RPSA Homebuyer Surveys
Our RPSA homebuyer survey provides an expert report of the property’s condition, and highlights any problems in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Your home is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you make, so you need to know as much as you can about the property before you buy it, live in it and perhaps sell it.
A Homebuyer report can be used to negotiate the price of the property and will help you decide whether to proceed with the purchase.
What does the RPSA Homebuyer Survey Include?
The Homebuyer Survey includes a visual inspection of all major internal features including ceilings, roof, walls, and bathrooms, as well as external features including windows, roofing, pipes, gutters, walls, and doors.
In addition to the main property, a surveyor will also inspect any permanent outdoor structures such as garages, fixed sheds or greenhouses or garden offices.
A surveyor will further inspect the heating, drainage, electric, gas/oil, and water services and comment on energy efficiency.
The Homebuyer Survey uncovers any serious structural problems with the building such as subsidence. The surveyor will also inspect damp-proofing, drainage, insulation, and damp test the walls with specialist equipment, to ensure damp is not present in the property. They will further investigate the condition of visible sections of the property’s timbers for woodworm and rot. They will also check if the septic tank needs septic tank cleaning or pumping services.
The Homebuyer Survey includes details of all major faults. The building surveyor will also offer some advice repairs and maintenance advice on how to rectify these faults.
Your Homebuyer Survey will provide outline information on the property being surveyed and its location. Your surveyor will also highlight specific areas where you will need to consult a legal advisor to further investigate these issues and seek specialist attention.
The report provides a traffic light rating system for easy identification of problem areas, alongside advice on repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Why should I get one?
The Homebuyer report will help you to:
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Make a balanced, informed decision about whether to go ahead with buying the property, without overwhelming you with technical details.
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Make an informed decision on what is a reasonable price to pay for the property.
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Take into account any repairs or replacements the property needs.
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Consider what further advice you should take before committing to purchasing property.
2
RPSA Level 2 Homebuyer Survey
A Level 2 homebuyer survey is most suitable for conventional properties that are in reasonable condition and are simple in form and layout (for example, a property that does not have multiple alterations or extensions).
The report gives you detailed information about the property, and ideas about future repairs or maintenance that may be required.
3
RPSA Level 3 Homebuyer Survey
A Level 3 homebuyer survey is the most comprehensive survey report.
It provides you with an extensive, in-depth analysis of the property’s condition, as well an assessment on its structural condition and subsidence. It includes advice on defects, repairs and maintenance options, as well as estimated costs.
Choose a Level 3 homebuyer survey if you’re dealing with a large, older or run-down property, a building that is unusual or altered, or if you’re planning major works.
Service | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|
Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of the inspection. | ✔ | ✔ |
Identifies any problems the surveyor can see that are serious or that need urgent attention, and/or things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage. | ✔ | ✔ |
Includes the standard visual inspection, which for 2 does not remove secured panels, electrical fittings, inspection chamber covers and other similar features. | ✔ | ✔ |
Helps you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to purchase. | ✔ | ✔ |
Advises on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future, and helps you to budget for any repairs or restoration. | ✔ | ✔ |
Includes roof space inspection and ground level roof inspection. | ✔ | ✔ |
Detailed structural report | ✔ | |
Includes extensive drone inspection of the roof, guttering and chimney. | ✔ | |
Describes visible defects and potential problems posed by hidden defects. | ✔ | |
Describes the repair options, gives you a repair timeline and explains the consequences of not carrying out repairs. | ✔ | |
A longer and more detailed visual inspection of a wider range of issues, including a more thorough consideration of the roof space, grounds, floors and service. | ✔ | |
An estimated cost to repair or rectify issues found. | ✔ |