LEVEL 1 SURVEY RICS HOME CONDITION REPORT (HCR)
If you’re buying a property, your first step should be to appoint a professional surveyor. You’ll want to be sure that the property you’re buying is in a good condition and that you won’t be subject to any unexpected substantial repairs or costs. A property survey should give you the peace of mind you need and an idea of any major repairs or alterations that you might want to carry out.
A Level 1 Survey is a Home Condition Report and, due to its simple ‘overview’ format, is typically the lowest priced survey that can be carried out for a property purchase. It’s not to be confused with a mortgage valuation, which is normally commissioned by a mortgage lender.
Read more about what a Home Condition Report entails and then contact us to book a Level 1 Survey for your new home purchase.
A Home Condition Report survey to give buyers peace of mind
Property surveys are optional, but we would always recommend a purchaser instructs a professional, independent survey by an experienced surveyor to highlight any significant defects and to give a clear understanding of repair and maintenance works that may be required.
What type of property is a condition report (Level 1 Survey) for?
A Level 1 Survey, the RICS Home Condition Report is a basic survey that’s aimed at conventional properties and newer homes.
What does a home condition report include?
The RICS Level 1 survey is the most basic survey and provides a simple overview of the property’s condition.
It provides a summary of the property’s defects and the possible risks involved.
It doesn’t include a valuation or details on the repair work required.
How to read a RICS condition report (Level 1 Survey)?
Less detailed than a Level 2 (Homebuyer’s) Survey or a Level 3 (Building) Survey, your report will include ‘traffic light’ condition ratings for each of the key elements of the property, garage and outbuildings, clearly indicating those that appear normal, those that give cause for concern and those which will require urgent repair or alteration.
Your report won’t give a guide as to the perceived value of your property.
Trinity Rose Chartered Surveyors is the expert in residential home surveys – if you’d like to find out more about a Home Condition Report, please contact us and we’ll talk you through it.
- A Home Condition Report will describe the condition of a residential property
- Simple ‘traffic light’ ratings to identify the property condition and key elements
- The lowest price residential property survey
- Aimed at conventional properties and newer homes
We offer Level 1 Surveys in Hampshire, Dorset and Surrey, including Alresford, Alton, Basingstoke, Brockenhurst, Bishops Waltham, Chandlers Ford, Chichester, Christchurch, Fordingbridge, Farnham, Lymington, Lyndhurst, Park Gate, Portsmouth, Poole, Parkstone, Petersfield, Ringwood, Romsey, Southampton, Salisbury, Winchester, Guildford, Verwood, The New Forest and Wimborne and the surrounding areas.
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FAQs
What is a Level 1 property survey?
A Level 1 House Survey, also known as a RICS Home Condition Report, is the most basic of the three house survey types offered by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It provides a basic overview of the property’s condition at the time of inspection.
What does a Level 1 survey typically include?
- Visual inspection of the building structure and its major components.
- Assessment of the condition of the roof, walls, windows, doors, floors, and services (electrical, plumbing, heating, drainage).
- Identification of any readily visible defects.
- An opinion on the relative seriousness of the defects.
What are the limitations of a Level 1 House Survey?
A Level 1 Survey does not include:
- Valuation of the property.
- Destructive testing (e.g., opening up walls or floors).
- Detailed advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance.
Do I have to have a Home Condition Report?
It is not a legal requirement to have a survey, but we would always advise a prospective purchaser to instruct a professional chartered surveyor to carry out at least an RICS Level 1 Survey to give you peace of mind that your property is in good condition before you buy.
What’s the difference between a Home Condition Report (Level 1 Survey) and a HomeBuyer Report (Level 2 Survey)?
A HomeBuyer report will cost a little more than a Home Condition Report, but will also include more comprehensive information on the building and location, legal considerations as well as issues that might affect its value. A HomeBuyer Report (survey and valuation) will also give you a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost assessment. Read more about Trinity Rose Chartered Surveyors’ HomeBuyer Reports here.
How long does a Level 1 house survey take?
A Level 1 house survey, also known as a Condition Report, is the quickest and most basic type of survey typically taking around 1-2 hours to complete for the inspection itself.
What does the surveyor do / not do in the Level 1 house survey?
The surveyor will inspect the inside and outside of the main building and all permanent outbuildings, making notes on the construction and significant visible defects that are evident.
The surveyor will visually inspect the parts of the roof structure and other features that can be seen from the access hatch.
The surveyor won’t take up fitted carpets, fitted floor coverings or floorboards; move heavy furniture; remove the contents of cupboards, roof spaces, remove secured panels and/or hatches; or undoing electrical fittings. They will not lift insulation material, stored goods or other contents of the roof space.
What type of property is the Level 1 house survey suitable for?
A Level 1 House Survey, also known as a Condition Report, is best suited for conventional, modern properties in good condition. These include relatively new builds, properties with uncomplicated layouts and which have not undergone major structural alterations or extensions.
When should I get a Level 1 House Survey?
A Level 1 House Survey, also known as a Condition Report, is best suited if:
- You have an offer accepted on a conventional property in good condition. This is typically after you’ve viewed the property and potentially had some initial discussions with the seller. A Level 1 survey can help you identify any major issues before you commit to buying the house.
- For relatively new properties (less than 10 years old). Since these properties are likely to have fewer potential problems, a Level 1 survey may be sufficient.
Trinity House, 123 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DR
t: 01962 880426
Trinity House, 123 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DR
t: 01962 888900
Trinity House, 123 Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 2DR
t: 02382 002500
