1. What is a RICS Level 2 Survey and do I need one? 

An RICS Level 2 Survey, sometimes called a Homebuyer Report or Level 2 Home Survey, is one of the most popular surveys for people buying a property in the UK. It is designed for conventional homes that appear to be in reasonable condition.

The survey highlights significant defects, urgent repairs, maintenance issues and potential risks before you commit to purchasing the property. It can help buyers avoid unexpected costs and gives reassurance during the buying process. 

A Level 2 Survey is often recommended for: 

• Houses and flats built within the last 100 years 
• Properties in generally reasonable condition 
• Buyers wanting a clear, easy-to-understand report without the detail of a full building survey 
  
  

Our RICS-qualified surveyors provide straightforward advice, practical recommendations and fast turnaround times to help you make informed decisions with confidence. 

2. What is the difference between a RICS Level 2 Survey and a Level 3 Building Survey? 

The main difference is the level of detail in the written report; the inspection is generally the same. 

An RICS Level 2 Survey is suitable for standard properties in reasonable condition and focuses on identifying significant issues such as damp, movement, roofing defects or timber problems. 

A RICS Level 3 Building Survey is more detailed and is usually recommended for: 

• Older properties 
• Listed buildings 
• Properties requiring renovation 
• Homes with structural concerns 
• Non-standard construction 



If you are unsure which survey is right for your property, we can advise you before booking to ensure you receive the most suitable and cost-effective service. 

3. How much does a Homebuyer Report or RICS Level 2 Survey cost?

The cost of a RICS Level 2 Survey depends on several factors including: 

• Property size  (no of bedrooms, bathrooms, utility room, etc)
• Property value 
• Location 
• Age and construction type 

Most buyers find that the cost of a professional survey is small compared to the potential cost of hidden defects discovered after purchase. 

We provide clear fixed-fee quotations with no hidden charges and can usually arrange inspections quickly across Sussex, Hampshire and surrounding areas.

4. What does a Party Wall Surveyor do? 

A Party Wall Surveyor helps property owners comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when building works affect a shared wall, boundary or neighbouring structure. 

Typical works requiring a Party Wall Notice may include: 

• Loft conversions 
• Rear extensions 
• Removing chimney breasts 
• Excavations near neighbouring properties 
• Structural alterations to shared walls 

We prepare Party Wall Notices, act for building owners and adjoining owners, and produce Party Wall Awards where required.

Our aim is always to keep the process amicable between neighbours, clear, practical and as stress-free as possible for everyone involved. 

Received a party wall notice?  Give us a call to discuss your options.

5. When do I need a Party Wall Notice? 

You may need to serve a Party Wall Notice before starting works if your project affects: 

• A shared wall between properties 
• A boundary wall 
• Excavations within certain distances of neighbouring buildings 

In most cases, notice periods range from one to two months depending on the type of work. 

Many homeowners only discover Party Wall requirements late in the project, which can cause delays. Seeking advice early helps avoid unnecessary disputes and keeps your project moving smoothly. 

6. What is a reinstatement cost assessment or rebuild valuation? 

A reinstatement cost assessment calculates how much it would cost to completely rebuild your property for insurance purposes if it were destroyed by events such as fire, flooding or structural collapse. 

This figure is different from the market value of the property. 

An accurate rebuild cost assessment helps ensure: 

• Your property is not under/over insured 
• You are not paying excessive insurance premiums 
• Your insurer has the correct information which reduces queries and problems when you need to make a claim.

Our professional rebuild valuations are prepared using recognised industry guidance and are suitable for insurance purposes on a day one basis. 

7. How often should a rebuild valuation be updated for insurance?

Most insurers and professional property bodies, such as the RICS, recommend reviewing your rebuild valuation annually and commissioning a full assessment, including a site visit, at least every three years.

Every three years may seem often but many elements which may affect the valuation, such as inflation and the cost of labour and/or materials, can change significantly in that time.  It is essential that you do not find yourself underinsured in the event of a claim.
 

A full assessment should also take place sooner if:

• Construction costs rise significantly 
• You extend or alter the property 
• The building is listed or unusual 
• The property has not been professionally assessed before 
  
  

Annual reviews can be completed via a desktop survey, without a site visit.

Our third year reassessment includes a site visit from one of our RICS accredited Surveyors to take measurements of the building which we then use to complete the necessary calculations.

Your property should be immediately fully re-assessed if you build an extension, alter the footprint of the property or if Building Regulations change substantially.

Construction costs can change quickly, and outdated insurance figures may leave homeowners underinsured. A current reinstatement cost assessment provides reassurance that your cover remains appropriate.

8. What is the risk of underinsuring my property?

It may be tempting to simply guess the reinstatement cost or rebuild value of your property, or insure it for its market value.  This risks paying higher premiums than necessary or, in the event of a claim, finding you are underinsured.

Insurance companies will use the following formula to apply an 'average  clause' in the event of a payout where a property is found to be underinsured:

The amount insured / the actual rebuild value  X the claim amount.

An example of this is:

John insures his property for £250,000 but the true rebuild value is found to be £350,000.  He needs to make a claim for £100,000.  The insurance company applies the average clause and makes a payment to John for £71,429. 

This leaves John short by £28,571 - ouch!

If you haven't had your rebuild value recalculated in recent years there is a risk you could be underinsured.  Contact us for a no-obligation chat to find out more about what we do.

9. What is a property defect inspection? 

A defect inspection is a targeted survey carried out to investigate a specific problem within a property. 

Common issues include: 



• Damp and mould 
• Cracking or movement 
• Subsidence concerns 
• Roof defects 
• Water ingress 
• Timber decay 
• Condensation problems 

Following the inspection, we provide a professional report explaining the likely cause of the defect, the severity of the issue and practical recommendations for repair or further investigation where necessary. 

10. Should I get a survey before buying a house? 

Yes — obtaining an independent survey before purchasing a property is strongly recommended... And we're not just saying that because we want your business...

Mortgage valuations are not surveys and are carried out solely for the lender’s benefit and are not detailed condition reports. 

A professional survey gives buyers a clearer understanding of the property’s condition and may identify defects that are not obvious during viewings.   

We view our role as one that facilitates your home buying process; your job is to find the property that is right for you, our job to make sure you know what you're buying and to minimise the risk of nasty surprises when you move in.

A survey helps buyers to plan and budget for future repairs, giving good insight into the property and any particular materials and methods which should be used in the care of the property. 

In some cases, a survey can help you to decide whether to proceed with a purchase and, yes, they can help you renegotiate the asking price if significant problems are found. 

In addition to a detailed, RICS survey report, we also offer a follow up call as standard at any no further cost.  We always recommend that once you receive your report you read it through and take a day or two to digest the contents.  Where you are left with further questions, concerns or queries then we are available to go through the report to offer further advice and guidance.

Many buyers consider a survey one of the most important parts of the home-buying process. 

11. Why choose a RICS-qualified surveyor? 

An RICS-qualified surveyor has completed recognised professional training and follows strict industry standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. 

Choosing a regulated surveyor means you benefit from: 

• Professional expertise supported by compulsory CPD and training every year,  
• Clear reporting standards, 
• Regulated conduct and ethical standards,
• The requirement to have appropriate professional indemnity insurance ,
• The assurance of independent and objective advice,
• Support and guidance from RICS if you have any concerns. 

We pride ourselves on providing clear communication, practical guidance and professional surveying services tailored to homeowners, buyers and property professionals alike.  We are proud to be members of RICS as well as many other complementary professional bodies, each of which support us to offer the best service possible.

We are also members of:

• The Pyramus and Thisbe Society: The Pyramus & Thisbe Society is a learned society for professionals with a particular interest in matters relating to The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and in the solving of all other similar neighbour issues. The Society seeks to advance knowledge of party wall legislation and procedure and to promote best professional practice in its application.
• The Residential Property Surveyors Association: The RPSA is a UK-based professional body for specialist, independent residential surveyors.  Holding the MRPSA designation indicates that a surveyor has met the RPSA's full membership requirements. It signifies that they commit to the highest industry standards for residential property inspections and reports, perform full, thorough inspections to minimise caveats and the need for "further investigations" and abide by the RPSA's code of conduct and strict reporting standards. 

12. Why choose Chichester Surveyors Ltd?

At Chichester Surveyors Ltd, we combine professional expertise with a genuinely client-focused approach, reflected in our excellent Google reviews and reputation for clear, practical advice.

Our experienced team has extensive knowledge across a wide range of property markets and has firsthand experience as homeowners, tenants, landlords, freeholders, block managers and property developers. This broad perspective helps us understand every stage of the property journey, fostering positive relationships between all parties and delivering a streamlined, efficient and effective service.

We work hard for our clients because we know what we have wanted, needed and expected when we have been in their position.  Whether we are undertaking a pre-purchase inspection, a defect inspection, overseeing a party wall process or giving an up to date reinstatement cost assessment, we are always striving to go above and beyond.

At present, Chichester Surveyors Ltd is owned, managed and run by Sarah Cutler and Rebecca Jenkins.  We are experienced property professionals who were bored of doing things the same ways they've always been done because "that's how it's always been done!"  We want to offer something new and exciting and, above all, what you actually need.

So if you're not sure whether we're the Surveyors for you, please do get in touch - by phone, email or text - and we will be your ally in what can be a challenging and confusing process!