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A visual inspectionLook at the home you’re buying
The surveyor examines accessible parts of the main building and relevant permanent outbuildings, noting construction and significant visible defects.
See the report sections →
Buying a home is a big step
Know what you’re buying. Feel better about the next step.
A friendly, independent Level 2 home survey helps you understand the visible condition of a conventional house or flat before you commit to buying. Your enquiry comes directly to our organisation, and our own surveyors carry out the survey.
Plain-English guidanceSurveyed by our own teamNo pressure to book
Level 2Home surveys · Kent valuation option
LocalEssex, Kent and London
ClearCondition ratings explained
Terraced · semi-detached · detached · flats
Direct to our survey team — no lead resaleOur own surveyors carry out the workEssex · Kent · London local enquiries
Start with the basics
What is a Level 2 home survey?
Previously often called a HomeBuyer Report, an RICS Home Survey Level 2 is a visual inspection and report for many conventional homes in reasonable condition. It helps you understand visible defects, maintenance and where you may need further advice.
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Clear prioritiesUnderstand what needs attention
Condition ratings help you distinguish urgent concerns from repairs, maintenance and elements that could not be inspected.
How ratings work →🧭
A buying decisionKnow what to ask next
Use the findings to speak with your solicitor, seller or a specialist before you become legally committed to the purchase.
What happens next →Is Level 2 right for every home? No. A larger, older, altered, unusual or visibly poor-condition property may need a more detailed Level 3 survey. We’ll ask about the home and discuss suitability before accepting an instruction.
Inside your report
See what the surveyor looks at.
A home survey report is organised into practical sections, so you can move from the overall picture to the details that matter.
“A survey can’t tell you everything hidden inside a home. It should show what was visible, what wasn’t accessible, and when more investigation may be sensible.”
The exact report headings and layout depend on the reporting system and agreed service. These examples explain common inspection topics; they are not a substitute report.
Roof, chimneys & rainwater
Visible roof coverings, flashings, chimney stacks, gutters and downpipes. We explain access limits and visible signs that may merit closer attention.
Walls, windows & doors
External walls, openings, lintels and accessible joinery, with visible cracking, movement, damp-related concerns or deterioration described.
Rooms, ceilings & floors
Accessible internal surfaces and floors are visually inspected. Furnishings, fitted coverings and fixed finishes are not routinely removed.
Loft & roof structure
Where safe and reasonably accessible, the surveyor inspects the roof space and visible structure. Stored items, insulation or access can limit the view.
Heating, water & electrics
Visible parts of services are observed in the normal course of inspection. A Level 2 survey is not a specialist test of electrical, gas, plumbing or heating systems.
Drainage, boundaries & outbuildings
Accessible grounds, boundaries and permanent outbuildings are considered. Drainage chamber covers may be inspected where safe and practicable.
Make sense of the findings
Condition ratings, in plain English.
The report explains the condition of key elements and highlights the relative urgency of defects. Read the notes and recommendations alongside each rating.
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Rating 1
No repair is currently needed to that element. Normal maintenance still applies.
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Rating 2
Defects need repairing or replacing, but are not considered serious or urgent.
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Rating 3
Serious or urgent defects, or issues needing further investigation. Obtain appropriate advice and quotations before commitment.
Reports may also mark items as not inspected or identify documents to request. A survey is visual and non-invasive; it does not guarantee that every defect will be found.
Choose what fits
Options you can discuss with your surveyor.
Your quote will make clear what is included and what is extra. Options are subject to suitability, availability and written confirmation.
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Valuation · Kent only
A market valuation and insurance reinstatement figure may be requested with a survey for a Kent postcode. This is a separate professional opinion, subject to scope and written fee confirmation.
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Drone video
Drone video or roof imagery may be considered for a suitable property. We will discuss feasibility, scope and any separate fee; it is subject to access, permissions, weather and safety conditions.
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Damp checks
Visible damp and moisture concerns are considered as part of the survey, with appropriate non-invasive readings where useful. A reading alone is not a diagnosis; specialist investigation may be recommended.
Local coverage
Home surveys across Essex, Kent and London.
We carry out home surveys throughout the Essex, Kent, East London and South East London areas listed below. The full postcode selects the relevant fee band; listed, unusual or complex properties may need an individual survey review.
South & coastal Essex
Southend-on-Sea · Leigh-on-Sea · Westcliff · Shoeburyness · Tilbury · Stanford-le-Hope · Rochford · Hockley · Rayleigh · Wickford · Benfleet · Hadleigh · Canvey Island · Basildon
Mid & north Essex
Chelmsford · Braintree · Witham · Maldon · Colchester · Clacton-on-Sea · Brentwood · Billericay · Thurrock · Grays · Harlow · Epping · Loughton
North & west Kent
Dartford · Gravesend · Swanley · Medway · Gillingham · Chatham · Rainham · Sittingbourne · Faversham · Maidstone · West Malling · Tonbridge
East & coastal Kent
Canterbury · Whitstable · Herne Bay · Ashford · Folkestone · Hythe · Deal · Dover · Margate · Ramsgate · Broadstairs · Thanet
East London & Thames Gateway
Barking · Dagenham · Ilford · Romford · Upminster · Rainham · Hornchurch · Stratford · Walthamstow · Leyton · Wanstead · nearby districts
South East London
Greenwich · Woolwich · Charlton · Lewisham · Blackheath · Bexleyheath · Sidcup · Eltham · Bromley · Orpington · nearby districts
Homes with something unusual?
We cover the areas listed above. Listed, heavily altered, non-standard or complex properties may need a different survey and an individual fee review.
Get the right local rate
Enter the full property postcode in the quote form. It identifies the relevant area and rate; some postcode districts are referred for fee confirmation.
A simple buying journey
From “we’re viewing” to a clearer decision.
We’ll keep the process human and straightforward. This is a direct surveying service, not a comparison or lead-generation site.
Tell us about the property
Share the address or postcode, property type, age and any concerns. Photos are not needed for a first quote request.
Speak directly with our team
Your enquiry goes to Property Surveys Southeast Ltd. If you instruct us, a surveyor from our own team carries out the survey; we do not pass or sell your enquiry to other surveying firms.
Receive and discuss your report
Your appointed surveyor provides the report and can discuss the findings with you. Use them to plan follow-up questions and any further investigations before you commit to purchase.
Buying a home in Essex, Kent or London?
Start with the postcode. We’ll help you work out the survey that fits the property and your questions.
Good questions to ask
Homebuyer survey FAQs.
Is a Level 2 survey the same as a HomeBuyer Report?
“HomeBuyer Report” is a name many buyers still recognise. The current RICS service name is Home Survey Level 2. Check the precise service and terms in your quotation.
Does a mortgage valuation replace a survey?
No. A lender’s valuation is prepared for the lending decision. It is not the same as an independent report on the condition of the home for you as the buyer.
Does Level 2 include a valuation?
Not always. A valuation is a separate option and is currently available only for Kent postcodes. It will be shown separately in the proposal when the postcode is within the Kent area we serve.
Will the surveyor test the boiler, electrics or drains?
A Level 2 inspection is not a specialist test of services. The surveyor observes visible parts and may recommend specialist checks where appropriate.
Can a surveyor use a drone to look at the roof?
Drone imagery may be available as an additional service, subject to safe operating conditions, access, permissions and suitability. Ask us to confirm scope and any separate fee.
What happens if the property is old or has been extended?
Tell us about the age, construction and alterations. A more detailed Level 3 survey may be more suitable for some older, altered or complex homes.
Does requesting a quote commit me to booking?
No. A quote request is an enquiry. We confirm the service, fee and terms before an appointment is agreed.
A calmer buying journey
More than a survey checklist.
Use these independent prompts to prepare for conversations with your conveyancer, mortgage adviser and surveyor. We explain what to ask; we do not give legal or financial advice.
Legal process
10 questions for your conveyancer
Understand searches, title, leasehold details, enquiries, fees and the steps before exchange.
Open the checklist →FundingQuestions for your mortgage adviser
Explore offer validity, fees, deposit evidence and what to clarify about an ISA or savings scheme.
Prepare for the conversation →At the viewingWhat to look at and ask
A safe, practical viewing prompt list, and a reminder of what a viewing cannot establish.
Take the checklist →Next stepsFrom offer to completion
Keep track of the professionals, information and decisions involved in a purchase.
See the timeline →Start your quote
Let’s find the right survey for your home.
Enter the property details, then submit your contact details to receive an indicative matrix fee. Some postcode districts, property types and extra requirements are referred to the surveyor.
Direct to the surveyor: your enquiry comes to Property Surveys Southeast Ltd. Our own surveyors carry out the work; we are not a comparison site and do not pass your details to other surveying firms.