There is a lot to think about when buying a property, but organising a house survey should be near the top of your priorities list. Carried out by an experienced, impartial professional, a survey will uncover any issues with the property, which will help you consider your purchase and its terms, leaving you confident in your decision.
Arranging a survey can feel daunting, as there are different types of surveys appropriate for different properties. A Level 1 House Survey, for example, is ideal for modern properties in good condition, while a Level 3 survey at the other end of the scale is generally for larger, unusually built or very old houses.
Today, we are concentrating on Level 1 Surveys, also known as RICS Level 1 Home Condition Reports. They are the most basic and typically the lowest cost option. Depending on the type of property you are looking to buy, it could be perfect for you…
What is a Level 1 House Survey/ RICS Level 1 Home Condition Report?
It is important to understand that Level 1 is a basic form of report on the back of a limited inspection. It has been designed only for conventionally built, newer properties in good condition and does not include detailed advice or repair recommendations.
The Level 1 report:
- Gives an overview of the property’s general condition
- Provides traffic light ratings indicating the severity of issues
- Highlights potential legal problems
- Indicates urgent defects
What does a Level 1 Survey cover?
This basic condition report entails an inspection only of visible and accessible parts of the property. This level of survey is purely a visual inspection, and your surveyor will not carry out in-depth investigations or tests.
| What is covered in a Level 1 House Survey? | What is NOT covered in a Level 1 House Survey? |
| External elements
Roof condition (from ground level) Walls and brickwork Windows and doors Gutters and drainage Chimneys Internal elements Walls and ceilings Floors Doors and internal joinery Signs of damp or visible defects Services (visual only) Heating Plumbing Electrical installations (no testing) Other elements Permanent outbuildings (if accessible) General maintenance issues Urgent defects requiring attention |
No detailed diagnosis of defects
No repair advice or cost estimates No testing of electrics, gas, or plumbing No inspection behind walls, under floors, or hidden areas No valuation (unless separately requested)
|
What properties is a Level 1 Survey suitable for?
A Level 1 basic house survey is an inexpensive way to ensure a property holds no nasty hidden surprises. It is a good choice for:
- New build properties
- Modern properties (flats/houses built within the last 20 years) in good condition
- Conventional construction properties
- Properties with no visible signs of defects, requiring a basic condition overview
When is a Level 1 Survey NOT suitable?
A Level 1 Survey is a less expensive option due to its limitations. Due to its basic nature and that your surveyor will only carry out a simple, visual inspection, a RICS Level 1 Condition Report is NOT suitable for:
- Properties over 20+ years of age
- Period or historic properties, or those of unconventional construction
- Properties with visible defects
- Properties which have been altered/extended
- Properties in poor condition
- Properties of non-standard construction
- If the buyer wants detailed advice
What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 surveys?
There are three main options for buyers when it comes to house surveys, and it is important to choose appropriately. We are always on hand to help you select but, as a guide the main differences are as follows:
| Survey | Property type | Overview |
| Level 1: RICS Home Condition Report | Conventional, modern, good-condition properties | Basic overview of the property’s current condition, traffic light system, and no repair advice.
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| Level 2: Homebuyers Report | Suitable for most conventional properties | A more detailed inspection, which identifies defects and risks, includes repair advice, and an option to include valuation.
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| Level 3: Building Survey (commonly called a Structural Survey) | Older, altered, or complex properties | The most comprehensive RICS survey includes a full analysis of structure and condition, plus detailed repair advice.
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Get in touch
At Trinity Rose, our RICS Chartered Surveyors regularly carry out a range of property surveys. If you would like to arrange a Level 1 House Survey, any other survey or simply want to talk about your options, please get in touch with our friendly team. We will be happy to answer all your questions.