Buying or checking a home

Home Survey Level 1

Some properties do not need a deep investigation. If the home is conventional, modern, apparently well maintained and you mainly want an independent condition overview before buying, Level 1 can be the proportionate answer.

Request a fixed quoteSee whether it fits
Concise by design. Every visible element still gets a condition.

  • AssocRICS

    Associate Member, RICS

  • MCIOB

    Chartered Construction Manager

  • Regulated by RICS

    Rules of Conduct apply

  • Fully insured

    Professional indemnity insurance

  • ICO registered

    Data protection registered

  • A decade in industry

    Contracting, surveying and claims

What the service is really for

The report works through the visible building element by element, gives each one a condition rating and flags anything that needs attention. It is deliberately concise: enough to identify obvious risks without charging you for analysis the property does not appear to need.

The important part is choosing it for the right building. Share the address and particulars first; if age, alteration, condition or a specific concern points to Level 2 or Level 3, you will be told before you instruct.

Fit and deliverables

Use only the depth the building needs.

01 / FIT

When Level 1 is enough

  • Modern, conventionally built houses, flats and bungalows in apparently good condition
  • Buyers who want a professional condition overview rather than detailed repair advice
  • Properties with no obvious signs of significant alteration, movement or persistent moisture
  • Owners wanting a concise baseline record of a straightforward home
02 / OUTPUT

What the condition report includes

  • A visual inspection of accessible internal and external building elements
  • Clear condition ratings showing where no repair, repair or urgent attention is needed
  • A summary of risks to the building, grounds and people
  • Matters your solicitor should investigate before exchange
  • A follow-up call so the concise format never leaves you guessing

The traffic-light ratings every level uses

1

No repair currently needed

Maintain as normal.

2

Defect needing attention

Repair or replace — not serious or urgent.

3

Serious or urgent

Repair, replacement or investigation now.

From question to answer

A concise survey, properly chosen

One named surveyor. One clear brief. No handover to a report factory.

  1. 01

    Property check

    Send the address and particulars. The building is screened first so Level 1 is only recommended where it genuinely fits.

  2. 02

    Inspection

    The accessible fabric, services and grounds are visually inspected in a consistent element-by-element sequence.

  3. 03

    Condition report

    You receive the concise rated report, normally within three to five working days, followed by a call to explain the priorities.

Before you instruct

Choose concise without choosing blind.

Clear scope now prevents disappointment later. If another service—or no paid service—is the better answer, that is what you will hear.

Is Level 1 suitable for an older house?

Usually not. Traditional construction, significant alteration or visible defects normally justify Level 2 or Level 3 because the repair implications need more explanation than a concise condition report provides.

Does it use recognised condition ratings?

Yes. The condition ratings are aligned with the RICS Home Survey Standard. The difference is depth: Level 1 identifies and rates visible condition but gives less detailed defect and repair advice than Levels 2 and 3.

Can you tell me which level to choose before I pay?

Yes. Send the listing and your concerns. The recommendation is made from the property, not from a desire to sell the most expensive report.

End of sectionNext decision / 01

Need a Home Survey Level 1?

Send the property details and you will get a fixed quote—plus a straight answer on whether this is genuinely the right depth for your situation.

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