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We provide all three RICS survey levels but if you’re unsure which survey you need and would prefer to speak with a human, give us a call. Our friendly office team can advise on the appropriate level of survey and book one of our RICS surveyors to visit your property.
Our RICS surveyors are in your local area. Fast turnaround, detailed reports and an expert, efficient service.
In June 2026 the Government published its Home Buying and Selling Reform roadmap. It sets out an intention to legislate so that a sales pack is prepared before a property is listed, rather than after an offer is made. That pack is expected to include searches and a property condition report.
None of this is compulsory yet. During 2026 the Government is publishing voluntary guidance and a Code of Practice for agents, with legislation expected later in this Parliament. It has not yet confirmed who will be able to produce the condition report.
What it does tell you is the direction of travel: condition information is moving to the front of the transaction, and sellers who have it early will be the ones who move fastest when the market expects it.
We already produce condition reports to the RICS Home Survey Standard, so if you are selling and want to get ahead of this, you can instruct one now.
Talk to us about a condition reportAn Upfront Property Condition Assessment (UPCA) sets out the condition of a property at a point in time: what it is built of, what condition each main element is in, and anything that needs attention or further investigation.
Traditionally a survey is something the buyer commissions after agreeing a price. The Home Buying and Selling Reform roadmap points the other way — towards the seller providing condition information up front, inside a sales pack.
Commissioned early, a condition report lets you:
We produce these to the RICS Home Survey Standard. RICS has begun developing a professional standard for Upfront Property Condition Assessments, to govern condition information provided before a property is marketed; we are following its development and will work to it once it is published. Reports are produced by RICS surveyors working in your area.
Enquire about an Upfront Property Condition AssessmentWe provide all three levels of RICS home survey. Most buyers need a Level 2 or a Level 3 — the comparison further down this page sets out exactly what each one covers.
£420 including VAT (£350 plus VAT). Report returned within 3 working days.
A basic overview of the condition of a property, suitable for conventionally built, modern homes in satisfactory condition.
A Level 1 describes the construction and condition of the property on the day of inspection and rates each main element, flagging anything serious or needing further investigation.
It is deliberately limited. A Level 1 does not include advice on repairs or ongoing maintenance, does not estimate repair costs, and does not test the building fabric or services.
If the property is older, extended, altered, or you want advice on what to do about what’s found, a Level 2 or Level 3 is the right choice.
We survey residential property nationwide, with surveyors resourced regionally. These are the areas we're asked about most — each page covers local housing stock, the defects that come with it, and the survey level that suits.
Buying somewhere not listed? We cover the whole of the UK — call 01159 227 446 and we'll confirm cover for your postcode.
A side-by-side comparison of what each RICS survey level includes.
| Service features | Level 1Condition Report | Level 2Home Buyers Report | Level 3Building Survey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Describes the construction and condition of the property on the date of the inspection | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aims to identify any problems that need urgent attention or are serious | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aims to identify things that need to be investigated further to prevent serious damage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aims to show up potential issues and defects, before any transaction takes place | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aims to help you decide whether you need extra advice before committing to purchase | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aims to enable you to budget for any repairs or restoration | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aims to advise you on the amount of ongoing maintenance required in the future | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Aims to establish how the property is built, what materials are used and how these will perform in the future | – | – | ✓ |
| Aims to describe visible defects, plus exposing potential problems posed by hidden defects | – | – | ✓ |
| Where practical and agreed, provides an estimate of costs for identified repair | – | – | ✓ |
| Provides specific comments on energy efficiency | – | – | ✓ |
Speak to our team on 01159 227 446 if you are unsure which level of survey suits your property.
Alongside home surveys we work with housing associations, local authorities and principal contractors across the UK.
Element-by-element condition data across a portfolio, gathered to one standard and returned in a form your asset management system can use.
Stock condition surveys →Independent inspection and diagnosis of damp, condensation and mould, with the cause identified rather than the symptom treated.
Damp and mould surveys →Roof condition, thermal imaging and air permeability testing — see all of our specialist surveys in one place.
All specialist surveys →Level 1 costs £420 including VAT. Level 2 starts from £481 and Level 3 from £655, including VAT. The exact price depends on the value of the property. For most homes, you get your quote straight away when you fill in the form.
A Level 1 report comes back within 3 working days. Level 2 and Level 3 reports are usually with you within 5 to 10 working days of the inspection.
Level 1 is a condition report: it rates the main parts of the property but gives no advice. Level 2 adds advice on defects and what to do about them, and suits most conventional homes. Level 3 is the most detailed, for older, larger or altered properties, or where you plan major work.
Usually, yes. A mortgage valuation is for your lender and tells them the property is worth what they are lending. It is not an inspection of the condition of the home, and it is not written for you.
Yes. Crawford & Co is a RICS-regulated firm, and every home survey we carry out follows the RICS Home Survey Standard.
Your report explains each issue, how serious it is, and what to do next. Many buyers use it to renegotiate the price or ask the seller to fix something before completion. You can call us to talk the report through.
Not at the moment. The government’s Home Buying and Selling Reform plans for more information, including a property condition report, to be available before a home is listed. Nothing is compulsory yet, and RICS is still developing its Upfront Property Condition Assessment (UPCA) standard. We will update this page as the rules are confirmed.