RICS Level 2 Home Survey (HomeBuyer Report) in Lincoln
The most popular home survey for modern and conventional properties — a clear, RICS-standard assessment of a property’s condition before you buy, from accredited local surveyors across Lincoln, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
What is a RICS Level 2 Home Survey?
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey — also known as the HomeBuyer Report — is designed for conventional properties in reasonable condition, such as houses, flats and bungalows. It gives you a detailed visual inspection that highlights urgent issues and the areas that need attention, using the RICS traffic-light rating system so you can see at a glance what is safe, what needs monitoring and what needs urgent repair.
It strikes the right balance between detail and value for most buyers — the reassurance you need about a property’s condition, without the full structural depth (or cost) of a RICS Level 3 Building Survey. For a full breakdown of the inspection scope, see our guide on what a Level 2 survey covers.
What we inspect in a Level 2 survey
A thorough visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property, inside and out, checking for the defects that most commonly affect homes in our region.
External elements
Roofs, walls, chimneys, doors and windows — checking for missing tiles, failed pointing, damp penetration, wood rot and other visible defects.
Internal structure
Floors, ceilings, walls and joinery for movement, cracking and damp, plus kitchens and bathrooms for ventilation and signs of water leaks.
Services & grounds
A visual check of electrics, heating, plumbing and drainage (not tested), plus garages, outbuildings and boundary walls for any risks.
Simple traffic-light condition ratings
Every element is given a clear RICS condition rating, so you can act quickly without wading through technical jargon.
A clear picture of your property — before you commit.
What you’ll receive
- A clear, easy-to-follow report with traffic-light condition ratings
- Advice on urgent issues and a guide to likely repair costs
- Common risks flagged — damp, structural cracking, roof and subsidence concerns
- Legal points for your solicitor, such as guarantees or planning matters
- Clear recommendations for repairs or further specialist inspection
- Direct access to your surveyor to talk the findings through
Not sure which survey you need?
A Level 2 survey is ideal for modern, conventional homes in reasonable condition. If the property is older, larger, extended, or you’re planning major works, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey gives a deeper structural assessment.
Still deciding? Read Level 2 vs Level 3 — which do you need? or our guide to which survey to choose when buying a house — or just call us and we’ll advise honestly.
A simple, four-step process
Get in touch
Tell us about the property and we’ll confirm a clear, competitive fixed fee.
We inspect
A RICS-registered surveyor carries out the inspection, typically 2–4 hours on site.
Your report
You receive your traffic-light report within 3–5 working days.
We talk it through
Call your surveyor to discuss the findings and your next steps.
Level 2 surveys across Lincolnshire & beyond
Based in Lincoln, we carry out RICS Level 2 Home Surveys across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and the surrounding counties. Local to Lincoln? See our dedicated Level 2 survey in Lincoln page, or view all areas we cover.
Level 2 survey FAQs
How long does a Level 2 survey take?
Most inspections take 2–4 hours on site, depending on the size and condition of the property. Your written report is typically delivered within 3–5 working days.
How much does a Level 2 survey cost?
The fee depends on the size, value and location of the property. We provide a clear fixed quote up front with no hidden fees — just tell us about the property and we’ll confirm the cost before you commit.
Does a Level 2 survey check for subsidence?
Yes. A Level 2 survey flags visible signs of structural movement such as cracking and subsidence, and rates them under the traffic-light system. Where a defect needs deeper investigation, we’ll recommend a Level 3 Building Survey or a specific defect report.
Is a Level 2 survey worth it?
For most buyers, yes. It can save thousands by identifying issues before you buy, and often gives you leverage to renegotiate the price. See who pays for problems found in a house survey.
What if the property is old or unusual?
For older, larger, extended or non-standard homes, we usually recommend a RICS Level 3 Building Survey for a deeper structural assessment. Not sure? Read Level 2 vs Level 3.
Do you cover properties outside Lincoln?
Yes — we cover Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and the surrounding counties. See our areas we cover page.
Book your Level 2 Home Survey
Tell us about the property and we’ll recommend the right survey with a clear, competitive fixed fee.
Thank you — enquiry sent
We’ve received your details and will be in touch shortly. For anything urgent, call 01522 438989.