12. May 2026

Why do you need a Home Survey in Ipswich?

A home survey helps you understand the true condition of a property before you commit to buying it. The mortgage valuation arranged by a lender is mainly for the lender’s benefit, not a detailed inspection for you, so a separate survey can uncover issues that may affect safety, repair costs, or the property’s value.

Common reasons people get a survey:

Identify hidden problems

Damp, subsidence, roof damage, timber decay, poor insulation, outdated electrics, drainage problems, or structural movement may not be obvious during viewings.

Avoid unexpected repair bills

  A survey can highlight major future costs, such as replacing a roof, rewiring, or fixing structural cracks.

Negotiate the purchase price

  If defects are found, buyers often use the report to renegotiate or ask the seller to fix issues before exchange.

Understand ongoing maintenance

  Even if the property is sound, the survey explains what maintenance will likely be needed over time.

Get reassurance

For newer homes especially, a survey may simply confirm that there are no significant concerns.

The main survey types are:

RICS Level 1 Survey (Condition Report)

This is a basic overview of condition; suited to newer, conventional homes.

• Provides an overview and condition of the property on the date of inspection.
• Suitable for conventionally built, modern properties in a reasonable condition.
• Highlights any urgent defects that need attention, or that are serious.
• Highlight matters that need further investigation to prevent serious damage.
• Traffic light system to indicate the severity of identified defects.

RICS Level 2 Home Survey (Previously HomeBuyer Report)

This is the most common choice. It is a more detailed report that includes defects and repair advice. It is suitable for standard properties in reasonable condition.

As the RICS Home Survey Level 3 previously, plus:

• Will highlight common defects and areas of concern.
• For properties less than 100 years old and built with traditional materials.
• Includes a visual property inspection and provides information on local environment
• A report with clear traffic-light condition ratings of all accessible areas

RICS Level 3 Home Survey (Building Survey)

This survey is the most detailed option. It is recommended for older, larger, altered, non-standard, or potentially neglected properties.

As the RICS Home Survey Level 2 previously, plus:

• A detailed inspection and assessment of the property and is more extensive than Levels 1 and 2.
• Ideal for old buildings, listed properties, houses with obvious defects, and unconventional homes.
• Describes visible defects and highlights risk of potential or hidden defects.
• Outlines the likely scope of any appropriate remedial work and explains the likely consequences of non-repair.

To book a level 2 survey in Ipswich, please contact the team.