How Much Does a Level 2 Survey Cost?

There is no single fixed price for a Level 2 Home Survey. The cost depends on the property you are buying, including its size, value, age, location, construction and complexity.

A Level 2 Home Survey is designed to give buyers a clear assessment of the visible and accessible condition of a property before exchange.

If you need an exact Level 2 survey cost, the most accurate approach is to request a quote for the specific property you are buying.

What affects the cost of a Level 2 survey?

The price of a Level 2 survey can vary considerably from one property to another. Factors that may influence the fee include:

• The size of the property
• The agreed purchase price or market value
• The age of the building
• The location of the property
• The property type and construction
• The number of rooms and external areas
• Extensions, conversions or significant alterations
• The overall complexity of the inspection and report

Why does property size affect Level 2 survey cost?

A larger property generally takes longer to inspect and report on. There may be more rooms, elevations, roof areas, outbuildings and maintenance considerations for the surveyor to assess.

Following the inspection, the surveyor must also review their findings and prepare a report specific to that property.

Does the value of the property affect the cost?

Property value can influence the survey fee, although it is only one factor.

For example, an older lower-value property with numerous alterations or visible condition concerns may require greater consideration than a straightforward modern property with a higher purchase price.

Is a Level 2 survey cheaper than a Level 3 survey?

A Level 2 Home Survey will normally cost less than a Level 3 Building Survey because the Level 3 report provides greater detail and includes estimated repair costs where appropriate.

Dunford Penrose Surveyors carry out the same level of inspection for both survey types. The principal difference is the depth of the written report.

If you are unsure which survey you need, our guide comparing a Building Survey and Homebuyers Report explains the differences in more detail.

When is a Level 2 Home Survey suitable?

A Level 2 Home Survey may be appropriate for many conventionally constructed properties that appear to be in reasonable condition.

This can include:

• Conventional houses
• Flats and maisonettes
• Properties that appear reasonably well maintained
• Homes without obvious significant defects
• Buyers who need clear condition reporting without estimated repair costs

Older, significantly altered, unusual or visibly defective properties may be better suited to a Level 3 Building Survey.

What do you get for the cost of a Level 2 survey?

A Level 2 Home Survey includes an inspection of the visible and accessible parts of the property and a written report explaining relevant condition concerns.

The survey can consider areas such as:

• Roof coverings and chimneys
• External walls and finishes
• Windows and doors
• Gutters and rainwater goods
• Internal walls, ceilings and floors
• Visible signs of dampness
• Cracking and signs of movement
• Other visible defects and maintenance concerns

Read our full guide to what a Level 2 survey covers for more information.

What is not normally included in a Level 2 survey?

A Level 2 Home Survey is a visual inspection of areas that are safely accessible. The surveyor does not normally open up the structure, lift fitted floor coverings or move heavy furniture.

Electrical, heating, drainage and other services are also not tested in the same way as they would be during a specialist inspection.

Where an issue requires additional investigation, the report may recommend further advice from an appropriate specialist.

Can a Level 2 survey identify damp?

A Level 2 survey can identify visible signs of dampness, staining, condensation and poor ventilation where these can be observed during the inspection.

If the cause or extent cannot be established, the surveyor may recommend further investigation.

You can learn more about moisture-related issues in our guide to damp in properties.

Is a Level 2 survey worth the cost?

A Level 2 Home Survey can provide useful information about the condition of a property before you become legally committed to the purchase.

Where defects are identified, the report may help you decide whether to obtain quotations, request further investigations, discuss the findings with the seller or budget for future work.

You can also read our guide answering whether a Level 2 survey is worth it.

Can a Level 2 survey help you save money?

A survey cannot guarantee that you will save money, but identifying defects before exchange can give you more information before making one of the largest financial commitments involved in buying a home.

If significant issues are found, you may decide to obtain repair quotations, make further enquiries or discuss the purchase price with the seller.

Should you choose the cheapest Level 2 survey?

Price should not be the only consideration when choosing a surveyor.

The survey should be appropriate for the property and provide clear professional advice about its condition. Choosing a Level 2 survey simply because it is cheaper may be a false economy if the property would be better suited to a Level 3 Building Survey.

How do you get an accurate Level 2 survey quote?

To calculate an appropriate survey fee, it helps to provide as much information about the property as possible.

This may include:

• The full property address
• The agreed purchase price
• The property type
• The approximate age
• The number of bedrooms
• Any extensions, conversions or major alterations
• Any specific concerns identified during your viewing

Dunford Penrose Surveyors can then advise whether a Level 2 Home Survey is suitable and provide a quote based on the specific property.

Level 2 survey cost FAQs

How much is a Level 2 survey?

There is no universal fixed price. The cost depends on factors including the size, value, age, type, location and complexity of the property.

How much does a RICS Level 2 survey cost?

The cost of a Level 2 survey depends on the individual property rather than there being a standard RICS price. The best way to establish the fee is to request a quote using the property details.

Why do Level 2 survey prices vary?

Survey prices vary because properties differ in size, age, construction, condition and complexity. These factors affect the time and reporting involved.

Is a Level 2 survey cheaper than a Level 3?

Usually, yes. Dunford Penrose Surveyors carry out the same level of inspection for both surveys, but Level 3 includes more detailed reporting and estimated repair costs where appropriate.

Does a Level 2 survey include repair costs?

No. Dunford Penrose Level 2 Home Surveys do not include estimated repair costs. Estimated repair costs are included where appropriate within a Level 3 Building Survey.

How do I get a Level 2 survey price?

Provide details of the property through the survey quote form and Dunford Penrose Surveyors can provide an appropriate fee.