The Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is the UK's most popular house survey — a thorough inspection by an RPSA, CIOB, or RICS-regulated chartered surveyor with clear condition ratings and an easy-to-read report.
A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey includes a thorough visual inspection of all visible and accessible parts of the property. The surveyor assigns traffic-light condition ratings (1-good, 2-needs attention, 3-urgent action) to each element.
| Property Value | Level 2 Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to £150,000 | £350 – £420 |
| £150,001 – £250,000 | £380 – £460 |
| £250,001 – £400,000 | £420 – £550 |
| £400,001 – £600,000 | £520 – £700 |
| £600,001 – £1,000,000 | £680 – £900 |
| Over £1,000,000 | £900+ |
💡 Comparing 3+ surveyors can save you 15–25% on your Level 2 survey cost — prices vary significantly between RICS-regulated firms for identical work.
| Level 2 Survey | Level 3 Survey | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Standard properties in good condition, built after ~1900 | Older, period, or unusual properties, or any showing defects |
| Depth of inspection | Thorough — visible and accessible areas | Comprehensive — includes hard-to-reach areas |
| Repair advice | General comments on issues found | Detailed repair options and estimated costs |
| Cost | £350 – £900 | £500 – £1,400 |
| Report length | 15–30 pages typically | 40–80+ pages typically |