Level1
Condition Survey
- Clear condition ratings for each element
- Highlights urgent problems and legal issues to check
- Concise, easy-to-read report
Best for: modern, conventional homes in good condition.
- Home
- Survey levels
Which survey do I need?
Level 1, 2 and 3 home surveys explained in plain English, with a side-by-side comparison and a quick question tool to point you to the right one.
At a glance
The three levels of home survey
Each level builds on the one before. The more complex the property, the more detail you need.
Level2
HomeBuyer Survey
- Everything in a Level 1 survey
- Advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance
- Looks at roof spaces and visible defects in more depth
Best for: most standard houses and flats in reasonable condition.
Level3
Building Survey
- Our most detailed inspection
- Explains defects, likely causes and repair options
- Guidance on priorities and the consequences of not acting
Best for: older, larger, altered or unusual properties, or homes needing work.
Side by side
How the levels compare
| Feature | Level 1Condition Survey | Level 2HomeBuyer Survey | Level 3Building Survey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suited to | Modern, conventional homes in good condition | Conventional homes in reasonable condition | Older, larger, altered or unusual homes |
| Condition ratings | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advice on repairs and maintenance | No | Yes | Yes |
| Likely causes of defects explained | No | Where apparent | Yes |
| Repair options and consequences of not acting | No | No | Yes |
| Depth of inspection | Visual overview | More detailed, including roof spaces where accessible | Most extensive inspection of accessible areas |
| Good for planned works or renovation | No | No | Yes |
Quick guide
Four questions to find your survey
A starting point only. We will always confirm the right level with you before booking.
Our suggestion
Answer the questions
Pick an answer for each question and we will suggest the survey that best suits the property.
Request a quote for this survey
Common questions
Survey FAQs
What is the difference between a Level 2 and a Level 3 survey?
A Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey suits conventional homes in reasonable condition and reports on visible defects with advice on repairs and maintenance. A Level 3 Building Survey is a more detailed inspection for older, larger, altered or unusual properties, and goes further in explaining the causes of defects, repair options and priorities.
Is a mortgage valuation the same as a survey?
No. A mortgage valuation is carried out for your lender to confirm the property is suitable security for the loan. It is not a detailed inspection of condition and is not written for you. An independent survey is carried out on your behalf and tells you about the condition of the property you are buying.
When should I book my survey?
Usually once your offer has been accepted and before you exchange contracts. That gives you time to use the findings to renegotiate, get quotes for repairs or ask further questions before you are committed.
Will the surveyor move furniture or lift floorboards?
Home surveys are non-invasive, so we will not damage the property or lift fixed floor coverings. We inspect everything that is safely accessible and will tell you in the report where access was limited and whether further investigation is recommended.
Do you survey commercial property?
Yes. We carry out commercial building surveys, pre-purchase and pre-lease surveys, investment surveys and stock condition surveys for commercial buildings and portfolios.
Which survey do I need for a new-build home?
For a brand-new home, a New-Build Snagging Survey is usually the right choice. It checks for defects and unfinished work and gives you an itemised list to send to your developer.
Get in touch
Tell us about the property
Share a few details and we will recommend the right survey and send you a clear, fixed quote. Prefer to talk it through? Call or email any time.