Detailed inspection
Accessible structural elements
RICS Home Survey Level 3
Detailed property advice when you need to know more
Our most comprehensive home survey, providing a detailed assessment of the construction and condition of the property with practical advice on defects, likely causes and remedial works.
Level 3 survey
Comprehensive reporting
Defect diagnosis
Likely causes and solutions
Technical advice
Problems and remedial works
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Home Survey Level 3
What is a
RICS Home Survey Level 3?
A RICS Home Survey Level 3 is the most detailed level of RICS Home Survey, providing a comprehensive opinion of the construction and condition of a property.
Accessible structural elements are examined and commented upon. Where defects are identified, the report can explain their likely origin and provide recommendations on how they may be rectified.
The survey is particularly appropriate where the age, construction, condition or alteration of a property means a more detailed technical assessment is advisable.
RICS survey terminology
Building Survey or Home Survey Level 3?
You may hear both terms used when looking for a more detailed property survey.
The RICS Home Survey Level 3 is the most detailed level of RICS Home Survey and is particularly appropriate for older, larger, unusual or extensively altered properties, properties in poor condition, or where you want a more comprehensive assessment.
A Level 3 survey is also commonly referred to as a Building Survey. So if you have been advised to arrange a Building Survey, this is generally the level of survey you are looking for.
Commonly known as
Building Survey
RICS terminology
Home Survey Level 3
Who is it for?
Designed for properties
that need a closer look
Particularly suitable for
- Older propertiesWhere age, condition or historic construction warrants greater detail.
- Unusual constructionProperties that do not follow conventional modern construction.
- Altered propertiesHomes that have been significantly extended or modified.
- Conversion projectsWhere you intend to alter or convert the property after purchase.
- Properties in poor conditionWhere defects or deterioration warrant a more comprehensive assessment.
02
More detail where it matters
The in-depth nature of a Level 3 Home Survey makes it particularly useful where construction, alterations or visible condition create questions that require more detailed technical consideration.
Compare survey options →What the report covers
A detailed assessment
of the property
Extensive technical information about the construction, condition and defects identified during the inspection.
Structure & construction
A detailed description of the structure, main components and construction of the property.
Defects
Details of defects found, together with advice on likely causes and possible solutions.
Dampness
Technical consideration of dampness where relevant to the property and inspection findings.
Timber defects
Comment on timber defects and related issues identified during the inspection.
Structural movement
Detailed technical information where signs of structural movement are identified.
Further investigation
Suspected defects can be highlighted with advice on appropriate further investigation and repair.
Why it matters
Understand the problem.
Know what to do next.
- 01
Identify defects
Understand significant defects and concerns revealed by the inspection.
- 02
Understand likely causes
Receive technical advice about the possible origin of identified problems.
- 03
Consider remedial works
Use recommendations and repair advice to understand what may need to be done.
- 04
Make an informed decision
Proceed with a clearer understanding of the property's construction and condition.
Compare survey options
Home Survey Level 3
or Level 2?
Both provide professional property advice, but a Level 3 Home Survey is more comprehensive and is generally better suited to properties requiring greater detail.
| Consideration | Home Survey Level 3 | Home Survey Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Older, unusual or significantly altered property | ✓ Recommended | May be less suitable |
| Level of detail | ✓ More comprehensive | Concise and standardised |
| Extensive technical information | ✓ Yes | Less detailed |
| Dampness, timber defects & structural movement | ✓ Detailed consideration | Condition-focused |
| Valuation / insurance reinstatement cost | Not normally included* | Depends on report/service |
*An opinion of value or insurance reinstatement cost may be available at additional cost.
More than identifying defects
Detailed advice
with practical context
Detailed description
Structure and main components are described in detail.
Suspected defects
Advice can be provided on further investigation and repair.
Legal matters
Relevant aspects can be identified for referral to your legal advisers.
Other considerations
Relevant matters can include safety, locality, environmental factors and reinstatement cost.
Home Survey Level 3 explained
Level 3 surveys
explained
They are particularly suited to older, unusual, significantly altered properties, properties in poor condition, or where a buyer wants a more detailed assessment.
“Building Survey” remains a widely used description for the most detailed type of property survey. RICS refers to the highest level of its Home Survey framework as a Home Survey Level 3.
A valuation or insurance reinstatement cost is not normally included as standard. Please speak to us if you require either as part of your instruction.
The report can include detailed technical information about construction and issues such as dampness, timber defects, structural movement and other significant defects.
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