Building Insurance Purposes | Not Included | Included | Included |
| Provides a market valuation | Not Included | Request price | Request price |
| Provides specific information on the future performance of the building fabric | Not Included | Not Included | Included |
| Outlines repair options and future timeline for maintenance | Not Included | Not Included | Included |
| A longer and more detailed report with a more thorough consideration of the structure, grounds and services | Not Included | Not Included | Included |
Option 1 - The RICS Condition Report Survey (Level 1)
This is a residential property condition report. This report does not value the property but simply uses traffic light colours to represent the severity of the defects.
The RICS Condition Report Survey (Level 1) detail the following:
- Construction and condition of the property is described
- Severity of defects are identified.
- Suggested further investigation on potential problem areas.
- High Risk areas that are a danger.
Option 2 - The RICS Homebuyer Report Survey (Level 2)
This survey provides a homebuyer or Investor an assessment of the property condition and advice on future repair works. The report has the added advantage that it also provides an independent market valuation and a buildings reinstatement valuation. The report also make use of the traffic light ratings to identify the severity of the defects.
The RICS Homebuyer Report Survey (Level 2) detail the following:-
- Construction and condition of the property is described
- Severity of defects are identified.
- Suggested further investigation on potential problem areas.
- High Risk areas that are a danger
Plus
- Advice on possible Future Repairs
- An independent Market Valuation (Not all Surveyors can do this, Request price)
- A Building Reinstatement Insurance calculation
Option 3 - A Building Survey (Level 3)
This comprehensive report covers both conventional and unconventional property construction. Tailored to cover properties of any size and age. Detailing defects, repairs and ongoing maintenance requirements
The RICS Building Survey - Premium (Level 3) Building Survey - detail the following:
- Construction of the property detailing how the materials used will perform over time
- Severity of defects are identified.
- Possible repair options for the identified defects
- High Risk areas that are a danger
- Advice on future maintenance
- Consideration of Structural, grounds and service
- Photographs highlighting defects and other issues relevant to the property
The Premium Building Survey is used on older, larger and unconventional constructed properties as well as conventional build property types.
