CONDITION RECORD01 / 03
OBSERVED ELEVATION / NOT TO SCALE
SCOPE9 element checksMETHODIdentify + rate
D1Roof coverings2D2External walls1I3Safety risks3
HOME SURVEY / LEVEL 1 / MBC
Home Survey Level 1 (Condition Report)
The Level 1 Condition Report is the most concise of the three home survey levels. It gives you a clear, objective snapshot of the visible condition of a property using simple condition ratings, without detailed defect diagnosis or repair advice.
D1 / CONDITION RATING 2
2Repair needed
Visible condition recorded
A defect is identified and given a priority. Level 1 keeps the explanation concise.
01 / PROPERTY + DEPTH
Who a Level 1 survey suits
It suits conventional houses, flats and bungalows that are relatively modern and appear to be in reasonable condition — where you want reassurance that nothing obvious has been missed rather than an in-depth investigation.
Every Level 1 survey is delivered by the practice in accordance with the current RICS Home Survey Standard.
- 01
Conventional, relatively modern properties in apparently reasonable condition
- 02
Buyers who want an objective condition check before committing
- 03
Homeowners wanting a periodic condition snapshot of their property
- 04
Situations where budget is limited but an independent check is still wanted
What the report includes
- 01
Traffic light condition ratings for the main elements of the property
✓ - 02
A summary of visible defects noted during the inspection
✓ - 03
Identification of risks and matters needing urgent attention
✓ - 04
A summary of matters your legal advisers may wish to consider
✓ - 05
A clear Level 1 report with condition ratings and prioritised findings
✓
02 / METHOD
How it works
A clear line from property fit to a report you can act on.- 01
REPORT GATE / 1
Enquiry and quote
Send the property address and a few details through the enquiry form. You will receive a fixed quote — fees vary with property size, age and location.
- 02
REPORT GATE / 2
Booking and terms
Once instructed, inspection access is arranged with the estate agent or vendor and you receive terms of engagement setting out exactly what is covered.
- 03
REPORT GATE / 3
Inspection
A visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property, inside and out.
- 04
REPORT GATE / 4
Report
Your report is normally delivered within three to five working days of the inspection, with the opportunity to discuss it by phone.
03 / BEFORE YOU INSTRUCT
Questions worth answering first.
Scope, access, limitations and what happens after the inspection—explained before they become surprises.
Does a Level 1 survey include a valuation?
No. This practice offers survey-only reports at every level. If your lender requires a valuation, that is carried out separately by the lender’s own valuer.
How long does the inspection take?
Typically one to two hours on site for a conventional property, depending on size and access.
What do the traffic light ratings mean?
Each element is rated: condition rating 1 (no repair currently needed), 2 (defects needing repair or replacement but not serious or urgent), or 3 (serious defects needing urgent repair, replacement or investigation).
Can I upgrade to a Level 2 or Level 3 survey later?
A survey cannot be upgraded retrospectively, so it is worth choosing the right level first. If you are unsure, describe the property in your enquiry and you will get a straight recommendation.
Standards we work to
The standards and guidance behind this service.
We work to published professional standards and official guidance, not house opinion. These are the references that govern or inform this work — worth reading if you want to check what good looks like.
- RICS Home Survey Standard — RICS. The mandatory standard for RICS members and regulated firms carrying out home surveys, in force since 1 March 2021.
NEW INSTRUCTION / Home Survey Level 1
Choose the depth the building earns.
Send the property address and the situation for a fixed quote and an honest recommendation.
Request a quote