What Does a Level 2 Survey Cover?
A Level 2 Home Survey covers the visible and accessible parts of a property, helping buyers understand defects, condition concerns and areas that may need attention before purchase.
What is included in a Level 2 Home Survey?
A Level 2 Survey, sometimes referred to as a Homebuyers Survey, provides a professional overview of the visible condition of a property.
It can be suitable for many conventional houses, flats and maisonettes that appear to be in reasonable condition and where the buyer wants clear information about defects and maintenance concerns before exchange.
Quick answer
A Level 2 Survey covers the visible and accessible parts of the property, including the roof, external walls, windows, doors, internal surfaces and visible signs of defects such as dampness, cracking or deterioration.
Dunford Penrose Surveyors carries out the same level of property inspection for both Level 2 and Level 3 surveys. The main difference is the amount of detail provided in the written report.
What does the surveyor look at outside?
Visible and accessible external areas are considered as part of the inspection.
Roof & chimneys
The survey can identify visible concerns affecting roof coverings, chimneys and associated external elements.
Walls & finishes
Brickwork, render and other visible external finishes are considered for deterioration, cracking and maintenance concerns.
Windows & doors
Visible condition issues affecting external windows and doors can be highlighted in the report.
Rainwater goods
Gutters, downpipes and other visible rainwater goods are considered for damage, deterioration and maintenance concerns.
What does a Level 2 Survey check inside the property?
Accessible internal areas are inspected visually to identify condition concerns and defects that may need further attention.
- Internal walls and ceilings
- Visible floor condition
- Joinery and internal finishes
- Accessible roof spaces
- Visible dampness or staining
- Condensation and ventilation concerns
- Cracking, distortion or movement
- General maintenance issues
For a wider explanation of the inspection, read what surveyors look for in a house survey .
What problems can a Level 2 Survey identify?
A Level 2 Survey can identify a wide range of visible defects and condition concerns.
- Visible dampness or staining
- Cracking, movement or distortion
- Roof covering and chimney concerns
- Defective gutters and downpipes
- Damaged external finishes
- Window and door defects
- Visible timber deterioration
- Poor ventilation or condensation
- Internal condition issues
- Areas requiring specialist investigation
You can also explore common issues found in surveys and our common property problems guidance.
What is not included in a Level 2 Survey?
A Level 2 Survey is a visual and non-invasive inspection, so there are limits to what can be inspected.
- Fixed finishes are not normally removed
- Fitted floor coverings are not normally lifted
- Heavy furniture is not normally moved
- Concealed parts of the structure are not opened up
- Services are not tested as specialist gas or electrical inspections
- Estimated repair costs are not included as standard
- No cost and repair schedule is included
- No interactive Desktop Research Report is included
If a concern cannot be fully assessed during the visual inspection, further specialist investigation may be recommended.
When is a Level 2 Survey suitable?
A Level 2 Survey is often suitable for conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition.
- Standard houses, flats and maisonettes
- Conventional construction
- No obvious signs of major defects
- No substantial or complex alterations
- Buyers wanting clear condition reporting
- Properties where detailed repair-cost reporting is not required
You can also read Is a Level 2 Survey Worth It?
When might a Level 3 Survey be more appropriate?
A Level 3 Building Survey may be more suitable where the property is older, altered, extended, unusual, visibly defective or where the buyer wants more detailed reporting.
The important distinction is that Dunford Penrose carries out the same level of inspection for both survey types. Level 3 provides greater reporting detail and estimated repair costs where appropriate.
Level 2 Home Survey
Clear condition reporting for many conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition.
Level 3 Building Survey
More detailed reporting for older or more complex properties, including estimated repair costs where appropriate.
For a full comparison, read Building Survey vs Homebuyers Report .
What does a Level 2 Survey report look like?
Seeing an example report can help you understand the type of information you will receive and how defects are presented.
More property survey guidance
For more advice on choosing a survey, survey costs, the buying process and understanding property defects, visit our Property Survey Help Centre .
Level 2 Survey FAQs
What does a Level 2 Survey cover?
It covers the visible and accessible parts of the property, including roofs, external walls, windows, doors, floors, ceilings and internal areas, as well as visible defects such as dampness or cracking.
Does a Level 2 Survey check for damp?
Yes. It can identify visible signs of dampness, staining, condensation and other moisture-related concerns.
Does a Level 2 Survey inspect the roof?
Visible and accessible roof coverings, chimneys and accessible roof-space areas can form part of the inspection, subject to access and survey limitations.
Does a Level 2 Survey include repair costs?
No. Estimated repair costs and a cost and repair schedule are features of the Dunford Penrose Level 3 Building Survey where appropriate.
Is a Level 2 Survey enough for an older house?
It depends on the property. Older, heavily altered, extended, unusual or visibly defective properties may benefit from the greater reporting detail of a Level 3 Building Survey.
Does a Level 3 involve a more detailed inspection?
No. Dunford Penrose Surveyors carries out the same level of inspection for Level 2 and Level 3 surveys. The difference is in the reporting depth.
Need a Level 2 Home Survey?
Tell Dunford Penrose Surveyors about the property you are buying and we can help you decide whether a Level 2 Survey is the most appropriate option.
