# Which house survey do you need? Level 1, 2 or 3

> Most buyers choose a Level 2 survey for a typical home in reasonable condition. A Level 1 suits a newer home, and a Level 3 is worth it for an older, larger or altered home. The lender's valuation isn't a survey.

Buying · Published 2026-10-04 · Updated 2026-10-04 · https://firstkey.uk/articles/which-survey-do-i-need

## The valuation isn't a survey

Your lender will value the home to check it's worth what they're lending. It's for them, not you, and it doesn't look for problems. A survey is for you: it tells you what's wrong before you're committed.

## The three levels

- Level 1, a condition report: a quick traffic light check for newer homes in good order. Usually from about £300.
- Level 2, often called a HomeBuyer report: the most popular choice for a conventional home in reasonable condition. It flags damp, movement and urgent repairs. Usually from about £400.
- Level 3, a building survey: the full check for older, larger, unusual or much altered homes, with advice on repairs. Usually from about £600, often more.

**Use what it finds.** If the survey turns up something serious, get a quote for the work. You can ask the seller to fix it, lower the price, or walk away before exchange. It isn't too late.

## When to book it

Once your offer is accepted and your mortgage application is in. Pick a surveyor who's a member of RICS, and ask them to call you to talk it through: a ten minute chat often tells you more than the report.

[Spot problems at the viewing](https://firstkey.uk/guide/viewing-checklist): The viewing checklist helps you notice things worth asking the surveyor about.

---

© 2026 Marc Alexander. All rights reserved. You may quote short passages to answer a question, with a link to https://firstkey.uk/articles/which-survey-do-i-need.