If you are commissioning a RICS Home Survey – Level 2, then yes—by definition it is produced by a RICS-qualified surveyor. RICS’ own “Description of the RICS Home Survey Level 2” states that the service is provided by an AssocRICS, MRICS or FRICS member with the skills, knowledge and experience to survey and report on the property.
That said, it’s worth knowing there are two slightly different things people mean when they say “Level 2 survey”:
- The official RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (a branded, standardised format produced in line with RICS requirements), and
- A “Level 2–style” homebuyer survey offered by a firm using the phrase “Level 2” more generically.
Only the first is automatically a RICS-led product.
What “RICS Surveyor” means in this context
A surveyor signing off a RICS Home Survey Level 2 should be a RICS member using one of these designations:
- AssocRICS (Associate)
- MRICS (Member)
- FRICS (Fellow)
RICS also confirms that RICS home surveys are compiled by qualified surveyors following a physical inspection.
What if the Level 2 includes a valuation?
Some Level 2 instructions are survey only, and others are survey and valuation.
If you’re commissioning the RICS Home Survey Level 2 (Survey and Valuation), RICS licensing guidance states the surveyor must have appropriate valuation training/experience and also be a member of the RICS Valuer Registration Scheme (VRS).
This matters because not every competent building surveyor is necessarily registered to provide a formal valuation under RICS’ valuer registration requirements.
How to check you’re getting a genuine RICS Level 2 Survey
To avoid confusion, ask the firm/surveyor these questions:
1) “Is this the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 report format?”
If they say yes, you should receive the standard RICS-style Level 2 report.
2) “Who will sign the report, and what is their designation?”
Look for AssocRICS / MRICS / FRICS.
3) “If the report includes a valuation, are you on the RICS Valuer Registration Scheme?”
This is especially important if you want the valuation to be RICS-compliant.
4) “Can you confirm you’ll follow the RICS Home Survey standard scope/inspection approach?”
RICS publishes the Level 2 scope of inspection as part of its Home Survey standards and guidance.
Can a “Level 2 Survey” be done by someone who isn’t RICS?
Yes—if it isn’t being sold as a RICS Home Survey Level 2. Some firms use “Level 2” as a marketing shorthand for a mid-tier homebuyer report. That doesn’t automatically make it bad—but it may mean:
- the report format isn’t the RICS template,
- the inspection/reporting standard may differ,
- and you may not get the same consistency and consumer-friendly structure associated with the RICS Home Survey product.
If you specifically want the RICS framework, the safest approach is to request the RICS Home Survey – Level 2 by name and confirm the surveyor’s membership designation.
Need help choosing the right survey (and checking credentials)?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212 and we’ll point you toward the most suitable survey level for the property—and help you confirm you’re getting the correct RICS-led service.