Level 2 Home Survey
Arrange a Level 2 Survey for a conventional house, flat or maisonette and get clear, professional advice on the property's visible condition before you commit to purchase.
Professional Level 2 Surveys for home buyers
A Level 2 Home Survey, often called a Homebuyers Survey, is designed for many conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition.
It gives you an independent assessment of visible defects, condition concerns and areas that may need attention before exchange of contracts.
Is a Level 2 Survey right for your property?
A Level 2 Survey is commonly suitable for conventional houses, flats and maisonettes where the construction is relatively standard and there are no obvious signs that more detailed reporting is required.
Dunford Penrose carries out the same level of property inspection for both Level 2 and Level 3 surveys. The difference is in the reporting: Level 3 provides greater detail and estimated repair costs where appropriate.
When is a Level 2 Home Survey recommended?
Conventional properties
Often suitable for standard houses, flats and maisonettes built using conventional materials and construction methods.
Homes in reasonable condition
Appropriate where the property appears generally straightforward and there are no obvious signs of significant defects or complexity.
Buyers wanting clear advice
Gives buyers practical information on visible defects and maintenance concerns before they become legally committed.
Clearer buying decisions
Helps you understand whether further investigation, contractor quotations or additional advice may be needed before exchange.
What is included in a Level 2 Survey report?
Detailed summary
Key findings are brought together so you can quickly understand which issues need attention or further investigation.
Photographic evidence
Relevant photographs help show the location and nature of defects identified during the inspection.
Clear condition reporting
Defects and condition concerns are explained in straightforward language so you can understand their significance.
Recommendations
Where appropriate, the report can recommend specialist advice, further investigation or contractor quotations.
What does a Level 2 Survey cover?
The survey considers visible and accessible parts of the property and can identify significant defects, condition concerns and maintenance issues.
- Roof coverings and chimneys
- Gutters and rainwater goods
- External walls and finishes
- Windows and doors
- Visible dampness and staining
- Condensation and ventilation concerns
- Cracking and possible movement
- Internal walls, ceilings and floors
- Accessible roof spaces
- General maintenance concerns
For the full breakdown, read What Does a Level 2 Survey Cover?
Should you choose Level 2 or Level 3?
Both survey types involve the same level of inspection with Dunford Penrose. The main difference is the depth of reporting you receive.
Level 2 Home Survey
Designed for many conventional properties in reasonable condition, providing clear reporting on visible defects and maintenance concerns.
Level 3 Building Survey
Provides greater reporting detail for older, altered, extended, unusual or visibly defective properties and includes estimated repair costs where appropriate.
If you are comparing the two, see Building Survey vs Homebuyers Report .
See an example Level 2 Survey report
If you want to understand the level of information provided before booking, you can view an example Dunford Penrose Level 2 Home Survey report.
Why arrange a Level 2 Survey?
Even a property that appears well maintained during a viewing can have visible defects or maintenance concerns that deserve closer consideration before purchase.
A Level 2 Survey gives you independent information before exchange, allowing you to ask questions, arrange further investigation or obtain quotations where appropriate.
You may also find our guide Is a Level 2 Survey Worth It? useful.
What is not included in a Level 2 Survey?
A Level 2 Home Survey is a visual and non-invasive inspection. It does not include some of the additional reporting features available with Level 3.
- No cost and repair schedule
- No estimated repair costs
- No interactive Desktop Research Report
- Concealed areas are not opened up
- Fixed finishes are not normally removed
- Heavy furniture is not normally moved
- Services are not specialist-tested
- Further investigation may be recommended where required
When should you book a Level 2 Survey?
Buyers will usually arrange their survey after an offer has been accepted and before exchange of contracts.
This gives you time to understand the findings and investigate significant concerns before becoming legally committed to the purchase.
Read When Should You Get a House Survey? for a fuller explanation.
Need more help choosing a survey?
Visit the Property Survey Help Centre for guidance on Level 2 and Level 3 surveys, costs, the buying process and understanding survey findings.
Level 2 Survey FAQs
What is a Level 2 Home Survey?
A Level 2 Home Survey is a property inspection and report designed for many conventional homes that appear to be in reasonable condition.
Is a Level 2 Survey the same as a Homebuyers Survey?
The term Homebuyers Survey is commonly used to describe a Level 2 Home Survey.
What does a Level 2 Survey check?
It considers visible and accessible areas including roofs, walls, windows, doors, floors, ceilings and visible signs of issues such as dampness, cracking or deterioration.
Does a Level 2 Survey include repair costs?
No. Estimated repair costs are included where appropriate with the Dunford Penrose Level 3 Building Survey.
Is Level 2 suitable for an older property?
Older, heavily altered, extended, unusual or visibly defective properties may be better suited to the greater reporting detail of a Level 3 Building Survey.
How do I get a Level 2 Survey quote?
You can request a quote using the Dunford Penrose survey quote form and provide details of the property you are buying.
Get a Level 2 Survey Quote
Tell Dunford Penrose Surveyors about the property you are buying and get a quote for the most appropriate survey.
