Level 2 HomeBuyer Report
Professional Property Survey for Confident Investment Decisions
The RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report provides comprehensive property analysis for conventional homes in reasonable condition. Our systematic inspection identifies defects, urgent repairs, and maintenance requirements – giving you the insight needed to negotiate effectively and invest with confidence.
What is a RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report?
The Level 2 HomeBuyer Report is our most requested property survey, designed for traditional residential properties built with conventional materials and methods. This professional assessment provides detailed analysis in an accessible format, using a clear traffic-light rating system to prioritise issues by severity.
Ideal for: Modern properties built after 1960 using standard construction methods—brick, block, or timber frame homes in reasonable condition. Perfect for standard family homes, townhouses, and modern apartments where you’re not planning major renovations.
Not suitable for: Period properties requiring detailed investigation, listed buildings, unusual construction methods, or homes with obvious structural issues. If you’re planning significant renovation work or purchasing a large, complex property, consider our Level 3 Building Survey instead.
Unsure which survey you need? Our chartered surveyors will guide you to the most appropriate inspection for your property: 020 8642 2999
What Your HomeBuyer Report Includes
Comprehensive Property Analysis
Your Level 2 HomeBuyer Report begins with a property overview providing context about the building’s age, type, and construction methods. This foundation helps you understand identified issues and future maintenance requirements.
Traffic-Light Rating System
The report uses our clear traffic-light rating system where Rating 1 (Green) indicates no repair needed, Rating 2 (Amber) highlights defects requiring attention but not urgent, and Rating 3 (Red) flags serious defects needing immediate action.
External Elements
External elements receive thorough inspection, from roof structure and coverings through to foundations and drainage. We examine all external walls, windows, doors, and any permanent outbuildings or conservatories, identifying weather resistance issues and structural concerns.
Internal Inspection
Internal inspection covers everything from your roof space and insulation down through each floor. We assess all ceilings, walls, floors, and staircases for structural integrity, plus examine fireplaces, heating systems, kitchen fittings, and bathrooms for condition and safety.
Services Assessment
Services assessment provides visual inspection of your electrical supply, gas/oil services, water systems, and visible drainage, noting safety concerns and apparent defects requiring specialist investigation.
Grounds Inspection
The grounds inspection evaluates how external spaces affect the property, including garages, boundary structures, drives, and drainage—particularly where these elements could impact the building's structural integrity or value.
Critical Legal Intelligence
Your report includes a dedicated section for your solicitor, highlighting crucial legal matters requiring investigation before exchange. This covers building regulation compliance, planning permissions, boundary clarifications, rights of way, and any environmental concerns that could affect your ownership or property value.
Risk Assessment & Future Planning
Beyond immediate condition, we analyse environmental hazards, flood risk potential, mining or ground stability issues, and contamination indicators—protecting you from hidden future liabilities that could significantly impact your investment.
Why Choose Arnold & Baldwin?
Rapid Turnaround
Survey appointment within 5-7 days. Verbal feedback on inspection day. Full report delivered within 48 hours.
Genuine Expertise
All surveyors RICS qualified and locally experienced. Direct surveyor access for questions post-report. Support through negotiation and legal process.
Transparent Pricing
Fixed fees with no hidden charges. All additional services clearly priced. Payment options to suit your timeline.
Your Investment Protection
The Hidden Cost of Skipping a Survey
Industry Statistics:
- Buyers without surveys face average unexpected repairs of £5,750
- 17% discover problems costing over £12,000 to rectify
- 82% of buyers successfully negotiate price reductions using survey findings
- Average negotiation success: £3,000-£15,000 reduction
Recent Client Outcomes
“The Level 2 report identified roof issues invisible from our viewings. We negotiated £8,500 off the purchase price—the survey paid for itself sixteen times over.” James Patterson, Kent – October 2024
“Their surveyor found historical movement our mortgage valuation missed. We walked away from what would have been a financial disaster. Best £495 we ever spent.” Sarah Chen, Birmingham – September 2024
What is reinstatement cost?
The Reinstatement Cost represents the full expense of reconstructing your property from scratch following total loss – a figure that differs significantly from market value.
This calculation encompasses complete demolition and site clearance, all reconstruction materials and labour, professional fees for architects and engineers, regulatory compliance costs, and inflation provision during the rebuild period.
Critical for Insurance: Underinsurance could leave you financially exposed. Our calculation ensures your coverage reflects true rebuild costs, protecting you from potentially devastating gaps between insurance payout and actual rebuild expenses.
Don’t take our word for it, see what our clients have to say
We've helped over 6,500 property buyers make informed decisions with confidence in the last year. Read what they have to say about their experience with Arnold & Baldwin.
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020 8642 2999
surveyors@arnoldandbaldwin.co.uk