LEVEL 2 HOME SURVEYS
(KNOWN AS HOMEBUYER REPORTS UNTIL DECEMBER 2020)
Choose this type of Survey if you’re buying a conventional house, flat or bungalow built from common building materials and in reasonable condition.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT WE LOOK FOR
VALUATION & INSURANCE
UPGRADE YOUR REPORT
USING OUR REPORT
SURVEY TYPES AT A GLANCE
WITH SURVEYS, ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL!
It is important to choose the right type of survey for the property you are buying and your own specific requirements.
The information below is taken from the RICS Information Sheet: Helping you choose the right Survey, updated for the RICS guidance published in November 2019.
RECENT SURVEYS
SELECT AN AREA:
NORTH London
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report in Cockfosters, London, EN4
We undertook a Homebuyer Survey on a typical 1930’s semi detached house that had been extended, but vacant for some time. We noted dampness in the roof void to the party wall masonry and the chimney breast. The rear single storey lean to kitchen had a tiled roof with cement fillets to the abutting rear wall. Cement fillets can shrink, crack and become porous in time allowing damp penetration. We advised on their replacement with lead flashing strips. Dampness was detected to the main walls and further specialist investigation was recommended to ascertain the extent and cost of rectification.
In addition, there was a detached garage, and we reported on several structural defects and electrical installation that did not meet safety requirements.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, Hendon, London, NW4
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a ground floor flat, in a former 1930’s semi detached house heavily extended and converted to provide six units. A number of issues were discovered, including dampness and poorly maintained communal areas and grounds. We also had concerns regarding the agreed purchase price, and advised the client that it was considered to be excessive.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, High Barnet, London, EN5
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a Victorian mid terraced house.
Our inspection revealed no major defects, although we reported on some maintenance and repairing issues regarding external solid masonry brickwork, and the sliding sash timber windows, some of which had broken cords, which can be awkward and expensive to repair.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, Whetstone, London, N20
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a 1960’s end terraced house built on non-traditional construction known as wimpey no fines and this caused some concern. This form of construction involves the use of solid shuttered concrete walls. Our inspection revealed no major defects or issues, providing our client with reassurance and peace of mind.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, London, Muswell Hill, London, N10
Our client chose a homebuyer report as the property was a converted second floor flat in a three storey Victorian terraced block, comprising a ground floor retail shop and two flats above. A number of issues were identified including several softwood sliding sash windows that dis not fit squarely, and were subject to rot. In addition, there was an external balcony and cast iron spiral staircase that had defective securing mountings and was considered unsafe, pending repair.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, South Hampstead, London, NW3
A converted first floor flat in a three storey converted Edwardian semi detached house.
No specific issues or significant defects, but maintenance issues identified as part of the overall property and lease liabilities.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Archway, London, N19
A converted first floor flat in a three storey converted Victorian mid terraced house.
A number of defects to the solid masonry brickwork were commented upon, together with maintenance issues identified regarding worn flashings to a flat felt roof.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Camden, London, NW1
A converted third floor flat in a five storey converted Edwardian factory building.
No specific issues or significant defects, but maintenance issues identified as part of the overall property and lease liabilities.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, West Hampstead, London, NW10
A converted duplex first floor flat in a two storey plus attic Victorian mid terrace house.
No specific issues or significant defects, but maintenance issues identified as part of the overall property and lease liabilities.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Kentish Town, London, NW5
A five storey Victorian mid terraced house.
No specific issues or significant defects, but maintenance issues identified.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Tuffnell Park, London, N7
A converted lower ground floor flat with garden, in a four storey converted Victorian house.
Fractured retaining walls were identified. Internal layout of accommodation was considered to be poorly configured. Dampness detected to internal walls.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Chalk Farm, London, NW5
A second floor mansion block flat in a four storey block.
No specific issues or significant defects.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Holloway, London, NW2
A converted first floor flat with roof accommodation, in a two storey converted 1930’s semi detached house.
No specific issues or significant defects. Chimney breast masonry removed, but we were able to confirm that this had been undertaken satisfactorily. Rainwater goods were noted to be blocked.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, West Hampstead, London, NW6
A converted lower ground floor flat with garden, in a four storey converted Victorian house.
Fractured retaining walls were identified. Areas of flat roofing were ponding and moss covered, requiring repair, chimney masonry was affected by vegetation to loose pointing. A skylight had inadequate flashing protection strips.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Cricklewood, London, NW2
A first floor flat in a three storey modern estate block.
No specific issues or significant defects, but maintenance issues identified as part of the overall property and lease liabilities.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Crouch End, London, N19
A fourth floor flat in a five storey local authority block.
No specific issues or significant defects, but maintenance issues identified as part of the overall property and lease liabilities.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Willesden Green, London,
A first floor flat in a four storey Edwardian mansion block.
No specific issues or significant defects, were noted.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Kensal Green, London, NW10
An extended four bedroom two storey 1930’s mid terraced house.
Slipped slate roofing tiles were noted and there was no lining present. A roof conversion had taken place. Cracked lath and plaster ceilings were noted.
SOUTH London
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, South Norwood, London, SE25
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a 1930’s mid terraced house that had been extended, and was in need of updating. A number of issues were discovered, including dampness and roof repairs. We also had concerns regarding the construction of the rear extension and a detached garage approached via a rear service road.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, Thornton Heath, Croydon, CR7
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a converted top floor flat, in a former Victorian end terraced house that had been converted to form three separate units. Our inspection revealed a number of defects and issues, including extensive penetrating dampness to walls, and rot to the softwood sliding sash single glazed window joinery. We were also able to advise our client on a number of maintenance issues that needed clarification, and may involve financial liability.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, London, Lewisham, SE13
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a converted top floor flat, in a former Victorian mid terraced house that had been converted to form two separate units. Our inspection revealed a number of defects and issues, including penetrating dampness to roof void party walls, and rot to external joinery.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, Penge, London, SE20
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a converted ground floor flat, in a former Victorian mid terraced house that had been converted to form two separate units. Our inspection revealed a number of defects and issues, including rising dampness to the solid brick masonry walls, and dilapidated outbuildings with asbestos panels.
WEST London
RICS Homebuyer Survey and Report in Greenford, London, UB6
We undertook a Homebuyer Survey on a typical 1930’s semi detached house that had been subject to renovation and extension. This included a large ‘wrap around’ ground floor single storey addition to the side and rear. However, we noted a number of defects and issues that required further investigation regarding the costs of rectification, that needed to be considered before purchase. The main pitched roof had an area of missing and loose tiles, and the underside of the roof covering and roof frame was concealed by sprayed foam. We warned our client that roof timbers under thiscovering are at greater risk of rot due to water penetration and reduced ventilation.
Repairs to the covering may also be difficult. Moss was also present to the roof slopes andthiscan lead to blockages in rainwater goods. There was an unseen valley gutter running to the frontandfeatures of this type are vulnerable to blockage and can be a source of damp penetration. The internal chimney breast in the roof void, was found to be affected by dampness, and that this was possibly due to defective roof flashings.
RICS Homebuyer Survey and Report in Hanwell, London, W7
A Homebuyer Survey was chosen because this 1930’s semi detached house was being purchased under probate as a refurbishment project. We identified a number of defects in respect of dampness and defective joinery and rainwater goods. We advised that the cost of the works be established, and the purchase price renegotiated.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, Shepherds Bush, London, W12
A building survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a converted lower ground floor flat with basement accommodation, in a former Victorian terraced house.. Properties constructed of solid brick masonry with below ground level accommodation are often prone to damp penetration issues. Our inspection revealed no major defects and the client was able to proceed knowing that there were no significant problems or issues with the property.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, London, Hammersmith and Fulham, W6
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a Victorian mid terraced house that had been subject to refurbishment. Our inspection revealed no major defects, although we were able to advise our client on a number of maintenance issues that needed clarification, and provide reassurance and peace of mind, in respect of the alterations that had taken place, enhancing the property’s appeal.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report in Hatch End, Pinner, HA5
The property was a modern purpose built ground floor flat in a two storey block. Although there were no specific defects noted, we were able to advise our client in respect of a section of private garden within the communal grounds, and in respect of extending the relatively short unexpired lease term remaining, in order to avoid marriage value premium value implications.
RICS HOMEBUYER SURVEY REPORT IN SOUTHALL, LONDON, UB1
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a Victorian mid terraced house which had been subject to a number of structural alterations.
Our inspection revealed several significant defects and concerns. Party wall masonry to both elevations was also noted to be damp, with mortar joints between the bricks deteriorated in places. In addition, considerable dampness was found to the chimney breast masonry, together with loose and cracked render.
Moreover, a section of chimney breast had been removed. The remaining masonry above was supportedon a short beam attached to the party wall by two angled brackets. This form of support no longer meets statutory requirements. There was a poorly constructed single storey rear addition. The roof tile covering had not been lined, and daylight was evident in places where tiles had slipped, allowing rainwater penetration. Given the overall condition of the property, along with our concerns over the various poorly executed alterations; we advised our client that the purchase price was excessive and that the property may not prove a sound purchase for the client’s particular circumstances.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, Hayes, London, UB4
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a 1980’s end terraced house that had been poorly maintained. The rear door was an internal specification lightweight MDF panelled door and was poorly fitted. There was a rudimentary lean to rear structure that did not meet minimum construction standards. In addition, the roof frame had inadequate bracing and restraint fitted. An attached garage had a badly moss affected roof, and inadequate door joinery.
Outside London
RICS HOMEBUYER SURVEY AND REPORT IN CHESHUNT, WALTHAM CROSS, EN8
A Homebuyer Survey was chosen because this 1970’s extended semi detached house was being purchased under probate. Only minor issues such as upgrading services installations, and some flat roof maintenance issues were identified, providing our client with comfort to proceed.
We advised that the cost of the works be established, and the purchase price renegotiated.
RICS HOMEBUYER SURVEY REPORT, HOVE, SUSSEX, BN3
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a converted top floor flat, in a former Victorian end terraced house. Our inspection revealed no major defects, although we were able to advise our client on a number of maintenance issues that needed clarification, and may involve financial liability.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, Bushey, Watford, Herts, WD23
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, for a modern 1990’s estate house, that had been reconfigured from a three bedroom to a two bedroom property. Although no particular defects were noted, we had concerns regarding the agreed purchase price, and advised the client that it was regarded as excessive.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD19
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a 1970’s end terraced house that was in need of updating. A number of issues were discovered, including internal joinery defects and some incomplete structural alterations.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a 1950’s semi detached house that had been extended. A number of issues were discovered, including a rear valley gutter between two butterfly gabled roofs, with blocked guttering and a defective downpipe hopper. There were also some rusted rainwater goods, and a broken guttering joint. There was evidence that cavity wall insulation has been retrospectively installed. In some circumstances cavity insulation can cause damp penetration and/or result in accelerated corrosion of wall ties that will require remedial treatment. We also noted that some boundary walling had fractured, and was in need of attention.
RICS Homebuyer Survey Report, Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, WD4
A homebuyer survey was chosen by our client, as the property was a 1970’s detached house that had been altered and updated internally. A number of defects and issues were identified: There was moss growth to roofs. Moss can cause deterioration of the covering. It can lead to blockages in rainwater goods. Cement mortar fillets to the junctions between some roofs and adjacent walls showed signs of shrinkage of the bedding mortar. This will lead to deterioration and water ingress. Some unfinished guttering was also present. The seals to several of the double glazed units had failed causing misting on the glass.The timber door and threshold were weathered, and in need of redecoration and making good to rot affected sections of framework,There was insufficient bracing to the roof framework which could allow movement of the trusses.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Saint Albans, Herts, AL4
A 1970’s end terrace house.
No specific issues or significant defects, but maintenance issues identified including rotten external roof joinery, flat roof disrepair, and some rainwater goods repairs.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3
A 1920’s detached house.
A rare Arts and Crafts era house. Dampness to chimney breasts and walls was reported, together with cracked and loose render cladding, along with some internal joinery issues.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10
A 1970’s mid terrace house.
No specific issues or significant defects, but maintenance issues identified including external roof joinery and internal roof frame support.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8
A 1980’s cluster house.
No specific issues or significant defects, but maintenance issues identified including window joinery requiring attention, and external boundary wall repairs.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2
A 1950’s semi detached house.
No specific issues or significant defects, but maintenance issues identified including repointing to external walls, cracking to internal walls, moss to roof slopes, and some rainwater goods repairs.
Advice was also issued regarding an asbestos sheet garage roof.
RICS Homebuyer Survey, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5
A 19th century terraced cottage.
A number of defects to the solid masonry brickwork were commented upon, together with rotted external joinery, and dampness and defective plaster to internal walls. Advice was also given in respect of a roof void firebreak wall.