Which Homebuyer Survey Is The Right One For You?

Whether you are moving to a new city or relocating within your local area, you’ll need to arrange a homebuyer survey before you finalise the purchase of your new home. Even the most seemingly perfect property can have imperfections, and it is better to identify and address them sooner rather than later – particularly if they are structural or dangerous.

As a homebuyer, there are a range of options available for you, but the right survey will depend upon the age, condition and construction of your property. So, make sure your new home is the right investment for you and avoid any expensive surprises with this guide to the different types of surveys.

RICS Home Surveys

There are three types of RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) building surveys and all of them are carried out by RICS-approved chartered surveyors. Whilst they are suitable for different types of residential properties, each one includes an extensive assessment of a home, including the structure, its overall condition, and any issues that you as the new owner should be aware of before finalising the sale.

Once these checks have been completed, you will be provided with a report that details all the findings of the survey. These reports allow homeowners to move forward with all the insights they need to secure the right home for them, at the right agreement, so let’s take a look at the different RICS surveys:

• RICS Level 1: This homebuyer survey, also referred to as a Conditions Report, is a standard survey of any property that is considered to be in good condition. It is a good choice for newer properties that don’t require extensive repairs and gives you a good overview of any visible or significant issues.
• RICS Level 2: If the property is less than 30 years old and appears to be in good condition, but you are looking for more insight into any issues or defects, then a Level 2 survey will give you all the information you need. This survey includes all the checks that a Level 1 survey does and goes further by highlighting any existing issues that may affect the property’s long-term value.
• RICS Level 3: Finally, a Level 3 survey is an in-depth inspection of residential properties that are old, in a visibly poor condition, or have unusual construction. As well as appraising these issues, a Level 3 survey also provides advice on how to handle any serious structural defects and makes recommendations for important repairs that must be carried out before anyone moves into the property.

Independent Residential Surveys

Just like RICS Level 3 surveys, these independent surveys are recommended for older buildings and homes that have visible signs of wear and tear, particularly if these defects appear to be structural.

They were originally known as structural surveys, and they do exactly what their former name suggests by inspecting the structural integrity of a property and assessing its condition far beyond the surface. A detailed condition report is then compiled that lists any previous modifications or repairs, and all remaining structural issues, to keep you informed throughout the purchasing process and to provide clarity around any planned renovations or remedial works.

Specific Defect Surveys

If the current owner has mentioned a specific defect or a previous survey has flagged up an area of concern, then these surveys will assess a particular issue without needing to conduct a full homebuyer survey.

These targeted inspections are the go-to choice for buyers who are worried about damp patches, structural issues, or even just small cracks, as it is always better to be safe than sorry. Specific defect surveys inspect the issue, its impact, and its likely causes, and also detail whether it is an isolated concern or not.

If it is an extensive defect then there will likely be related issues that will also need to be addressed, and this final report can also include technical recommendations for repairing the defect which will help to inform next steps.

Book Your Homebuyer Survey Today

Make sure that your new home is the right investment for you and your family by booking the right residential survey. Need help making an informed decision? JTM Building Consultancy offer a range of RICS home surveys, carried out by qualified chartered surveyors. So, whether you know which homebuyers survey you need or you would like to discuss your options with a member of their team, click here to get in touch with them today.