RICS Home Surveys in London

HMSA Property Services provides independent RICS Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys across London and the surrounding areas, helping buyers understand the condition of a property before they commit to purchase.

Surveys are carried out by Edward Ellis, an RICS-qualified residential surveyor with extensive experience of inspecting houses, flats, maisonettes, period properties, conversions and modern developments across London.

Our approach is detailed but practical. We identify significant defects and areas requiring further investigation, explain their likely implications and advise on appropriate next steps. Where appropriate, our reports can also include indicative repair-cost guidance to help you understand the potential financial implications of the issues identified.

As an RICS-regulated firm, we provide Level 2 and Level 3 surveys in accordance with the applicable RICS Home Survey Standard, while giving clients direct access to the surveyor who inspected the property and prepared the report.

RICS Level 2 Home Survey

A RICS Level 2 Home Survey is generally suitable for conventional houses, flats and maisonettes that are of standard construction and appear to be in reasonable condition.

The inspection is designed to identify significant defects, visible areas of concern and matters that may require repair, maintenance or further investigation. The report uses the RICS condition-rating system to help distinguish between issues requiring more urgent attention and those that form part of normal property maintenance.

Our Level 2 surveys typically include:

• assessment of the principal elements of the property and their condition;

• identification of significant defects and visible risks;

• advice on repairs, maintenance and further investigations where appropriate;

• consideration of issues that may affect your proposed purchase;

• commentary on matters that should be referred to your solicitor; and

• indicative repair-cost guidance for selected significant items where appropriate.

If the property is older, extensively altered, unusually constructed or appears to require substantial repair, a Level 3 Home Survey may be more appropriate.

RICS Level 3 Home Survey

A RICS Level 3 Home Survey is the most detailed level of inspection within the RICS Home Survey framework and is generally suitable for older, larger, altered or more complex residential properties.

It may be particularly appropriate for:

• Victorian and Edwardian houses;

• period conversions and older maisonettes;

• properties with extensions, loft conversions or significant alterations;

• buildings with flat, mansard or more complex roof forms;

• properties showing signs of dampness, cracking, movement or deterioration;

• unusually constructed properties; and

• homes where substantial repair or refurbishment is anticipated.

The inspection considers the construction and condition of the principal elements of the property in greater detail and provides more extensive commentary on defects, their likely causes, implications and recommended remedial action.

Our Level 3 reports typically include:

• detailed assessment of the principal building elements;

• analysis of significant defects and likely causes;

• advice on repairs and appropriate further investigations;

• commentary on potential risks and future maintenance requirements;

• matters that should be referred to your solicitor; and

• indicative repair-cost guidance for selected significant items where appropriate.

Where suitable and practicable, drone equipment may also be used to obtain improved views of roofs, chimneys, parapets and other high-level elements that cannot be adequately inspected from ground level.

Clear, Practical Advice

A survey is most useful when the findings are clearly explained and the client understands what matters, what can wait and what needs further attention.

Our reports are written in plain English and focus on the practical implications of the defects identified. We explain:

• the significance of the main findings;

• whether repairs are likely to be urgent or part of normal maintenance;

• where further investigation by a specialist may be appropriate;

• matters that should be referred to your solicitor before exchange of contracts; and

• the likely financial implications of selected significant repairs where indicative cost guidance can reasonably be provided.

Clients also have the opportunity to discuss the principal findings directly with the surveyor after receiving the report.

Geographic Areas Covered

We undertake RICS Home Surveys across London and the surrounding Home Counties, with particular experience in North West, North and West London.

Regular areas of instruction include Hampstead, West Hampstead, Golders Green, Finchley, Hendon, Mill Hill, St John’s Wood, Maida Vale, Kilburn and surrounding areas, together with selected instructions across Hertfordshire and wider London.

For properties outside these areas, please contact us with the property address and we can confirm whether we are able to assist.

Book a Survey

To request a quotation for a RICS Level 2 or Level 3 Home Survey, please contact us with:

• the property address;

• a Rightmove, Zoopla or estate agent listing link, if available;

• the property type and approximate age;

• whether you are considering a Level 2 or Level 3 survey; and

• any particular concerns you would like us to consider.

If you are unsure which level of survey is appropriate, send us the property details and we can advise which service is likely to be more suitable.

We can then confirm the recommended survey level, fee and likely inspection timescale.

You can contact Edward directly by telephone or email, or use the enquiry form below.