Yes — you can renegotiate after receiving your Level 2 Survey as long as you haven’t exchanged contracts.
In England and Wales, an accepted offer is not legally binding until exchange of contracts, and if your offer is “subject to contract” (as most are), the price can still be negotiated — for example, if a survey finds a problem.
A Level 2 Survey is written specifically to help you make an informed decision on whether to proceed and what is a reasonable price to pay, taking account of significant repairs.
What a Level 2 Survey can justify renegotiating over
Renegotiation is most likely to be accepted when the survey identifies material issues that affect value, safety, or future costs—rather than cosmetic items.
Typical “negotiation-worthy” findings include:
- roof defects likely to need repair soon (failed coverings, flashing issues, chimney problems)
- damp with evidence of ongoing moisture and likely remedial work
- movement indicators that need investigation (possible subsidence/structural movement)
- timber defects (rot, woodworm risk, poor ventilation)
- unsafe/poor alterations (structural changes, removed supports, poor workmanship)
- items flagged as requiring urgent investigation (often “Condition rating 3” in RICS-style reporting)
If the report shows “normal wear and tear” or minor maintenance, renegotiating aggressively can backfire—sellers often push back if the request doesn’t feel proportionate.
The best way to renegotiate (step-by-step)
1) Read the survey like a risk list, not a shopping list
Focus on:
- items described as serious/urgent
- issues that may affect value if not addressed
- anything requiring further investigations
If anything is unclear, ask your surveyor to explain it in plain terms (what it means, how urgent it is, and likely next steps).
2) Get quotes (this is what makes it credible)
Which? notes that surveys can uncover significant problems that may lead a buyer to renegotiate or withdraw, and that buyers may need quotes for the required work to support discussions with the seller.
Aim for:
- 1–3 contractor quotes for repairs, and/or
- a specialist report if the survey recommends further investigation (e.g., drains, electrics, structural engineer).
3) Decide what you’re asking for
Common (reasonable) options are:
- Price reduction to reflect repair cost and disruption
- Seller to fix specific issues before exchange (works with evidence, receipts, and sign-off)
- A split approach: small reduction + seller completes one key job
In practice, many sellers prefer a price adjustment over organising works (less hassle, less risk of poor workmanship).
4) Present the case professionally (keep it factual)
Send a short, clear summary to the estate agent (or seller if appropriate):
- what the survey found (bullet points)
- what it will cost (quotes attached)
- what you’re proposing (new offer figure or requested remedy)
- a reasonable timeframe to respond
This keeps it evidence-led, not emotional.
5) Make sure the legal and mortgage paperwork matches
If a new price is agreed:
- tell your conveyancer immediately so the contract reflects it
- tell your lender/broker if needed (especially if valuation/lending changes are affected)
When renegotiation might not work (and what your options are)
Even with a good case, a seller can refuse—because until exchange either side can walk away.
If the seller says no, your options are:
- accept and proceed (if the risk is manageable)
- renegotiate with a smaller adjustment
- commission further investigations to firm up the risk
- withdraw before you’re committed (sometimes the sensible option)
A simple message you can adapt
“We’ve received the Level 2 Survey and it highlights a few issues that require repair/further investigation. Based on contractor quotes, the likely cost is £X. We’d like to revise our offer to £Y (or request these works are completed before exchange). We’re keen to proceed and can move quickly if we can agree this.”
Need help using your survey to renegotiate sensibly?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. We can help you interpret the Level 2 findings, identify what’s genuinely “negotiation-worthy”, and structure a clear, evidence-based approach that’s more likely to succeed.