Homebuyer Report vs Building Survey | RICS Level 2 vs RICS Level 3 

As a prospective homebuyer, selecting the correct type of survey to determine the condition of the property can be a critical step in the home-buying process, often confusing due to the myriad of options available. This article aims to clarify the main difference between a Homebuyer Report vs Building Survey, two of the most popular choices regarding property surveys.

Homebuyers Report - RICS Level 2

A Homebuyer Report, issued by an accredited RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) surveyor, is a detailed visual inspection of a property designed to uncover any hidden issues that might affect your decision to purchase the property. The surveyor meticulously assesses the readily accessible areas of the property and identifies any immediate or potential defects that could incur repair costs in the future. This survey level is typically suitable for modern or older properties that appear to be in a reasonable condition. Alongside identifying defects, the Homebuyer Report can include a market and reinstatement valuation (at an additional cost), providing an accurate estimate of the property's value in the current property market.

The RICS Level 2 Homebuyers Report is a popular choice amongst modern home buyers, designed to provide an easy-to-read, detailed report on the condition of a property. Offered by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), this home survey occupies a midway level, offering more detail than a Level 1 Condition Report but less than a Level 3 Building Survey. This report utilises a ‘traffic light system’ to present its findings, making it straightforward to understand the surveyor’s assessment of the property's condition, including any visible defects that may affect the home's value.

Full Building Survey - RICS Level 3 (Full Structural Survey)

The RICS Level 3 Building Survey is a comprehensive survey designed to analyse a property's condition in more detail. This survey level is recommended for older properties or those made with unusual materials, where a thorough inspection is necessary to understand the property's structural integrity. The surveyor will highlight any significant issues and advise on potential repairs and ongoing maintenance. It's important to note that a building survey will cost more than a Homebuyer's Report due to its more detailed and time-consuming nature.

Although the Level 3 Building Survey provides much more detail, it is crucial to ascertain which type of survey is suitable for the property you want to buy, which can depend on several factors, such as the age and condition of the property. If you're purchasing a relatively modern home or a conventional bungalow that appears to be in good condition, a Level 2 Homebuyer's Report could suffice. However, for older buildings or those constructed with non-standard materials, a Level 3 Building Survey can provide the level of scrutiny required.

Homebuyers Reports vs Building Survey

By understanding the main differences between a Homebuyer Report and a Building Survey, you can make an informed decision that suits your specific needs and offers peace of mind about the state of your potential new home. As the adage goes, 'knowledge is power - knowing what to expect from each survey type can protect your investment and set the stage for a successful home-buying journey.

We understand that buying a property is a significant investment, and you need reassurance that it is a good investment. An independent and comprehensive survey by an RICS Surveyor could save you thousands of pounds in future repair bills or allow you to negotiate a realistic purchase price. But how to choose which one is suitable for your requirements?

HomeBuyer vs Building Survey, Harding Chartered Surveyors

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HomeBuyer vs Building Survey, Harding Chartered Surveyors
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Bazlur Rashid
Excellent and professional services by Mr. Ali. I am indeed very pleased. I will recommend to my friends and others who wants to avail the services of Harding Chartered Surveyors.
Response from the owner: Dear BazlurThank you so much for taking the time to leave this excellent review. We are delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience with Mr. Ali and our team at Harding Chartered Surveyors. Your recommendation to friends and others means a lot to us. As a token of our appreciation for clients like you, we offer a 10% discount for returning clients. Should you require our services again in the future, please feel free to mention this offer to enjoy the discount.Thank you once again for choosing Harding Chartered Surveyors, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve you again.Best wishes from the Hardings Team
Tony Boccuzzi
Great fast and easy to book. Great price and most of all great staff.
Response from the owner: Dear Tony,We sincerely appreciate your taking the time to share your experience with Harding Chartered Surveyors. It is gratifying to learn that you found our booking process both swift and straightforward, and that our pricing met your expectations. Above all, we are delighted to hear your commendation of our staff, as we strive continuously for excellence in client service.As a token of our appreciation for clients like you, we offer a 10% discount for returning clients. Should you require our services again in the future, please feel free to mention this offer to enjoy the discount.Thank you once again for choosing Harding Chartered Surveyors, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve you again.Best wishes from the Hardings Team
Mina Yanni
Great experience dealing with Alaa, very helpful and informative, going above and beyond at any opportunity. Thanks!
Response from the owner: Dear Mina,Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with Alaa at Harding Chartered Surveyors. We're thrilled to hear that Alaa was able to assist you effectively, providing helpful and informative service. We strive to maintain high standards in our work and your feedback is invaluable in helping us continue to provide excellent service. As a token of our appreciation for clients like you, we offer a 10% discount for returning clients. Should you require our services again in the future, please feel free to mention this offer to enjoy the discount.Thank you once again for choosing Harding Chartered Surveyors, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve you again.Best wishes from the Hardings Team
anirudh sankhla
Very professional and diligent in their assessment. Our surveyor Alaa Ali has been very responsive and patient with all of our queries providing excellent professional advice on the matter. Will definitely recommend them.
Response from the owner: Dear AnirudhWe sincerely appreciate your feedback regarding the professionalism and diligence demonstrated by our surveyor, Mr. Alaa Ali. It is heartening to know that his responsiveness and expert advice significantly contributed to your positive experience with Harding Chartered Surveyors.We strive to maintain high standards in our work and your feedback is invaluable in helping us continue to provide excellent service. As a token of our appreciation for clients like you, we offer a 10% discount for returning clients. Should you require our services again in the future, please feel free to mention this offer to enjoy the discount.Thank you once again for choosing Harding Chartered Surveyors, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve you again.Best wishes from the Hardings Team
Denise Boyton
I would thoroughly recommend this company. The appointment for a surveyor came quickly. The surveyor was thorough and explained the items he found wrong. The report came through very promptly.
Response from the owner: Dear DeniseThank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with Harding Chartered Surveyors. We are thrilled to hear that you were satisfied with the promptness of our service, the thoroughness of our surveyor, and the quick delivery of your report.We strive to maintain high standards in our work and your feedback is invaluable in helping us continue to provide excellent service. As a token of our appreciation for clients like you, we offer a 10% discount for returning clients. Should you require our services again in the future, please feel free to mention this offer to enjoy the discount.Thank you once again for choosing Harding Chartered Surveyors, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve you again.Best wishes from the Hardings Team
Olivier Schlenkhoff-Hus
Excellent and very professional work by Kate for the planning and Charlie for the valuation and report - highly recommended.
Response from the owner: Dear Olivier,Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this excellent review. We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Kate and Charlie. Their dedication to professional service and attention to detail is a big part of what makes Harding Chartered Surveyors stand out. Your recommendation means a great deal to us. We look forward to serving you again in the future!And If you need any additional services, we offer a 10% discount to previous clients.Best wishes from the Hardings Team
Neal Patel
Excellent service from all the surveyor team.
Response from the owner: Dear Neal,Thank you very much for your positive feedback and for taking the time to post this review. Our team here at Harding Chartered Surveyors is thrilled to hear such good feedback, and we’re proud to know that our surveyor team provided you with the excellent service you deserve.And If you need any additional services, we offer a 10% discount to previous clients.Best wishes from the Hardings Team
HomeBuyer vs Building Survey, Harding Chartered Surveyors

Below is a diagram to help you find out which one is right for you, please contact us if you need any assistance.

HomeBuyer Report

£700 + VAT

Starting price



  • SUITABLE FOR:

    A conventional property in reasonable condition built from 1900 onwards, constructed using traditional methods such as brickwork, which has not been substantially altered or extended.
    E.g. a 2 bedroom purpose built flat in good condition.

  • A visual inspection of all accessible areas to assess the condition of the building.

  • Identifies issues that require repair or further investigation

  • Free expert verbal advice and after-care following the survey.

  • A less detailed inspection focussing on the more significant and urgent issues.

  • Uses a traffic light system to rate the condition of elements.

  • Does not include photographs.

  • Does not include technical repair advice or costings

  • Additional market valuation report available

  • Additional Insurance reinstatement cost report available

Building Survey

£800 + VAT

Starting price



  • SUITABLE FOR:
    Older period properties
    Large properties
    Substantially extended or altered properties
    Non-traditional construction
    In poor condition and dis-repair.
    E.g. an extended large Victorian house.

  • A visual inspection of all accessible areas to assess the condition of the building.

  • Identifies issues that require repair or further investigation.

  • Free expert verbal advice and after-care following the survey.

  • A more detailed inspection using specialist ‘Pole Cam’ cameras to difficult areas.

  • Highlights repairs and improvements that need to be undertaken.

  • Includes detailed photographs.

  • Provides technical repair advice and approximate costings.

  • Additional market valuation report available

  • Additional Insurance reinstatement cost report available

HomeBuyer vs Building Survey, Harding Chartered Surveyors
Harding Chartered Surveyors is an independent firm of RICS chartered surveyors. We understand that purchasing a home is one of the most important things you will ever do and, as such, take pride in guiding you through the process by offering a range of services.

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