A RICS Level 1 survey, formally known as the Home Survey Level 1 or Condition Report, is the most basic of the three RICS home survey levels. It provides a clear, objective snapshot of a property’s condition at the date of inspection, presented in a concise, easy-to-read format. A chartered surveyor carries out a visual inspection of the accessible parts of the building, its services and its grounds, then rates each element using a simple traffic-light system. The report flags urgent defects and legal matters your conveyancer should pursue, giving buyers an affordable, professional overview before they commit to a purchase.
A Level 1 survey suits buyers of newer, conventionally built homes in apparently reasonable condition. Typical candidates include modern houses built in recent decades, purpose-built flats and maisonettes, and recently refurbished properties of standard construction. It is a sensible choice where you simply want independent reassurance that nothing serious is visibly wrong, without the depth of a fuller survey. It is not appropriate for older period properties, buildings of unusual construction, or homes that have been significantly extended or altered; in those cases a Level 2 or Level 3 survey provides the more thorough inspection such properties need.
The report covers the main elements of the property that the surveyor can see, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, and the visible parts of services such as heating, electrics and drainage. Each element receives a condition rating using the RICS traffic-light system:
The report also summarises risks to the building, grounds and occupants, and highlights matters for your legal adviser.
It is important to understand the limits of a Level 1 survey before choosing it. The report does not include a market valuation or an insurance reinstatement figure, and it offers no advice on how defects should be repaired, what repairs might cost, or what ongoing maintenance the property will need. The inspection is visual and non-intrusive: the surveyor will not move furniture, lift carpets or floorboards, or test services. Concealed defects can therefore fall outside its scope. If you want repair advice, maintenance guidance or a more searching inspection, a Level 2 or Level 3 survey is the appropriate choice.
The three RICS survey levels differ in depth and detail. Level 1 delivers condition ratings and identifies urgent defects, but stops short of advice. Level 2, the HomeBuyer Report, uses the same rating system while adding the surveyor’s professional opinion on defects, their significance and future maintenance; it suits most conventional homes in reasonable condition. Level 3, the full Building Survey, is the most comprehensive option, providing detailed analysis of construction and defects together with advice on repairs, and is recommended for period, altered or non-standard properties. Our surveyors are always happy to advise which level fits your purchase.
As the most concise of the RICS home surveys, Level 1 is also the most economical, typically costing from around £300 to £700 in the UK, depending on the property. The main factors influencing the fee are the size of the home, its purchase price, its location and how straightforward it is to inspect; fees in London generally sit towards the upper end of any national range. Because a flat or modern house can usually be inspected efficiently, quotations are often very competitive. We provide fixed fees agreed in advance, so there are no surprises once you instruct us.
Speed often matters in a London purchase, and the Level 1 Condition Report is well suited to a fast-moving transaction. Because the inspection is concise, appointments can usually be arranged at short notice, often within a few working days of instruction, subject to access being agreed with the seller or agent. The written report typically follows shortly after the inspection, so you can keep your conveyancing on track without delay. Our surveyors work across Notting Hill and the wider London area daily, which allows us to schedule inspections efficiently and keep your purchase moving.
If you are considering a RICS Level 1 survey for a flat or modern home in London, Notting Hill Surveyors can help. Contact us today for a free fixed-fee quotation and honest advice on the right survey level for your purchase; call our team or send an enquiry through our website.