Previously known as an RICS HomeBuyers, the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 Survey & RICS Home Survey – Level 2 Survey & Valuation are an intermediate level of service, for clients who are seeking an in depth professional opinion.  

The focus is on assessing the general condition of the main elements of a property. The service can be a stand-alone survey or survey and valuation.

The level of service includes an extensive visual inspection of the building, its services and grounds, but without tests.

Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected, if it is safe to do so, (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars). 

The report objectively describes the condition of the different elements and provides an assessment of the relative importance of defects/problems. Using a clear & easy to understand ‘Traffic Light’ system to rate individual elements of the property which may affect its value, highlighting any areas of concern and how urgently they need repairing. 

At this level, although it is concise, the report includes advice about repairs and any ongoing maintenance issues.  It is less comprehensive than a level three service.

Where the surveyor is unable to reach a conclusion with reasonable confidence, a recommendation for further investigations will be made.

This level of service suits a broad range of conventionally built properties however, this level of service is unlikely to suit:

• complex buildings, for example those that have been extensively extended and altered.
• nontraditional or older properties – although survey level two services may be appropriate for some older buildings, the decision will depend on the RICS member and the nature of the building itself. For example, a survey level two report on a Victorian property or a property of non-system built timber frame construction, is unlikely to be comprehensive enough for the buyer. 
• properties in neglected condition. In such cases, a survey level two service will often result in numerous referrals for further investigations, an outcome that many clients will find disappointing. Where the client is planning to carry out extensive repair and refurbishment work in the future, the RICS member will give advice on suitable additional services.

A Home Survey - Level 3, formally known as a Building Survey, is the most detailed survey we offer. This level of service is for clients who are seeking a professional opinion based on a detailed assessment of the property.

The service consists of a detailed visual inspection of the building, its services and the grounds, and is more extensive than a survey level two.

Concealed areas normally opened or used by the occupiers are inspected, if it is safe to do so, (typical examples include roof spaces, basements and cellars).

Although the services are not tested, they are observed in normal operation (season / operation depending). 

The report objectively describes the form of construction and materials used for different parts of the property. It describes the condition and provides an assessment of the relative importance of the defects/problems and the appropriate repair options.

Where an RICS member feels unable to reach the necessary conclusions with reasonable confidence, they will refer the matter for further investigations. 

A survey level three report aims to provide the client with all the information they need to make a decision. This level of service will suit any domestic residential property in any condition but is particularly suited to older buildings, unusual construction, or those with major extensions or alterations. It is also the best choice where you know there are significant defects that need attention. 

If you have plans to alter the structure of the property this can often form part of the advice provided. If you plan to make a substantial investment in a property of age or character then this report is an important safeguard.

Purchasers of houses and flats may require simple re-assurance that their intended purchase is free from urgent or significant defect, or they may require a more detailed assessment of its physical condition.

Mortgage Valuation reports, prepared primarily for the lender, are not intended to serve these purposes. Frazers offer a range of survey reports to suit the differing needs of home purchasers and can also prepare RICS valuation reports, for home purchase and other purposes. Valuations can often be incorporated into survey reports.

All of Frazers Valuers are RICS Registered and monitored to ensure a high standard of integrity and professionalism. 

Frazers have been carrying out valuations for home owners, leaseholders and housing associations for over 25 years. 

We are proud of our fully independent high quality service which we believe explains our ongoing involvement in this sector. 

We are familiar with owners and association requests with regards to staircasing, resale and equity loan valuations.   

We provide unbiased comprehensive RICS compliant valuations supported with comparable evidence of market transactions. 

We are included on many housing associations panels and we are a Sector Supplier for the National Housing Federation.   

To request and pay for a valuation please click on the VALUATION - Book Online tab in the menu above.   

Schedules of Condition are an essential benchmark at the time of taking up a lease on a commercial property, due to the maintenance responsibilities which are commonly placed on a tenant. Under the terms of a lease the tenant will be required to return the building to the landlord in no worse condition than when the lease was taken. The tenant is responsible for repairs, maintenance and even replacing parts of the building, fixtures or fittings.

Sometimes the tenant is required to improve the condition of the property during the course of the lease. A Schedule of Condition details the condition of the building and is always accompanied by a set of photographs.

Frazers can provide a Schedule of Condition both at the start and at the termination of the lease. The report will provide an accurate summary of the condition of the property together with any defects prior to occupation.

An Expert Witness is a witness, who by virtue of education, training, skill, or experience, is believed to have expertise and specialised knowledge in a particular subject beyond that of the average person, sufficient that others may officially and legally rely upon the witness’s specialised opinion.

Expert Witness are appointed by the courts during construction disputes to give an expert opinion and may also deliver expert evidence about facts from the particular case.

Chartered Building Surveyors like Frazers are therefore often employed as an ‘expert witness’ to offer opinion on issues in court, drawing from their own knowledge, training and experience. 

In February 2008 Frazers formally expanded to provide a dedicated Property Finding service.   The department specialise in identifying, negotiating and acquiring properties for clients with specific needs and disabilities, often as a result of accident or injury. As a firm of Chartered Surveyors we combine extensive knowledge of geographical locations and urban dynamics across the UK with Valuation and Survey experience.  

Why use Frazers Property Finders?

• RICS accredited 
• Extensive knowledge of geographical locations and urban dynamics
• Over 30 years Valuation and Surveying experience, acting on behalf of Clients with disabilities and specific requirements.
• Time & energy is saved - we deal with identifying and filtering of properties, negotiation and monitoring of the acquisition.
• Greater success rate - our professional knowledge and experience increases efficiency when identifying suitable areas and highlighting properties.
• Money saved - time and professional fees spent on unsuitable properties is avoided. 

"I have been finding and securing properties for clients with specific requirements for over 10 years.  I understand that having the right home following an accident or change in circumstances is fundamental and that without it, your life can feel like it's on hold.  Having helped locate and acquire both rental and purchase properties for numerous clients over the years, I am confident that finding the right property is achievable and I welcome the challenge."Naomi Gould AssocRICS - Property Finder & RICS Registered Valuer