Condition Report (Level 1 Survey)

A Condition Report is the most basic RICS survey — a traffic-light overview of a property's condition with no repair advice. It is suitable only for new-build or near-new conventional properties. Here's what it covers, what it costs, and when (and when not) to use one.

Key Points

A Condition Report is the RICS Level 1 survey — the most basic of the three residential survey types
Uses a traffic-light condition rating (1 = no action, 2 = maintenance needed, 3 = urgent repair) — but gives no advice on what to do
Typical cost: £300–£500 depending on property size and location
Only suitable for new-build or recently built conventional properties in good condition
Does not include a market valuation, repair cost estimates, or structural analysis
For most buyers purchasing second-hand properties, a Level 2 or Level 3 is more appropriate

What Does a Condition Report Cover?

✅ Included

Traffic-light condition ratings for all major elements
Roof covering and chimney (external)
External walls, windows, doors
Internal walls, ceilings, floors
Roof space (where accessible)
Damp and moisture — basic reading
Services (gas, electricity, drainage) — noted, not tested
Legal issues to raise with your solicitor

❌ Not Included

Repair advice or recommendations
Repair cost estimates
Market valuation
Structural analysis
Investigation of defects found
Advice on whether to proceed or renegotiate
Any specialist investigations

The Traffic-Light Rating System

No repair currently needed — the element is performing adequately and no action is required at this time

Repair or replacement needed — not urgent — defects that need attention but are not considered serious or immediately dangerous

Urgent repair or investigation needed — serious defects that could be dangerous or cause significant deterioration if not addressed immediately

Not inspected — the element could not be inspected (e.g. concealed behind a wall, inaccessible area)

Level 1 vs Level 2 vs Level 3: Quick Comparison

Feature	Level 1 Condition Report	Level 2 HomeBuyer	Level 3 Building Survey
Traffic-light ratings	✅	✅	✅
Repair advice	❌	✅	✅
Repair cost estimates	❌	❌	✅
Market valuation (optional)	❌	✅ (add-on)	Add-on
Structural analysis	❌	Limited	✅ Full
Typical cost	£300–£500	£400–£700	£600–£1,500
Best for	New builds only	Modern, standard homes	Older / larger / unusual

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a Condition Report or a HomeBuyer Report for a new build?

For a new build, most buyers opt for a professional snagging inspection rather than any RICS survey. A snagging inspection is specifically designed for new-build defects and costs £200–£600. A RICS Level 1 Condition Report is an alternative, but a snagging report provides more actionable detail for a new-build purchase.

Is a Condition Report sufficient for a mortgage application?

A Condition Report is not a mortgage valuation and cannot be used in place of one. Your lender will commission their own mortgage valuation separately. However, a Condition Report does confirm the property's general state — which may satisfy some lenders' requirements for certain low-risk products.

Why doesn't the Condition Report include repair advice?

By design — a Level 1 report is intended as a basic snapshot of condition for properties that are expected to be in good order. The assumption is that a new-build buyer needs confirmation that nothing is seriously wrong, rather than detailed repair guidance. For anything other than new builds, upgrade to Level 2 or Level 3.

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