RPSA Homebuyer Level 2 Surveys
When you’re buying a home, it’s more than just a building it’s one of life’s biggest investments. We believe you deserve clarity, confidence and control. That’s where our Level 2 Homebuyer Survey comes in.
Level 2 Survey. What is Included?
Moisture and Infestations
Checks for damp, rot, woodworm, and potential decay.
Structural Checks
Visual inspection of walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations.
Doors & Windows
Assesses visible damage and maintenance requirements.
Photos of Defects
Clear photographs of any issues found during the inspection.
Condition Ratings
Easy-to-understand traffic-light system showing urgency of repairs.
What is a Level 2 Homebuyer Survey?
Often referred to as a “HomeBuyer Report” or “Level 2 Survey”, this is the ideal choice if the property you’re considering is a conventional build, in reasonable condition, and you want more than a simple valuation.
Here’s a summary of what it involves:
- A visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property — inside and out.
- Identification of visible defects, signs of damp or rot, structural movement, deteriorating services, etc.
- A clear trafficlight condition rating system to show condition:
- Green = no immediate concerns
- Amber = minor or moderate issues to address
- Red = serious defects needing urgent attention
- A straightforward, jargonfree report with photos and clear guidance on next steps.
- Optional extras such as a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate.
Features of our Level 2 Survey at 4Sight Surveying
At 4Sight Surveying, we tailor the service to give you real insight and genuine value:
- Conducted by qualified, experienced surveyors with building surveying expertise
- A thorough inspection of major elements: roofs, chimneys, walls, floors, windows, doors, heating, plumbing, external drainage, boundary walls, outbuildings
- Emphasis on reallife practical advice: what needs doing now, what to budget for, and what you can reasonably expect in the future
- Clear report delivered promptly, in plain English, with condition ratings, photos and actionable recommendations
- Supportive service: we explain the findings, answer your questions, and help you use the report for negotiation or decision making
Benefits of getting a Level 2 Survey
Here’s why spending on a survey is a smart move when buying a property:
- Avoid surprises: Many defects are hidden from a casual viewing. A level 2 survey helps to reveal issues you might not spot yourself.
- Negotiate from strength: If the survey highlights defects or impending repair needs, you’re better placed to negotiate on price or ask the seller to address issues.
- Budget for the future: It’s not just about what’s wrong now — the survey helps you understand what maintenance or replacements may be needed over time.
- Peace of mind: You’ll enter the purchase with knowledge of the property’s condition and risks, rather than hoping everything is fine.
- Protect your investment: With one of the largest financial commitments you’ll make, getting the facts matters. Skipping a survey can leave you exposed.
Why you should work with 4Sight Surveying
- Local expertise: We know properties in the region – what’s typical, what’s less so.
- Transparent, clientfriendly approach: No surprise jargon, no hidden caveats — you get clear, honest advice.
- Focused on you: We explain our findings, we listen to your concerns, and we help you act on the report.
- Trusted standards: We follow recognised surveying best practices for Level 2 surveys.
When is a Level 2 Survey the right choice — and when might you need more?
Go ahead with Level 2 if:
- The property is relatively modern or built with standard materials (e.g., brick, tile) and appears in reasonable condition.
- You want a thorough inspection but don’t require an indepth structural analysis.
- Your priority is gaining clarity before purchase, rather than diagnosing major hidden defects.
Consider a higher level survey (e.g., Level 3) if:
- The property is older, has been extensively altered, or shows signs of structural issues.
- You’re buying a complex building (listed, historic, nonstandard construction).
- You want a detailed structural investigation, invasive testing, or repair cost estimates.
How to book a Level 2 Survey with us
- Contact us with your property details (address, type, agreed purchase price).
- We’ll provide a quote tailored to your property.
- We’ll arrange an inspection at a convenient time for you and the vendor.
- After inspection we’ll produce your full report — with ratings, photos, clear advice.
- We’ll talk you through the findings and help you interpret what they mean for your purchase.
Buying a home is a big step. With a Level 2 Homebuyer Survey from 4Sight Surveying, you’ll gain clarity, reduce risk and move ahead with confidence. Let us help you make an informed decision and protect your investment.
Level 2 vs Level 3 Survey Comparison
Service Description | Level 2 Survey | Level 3 Survey |
Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of inspection | ✔ | ✔ |
Identifies any problems that are serious, need urgent attention, or require further investigation to prevent serious damage | ✔ | ✔ |
Includes a standard visual inspection (does not remove secured panels, electrical fittings, inspection covers, or similar features) | ✔ | ✔ |
Helps you decide whether you need further advice before committing to purchase | ✔ | ✔ |
Advises on the amount of ongoing maintenance required and helps budget for future repairs or restoration | ✔ | ✔ |
Includes roof space inspection and ground-level roof inspection | ✔ | ✔ |
Moisture and Infestation Checks – Identifies damp, rot, woodworm, and potential decay | ✔ | ✔ |
Structural Checks – Visual inspection of walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations | ✔ | ✔ |
Doors & Windows – Assesses visible damage and maintenance requirements | ✔ | ✔ |
Photos of Defects – Clear photographs of any issues found during inspection | ✔ | ✔ |
Condition Ratings – Simple traffic-light system showing urgency of repairs | ✔ | ✔ |
Detailed Structural Report | ✔ | |
Cavity Wall Insulation Check | ✔ | |
Drone Inspection – Extensive aerial review of roof, guttering, and chimney | ✔ | |
Describes Visible and Potential Hidden Defects | ✔ | |
Provides Repair Options, Timelines, and Consequences of Not Completing Repairs | ✔ | |
More Detailed Visual Inspection – Broader review of roof space, grounds, floors, and services | ✔ | |
Estimated Repair Costs – Provides an estimated cost to rectify identified issues | ✔ | |
Practical Repair Advice – Recommendations on necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance | ✔ | ✔ |
Ideal Property Type – Best for conventional, well-maintained homes | ✔ | |
Most Comprehensive Option – Best for older, larger, or unusual properties requiring deeper investigation | ✔ | |
Carried Out by RPSA Accredited Surveyors | ✔ | ✔ |
Includes Discussion with Surveyor to Review Findings | ✔ | ✔ |
Arranged Directly by Our Team (We Coordinate Access with Agent or Vendor) | ✔ | ✔ |
RPSA Homebuyer Survey: Coverage, Insights, and Benefits
What does the RPSA Homebuyer Survey Include?
The Homebuyer Survey includes a visual inspection of all major internal features including ceilings, roof, walls, and bathrooms, as well as external features including windows, roofing, pipes, gutters, walls, and doors.
In addition to the main property, a surveyor will also inspect any permanent outdoor structures such as garages, fixed sheds or greenhouses or garden offices.
A surveyor will further inspect the heating, drainage, electric, gas/oil, and water services and comment on energy efficiency.
The Homebuyer Survey uncovers any serious structural problems with the building such as subsidence. The surveyor will also inspect damp-proofing, drainage, insulation, and damp test the walls with specialist equipment, to ensure damp is not present in the property. They will further investigate the condition of visible sections of the property’s timbers for woodworm and rot. They will also check if the septic tank needs septic tank cleaning or pumping services.
The Homebuyer Survey includes details of all major faults. The building surveyor will also offer some advice repairs and maintenance advice on how to rectify these faults.
Your Homebuyer Survey will provide outline information on the property being surveyed and its location. Your surveyor will also highlight specific areas where you will need to consult a legal advisor to further investigate these issues and seek specialist attention.
The report provides a traffic light rating system for easy identification of problem areas, alongside advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Why should I get one?
The Homebuyer report will help you to:
Make a balanced, informed decision about whether to go ahead with buying the property, without overwhelming you with technical details.
Make an informed decision on what is a reasonable price to pay for the property.
Take into account any repairs or replacements the property needs.
Consider what further advice you should take before committing to purchasing property.
