A
Usually a good fit
Conventional homes in reasonable condition
Level 2 is generally suited to flats, houses and bungalows of standard construction where no major concerns are already apparent.
RICS Home Survey Level 2 · Reading
Buy with your
eyes open.
A clear, evidence-led survey to help you understand the home you are buying—before you exchange contracts.
- ✓ Independent advice
- ✓ Plain-English report
- ✓ Questions welcome afterwards
Clear findings.
Calmer decisions.
01
RICS memberProfessional Level 2 advice
02
IndependentFocused on your purchase
03
Easy to readUseful, direct explanations
04
Local serviceReading and nearby areas
The Level 2 survey
A clearer answer before a big decision.
A mortgage valuation is for the lender. A home survey is for you.
Your RICS Home Survey Level 2 gives you an objective view of the property’s visible condition, highlights significant defects and risks, and sets out where further investigation or quotations should be obtained before exchange.
It is written to be understood—not to bury the important points in technical language.
Ask about your property →B
May need more detail
Older, altered or unusual properties
If the home is very old, extensively altered, of unusual construction or visibly in poor condition, a Level 3 survey may be more appropriate. Ask before booking and you will get an honest answer.
A useful first check
Is Level 2 the
right fit?
Three quick questions can point you in the right direction before you request a quote.
This is an initial guide only. Your property’s suitability will always be considered properly before you book—and if another survey level would serve you better, you will be told honestly.
No details are collected or stored
What you receive
The information you need,
in the order you need it.
A careful visual inspection and a clear report, with the important findings brought to the front.
Visible condition
A room-by-room and element-by-element assessment of accessible parts of the property.
Defects & risks
Significant defects, safety concerns and issues that could affect your decision are highlighted.
Condition ratings
RICS condition ratings help you see which matters are routine and which need urgent attention.
Legal enquiries
Relevant matters to raise with your conveyancer are identified so they can be checked before exchange.
Practical next steps
Where appropriate, the report recommends specialist investigations or quotations before you commit.
Good to know A Level 2 survey is non-intrusive. Concealed areas are not opened up, and the inspection is subject to access and the limitations set out in your terms of engagement.
Local knowledge
Reading property is
urban, varied and evolving.
From town-centre apartments and converted Victorian properties to red-brick terraces, 1930s houses and conventional newer homes, different ages and construction types bring different questions. Your inspection is approached with the individual property—not a generic checklist—in mind.
Buying a flat?
Flats are a major part of Reading’s market. The survey considers the accessible parts of the flat and relevant visible elements, while lease and block-management matters can be clearly identified for your legal adviser to pursue.
Based around Reading, with appointments considered across:
- Reading
- Caversham
- Tilehurst
- Earley
- Lower Earley
- Woodley
- Winnersh
- Wokingham
- Theale
- Pangbourne
Not sure if your property is covered? Send the postcode and ask.
RS
Your surveyor
Reading Surveyor
AssocRICS
Associate member of RICS
Careful, calm advice
A surveyor who explains what the findings mean for you.
Your surveyor has worked in residential surveying since 2018 and is an Associate member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
The approach is careful, evidence-led and refreshingly straightforward. The aim is not to alarm you or give vague reassurance. It is to help you understand the property, the priorities and the sensible next step before exchange.
“The report should leave you better informed—not more confused.”
Reading Surveyor
How it works
Four simple steps from
listing to clarity.
-
1
Send the property
Share the address or listing link, purchase price and any concerns you already have.
-
2
Receive your quote
You will receive a fixed written quote and confirmation that Level 2 is suitable before booking.
-
3
Inspection & report
The property is inspected and your findings are set out in a clear RICS Level 2 report.
-
4
Ask your questions
If anything needs clarifying after you read the report, you are welcome to ask.
Common questions
A little clarity,
before you enquire.
Still unsure? It is completely fine to ask about your particular property before deciding.
Email us →Is a mortgage valuation the same as a survey?
No. A mortgage valuation is primarily for the lender and may be very limited. A Home Survey is commissioned for you and focuses on the condition of the property.
Is Level 2 right for every property?
No. It is generally intended for conventional homes in reasonable condition. A notably old, altered, unusual or poorly maintained property may need the more detailed RICS Home Survey Level 3. Send the listing if you would like guidance.
Do you survey flats as well as houses?
Yes, where a Level 2 survey is suitable. The inspection covers accessible parts of the flat and relevant visible elements. Your conveyancer may also need information from the freeholder or managing agent.
How quickly will I receive my report?
Current inspection availability and report timing are confirmed in writing before you book, so you know what to expect from the outset.
Can I ask questions after the report?
Yes. If a finding or recommended next step is not clear, you can get in touch for clarification after you have read the report.
Does the survey include opening up the building?
No. A Level 2 survey is a visual, non-intrusive inspection. Furniture, floor coverings and fixed panels are not removed, and concealed areas are not opened up.
Request a fixed quote
Found a property?
Let’s take a proper look.
Every home is different. Send a few details and you will receive a fixed written quote based on the property’s type, age, size and complexity.
Contact us
Have a question about a survey? Send us a message.