RICS Home Surveys
RICS Level 1 Home Survey
Previously the RICS Condition Report. A clear, concise account of condition for conventional, newer homes.
Quartz provides the RICS Level 1 Home Survey (previously the RICS Condition Report) for houses and flats across the UK. We are an independent, RICS-regulated practice, and we act solely in your interest.
If you are purchasing a newer property of standard construction that appears to be in good condition, a Level 1 survey gives you an objective account of its condition before you exchange, at the lowest cost of the three RICS survey levels.
What is a Level 1 Home Survey?
A RICS Level 1 Home Survey is a visual inspection and concise written report on the condition of a residential property. It rates each element of the building using the RICS traffic-light condition ratings, highlights defects that need urgent attention and offers guidance to your legal advisers before exchange of contracts.
What the survey covers
- The condition of the building, inside and out, in all accessible areas
- A condition rating for each element, using the RICS 1-2-3 scale
- Defects that need urgent attention or pose a risk
- Guidance for your legal adviser on matters to raise before exchange
A Level 1 survey reports on condition only. It does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance. Where you want that advice, we recommend a Level 2 Home Survey instead, and we will tell you so before you instruct us.
Who it suits
The Level 1 survey is aimed at conventional properties and newer homes in apparently good condition. It is typically the lowest-priced of the RICS surveys, and it gives you and your legal adviser an independent record of condition to act on. For older, extended or altered properties, a Level 3 Building Survey is usually the sound choice.
Read a sample Level 1 report
The specimen below shows the structure, condition ratings and concise style of a Level 1 report. You can read it here, page by page, before you instruct us.
Sample RICS Level 1 Condition Report
Read the report page by page in your browser, with zoom and keyboard navigation. A download link is available inside the reader.
How instruction works
Send us the property address and we will confirm the fee and the right survey level. Once instructed, we agree access with the estate agent or seller, carry out the inspection and deliver your report. We then remain available to talk the findings through with you. Please contact us to discuss the right survey for your purchase.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Level 1 survey the same as a condition report?
Yes. The RICS Level 1 Home Survey is the current name for what was previously called the RICS Condition Report. It describes the condition of the property using the RICS traffic-light ratings, highlights urgent defects and offers guidance to your legal advisers.
What is the difference between a Level 1 and a Level 2 survey?
A Level 1 survey reports on condition only: it rates each element and flags urgent defects, but it does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance. A Level 2 survey includes everything in a Level 1 report and adds that advice. If you want to know what to do about the findings, choose Level 2.
How much does a condition report cost?
The Level 1 survey is typically the lowest-priced RICS survey, because it is the briefest inspection and report. The fee depends on the size, value and location of the property. We provide a clear written quotation before you instruct us, with no obligation.
Is a Level 1 survey enough for the property I am buying?
A Level 1 survey suits conventional, newer homes that appear to be in good condition. For older properties, or wherever you want advice on repairs and maintenance rather than condition ratings alone, we recommend a Level 2 or Level 3 survey. Describe the property to us and we will advise on the right level before you instruct.
Request a Level 1 survey quotation.
Tell us the property address and we will confirm the fee and timescale, with no obligation.