Got questions? 
We’re here to put 
your mind at ease

A RICS Home Survey is a professional inspection of a property’s condition, carried out by a surveyor accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It helps you understand any issues with the property before you buy it — from structural problems to signs of damp, roof damage, or outdated electrics. There are different levels of survey depending on the age, type, and condition of the property, each offering different levels of detail. We’ll guide you through the process with friendly advice before and after your survey, so you feel informed and confident about your decision.

A RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer) Survey and a Level 3 (Building) Survey differ mainly in scope, detail and intended use:

• Scope & Depth

  • Level 2: A HomeBuyer Report covers all readily accessible areas of a conventional property. You get a summary of each section, condition ratings (1–3), plus advice on repairs and maintenance.

  • Level 3: A Building Survey is a full “structural” inspection. It examines all accessible fabric and services in detail, notes defects, and often includes sketches or floor plans.

• When to Choose

  • Level 2 is ideal for modern, well-maintained homes where you simply need reassurance—and a valuation—to negotiate or budget for minor repairs.

  • Level 3 is best for older, unusual or run-down properties, or if you’re planning major works or conversions and need a comprehensive picture of every risk.

• Report Output

  • Level 2 gives a concise report with clear ratings, a market valuation and a summary of urgent issues.

  • Level 3 delivers a detailed narrative report, often dozens of pages long, with annotated drawings, in-depth defect analysis and long-term maintenance guidance.

• Cost & Timescale

  • Level 2 surveys are quicker and more cost-effective—commonly used by first-time buyers or lenders.

  • Level 3 surveys take longer to complete and cost more, reflecting the extra time and expertise involved.

In short: if you need a fast, clear overview on a straightforward home, go Level 2; if you want a deep-dive into every element—especially in an older or complex building—Level 3 is the right choice.

In a RICS Level 2 (HomeBuyer) Survey, your surveyor will inspect all readily accessible parts of the property, including:

• Roof and Loft
  – Roof coverings, flashings, chimneys and gutters
  – Loft space (where there’s safe access) including insulation, joists and timbers

• External Fabric
  – Walls (brick, stone, render, cladding) for cracks, bulges or movement
  – Windows, doors and external joinery for signs of decay or poor sealing
  – External decorations and finishes

• Grounds and Boundaries
  – Drainage gullies, external pipes and outlets
  – Patios, paths, driveways and boundary walls/fences

• Internal Areas
  – Floors, ceilings, walls and finishes for cracks, damp or distortion
  – Stairs and handrails for safety and structural soundness
  – Built-in fittings (e.g. cupboards) for obvious defects

• Services (Non-Invasive Check)
  – Heating system, visible pipework and radiators
  – Hot- and cold-water outlets
  – Basic electrical fixtures (switches, sockets)
  – Drainage visible from inspection chambers

• Valuation and Condition Ratings
  – Market valuation at survey date
  – Condition ratings (1 = no repair needed, 2 = some repair needed, 3 = urgent repair)

What’s not included:

• No invasive opening up (e.g. lifting floors or chasing into walls)

• No detailed testing of services (you’d need a specialist electrical or gas safety check)

This gives you a clear, photographed-and-rated snapshot of your home’s condition, so you can budget for repairs, negotiate price and move forward with confidence.

A Red Book valuation is a formal, independent property valuation carried out by a RICS-registered valuer in accordance with the RICS Valuation – Global Standards (commonly called the “Red Book”). It represents the highest professional benchmark for valuing real estate and is designed to be legally defensible and globally consistent.

• Mandatory Standards & Guidance
  The Red Book sets out binding rules, best-practice guidance and detailed commentary that all RICS members must follow when delivering valuation services worldwide rics.org.

• Who Can Produce One
  Only a RICS Registered Valuer—an RICS-certified professional meeting strict qualification and ethics requirements—may prepare a Red Book valuation.

• Typical Use Cases
  You need a Red Book valuation whenever a formal, reliable valuation is demanded by legal or financial stakeholders, for example:

  • Mortgage lending or remortgaging

  • Probate & inheritance tax calculations

  • Capital gains tax planning

  • Matrimonial disputes or divorce settlements

  • Corporate asset transfers (e.g. into pension schemes)

  • Lease extensions or collective enfranchisement

  • Dispute resolution in court or arbitration
    

• Core Process

  1. Instruction: The lender, solicitor or other party formally instructs a RICS valuer.

  2. Inspection: A full, on-site survey of all accessible parts of the property.

  3. Market Analysis: Research of comparable sales and market data.

  4. Report: A comprehensive written valuation report, clearly stating the market value, methodology, assumptions and any material issues.

  5. Validity: Typically valid for three months, with extensions available if needed.

• Key Benefits

  • Legal Reliability: Meets rigorous RICS and International Valuation Standards, so it will withstand scrutiny by courts, HMRC or lenders.

  • Impartiality: Provides an unbiased, evidence-based opinion of value rather than an agent’s marketing estimate.

  • Global Recognition: Accepted by institutions worldwide, ensuring consistency across borders.

In short, a Red Book valuation is the gold standard when you require a robust, professional valuation for high-stakes financial, tax or legal purposes.

From instruction to you receiving the final report, most RICS surveys and valuations follow this typical timeline:

• Booking & Preparation (1–2 working days)
  Once you instruct us, we’ll confirm your details and agree a convenient inspection date—usually within 24–48 hours.

• On-Site Inspection

  • Level 2 Survey: 1–3 hours on site, depending on property size.

  • Level 3 Survey: 3–5 hours on site for older or complex buildings.

  • Help to Buy & Red Book Valuations: 1–2 hours on site, since these focus on valuation rather than full condition analysis.

• Report Production

  • Level 2 Survey: Drafted and delivered within 5 working days.

  • Level 3 Survey: Delivered within 10 working days, reflecting the deeper analysis and any annotated drawings.

  • Help to Buy Valuation: Report and certificate issued within 3–5 working days.

  • Red Book Valuation: Comprehensive report issued within 7–10 working days.

• Total Turnaround

  • Level 2 HomeBuyer Report: ~7–10 working days from instruction.

  • Level 3 Building Survey: ~12–15 working days from instruction.

  • Help to Buy & Red Book Valuations: ~6–12 working days, depending on complexity and scheme requirements.

Why these timeframes matter:

• Speedy insights let you negotiate or plan next steps without delay.

• Thorough reporting ensures nothing is missed, even if it adds a few extra days.

If you need an accelerated turnaround, please let us know—often we can fast-track bookings or prioritise report writing to suit your deadlines.

To book your RICS survey with us, just follow these simple steps:

1. Go to our Contact Page
   Visit wrsurveying.co.uk/contact-us and choose the “Book a Survey” option.

2. Select Your Service
   Pick the type of survey or valuation you need (HomeBuyer Report, Building Survey, Help to Buy valuation, etc.).

3. Provide Property Details
   Enter your property address, preferred inspection date(s) and a brief note on anything you’d like us to focus on.

4. Submit Your Request
   Click “Send” and you’ll receive an automated confirmation.

5. We’ll Be in Touch
   Within one working day, we’ll call or email to:

   • Confirm the exact date and time

   • Agree any access arrangements

   • Discuss payment options

Alternative options

• Phone: Call us on the number listed on the Contact Us page

• Email: Drop us a line via the email address on our Contact Us page

Once booked, you’ll get a formal instruction email with all the next steps—then you’re all set!