What Is an RICS Home Survey?
An RICS Home Survey is a professional property inspection performed by RICS-accredited surveyors to reveal the true condition of your prospective home. Aligned with the RICS Home Survey Standard, this comprehensive home survey covers all residential types, including flats, bungalows, maisonettes and traditional houses. You’ll receive a clear, jargon‑free report that highlights defects, outlines required actions, recommends the most effective course to take and flags potential risks. Armed with this insight, you can negotiate confidently, budget accurately, and avoid expensive surprises.
Level 2 Home Survey (HomeBuyer Report)
RICS Level 2, formerly the HomeBuyer Report, is designed for conventional, reasonably maintained properties. Your surveyor conducts a visual inspection of all accessible areas, including roof spaces and drainage chambers, flagging defects using a traffic light system, red for urgent action, amber for attention soon, and green for items to monitor or maintain. You’ll receive practical advice on repairs and upkeep. If you choose the survey and valuation option, it will also provide a market valuation and a Reinstatement Cost Assessment (RCA), helping you ensure you’re paying the right price and are neither under‑insured nor over‑insured. This is a fast, cost‑effective way to gain confidence when buying a property on the Isle of Man.
Level 3 Home Survey (Building Survey)
The most comprehensive option, RICS Level 3, formerly the Building Survey, caters to larger, older, unusual or significantly altered properties, or any home where you plan major works. Your surveyor scrutinises structural elements, translates technical findings into plain English and illustrates defects with photographs. You’ll gain an in‑depth analysis of issues, their likely causes and a range of repair or maintenance solutions, from quick fixes to long‑term renovation plans, empowering you to budget confidently.
Next Steps to Secure Your Peace of Mind
Once your offer is accepted (always offer subject to survey), schedule your chosen survey. During busy house‑buying seasons, RICS surveyors’ diaries fill up fast, so booking early lets you buy with confidence or get the full picture of whether you need to negotiate, adjust repair costs, or continue with the agreed price.
Want help choosing the right survey? Try our Survey Selector Tool™.