INDEPENDENT ARTICLES, CLEAR INSIGHTS, STRAIGHTFORWARD ADVICE FOR INFORMED PROPERTY DECISIONS.

Sometimes yes, but not in the simple “I demand it and they must comply” sense. In the UK, your ability to make a contractor return and fix snagging items depends on: what your contract says (written quotation, scope, payment terms, retention, defects period) whether...

Choosing between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey isn’t about paying for “more pages” — it’s about selecting the right level of investigation for the risk profile of the property you’re buying. RICS sets out three home survey levels, and the right choice will usually...

There are times when a full property survey is not the most efficient or cost-effective tool for the job. You may already own your home and have noticed a worrying crack in the kitchen extension, or perhaps your Level 2 survey recommended further investigation into a...

Yes — you can commission a Schedule of Condition that is primarily photographic. However, a photographic-only record is rarely the strongest option, and in many situations it can be a false economy. The most reliable Schedule of Condition reports combine photographs...

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...

You should consider a Level 3 Survey (often described as the most detailed RICS home survey) when the property, your plans, or the visible condition suggest there’s a higher chance of costly surprises—and you want a report that goes beyond a simple condition snapshot...

Changing windows in a leasehold flat often feels like a straightforward upgrade — better warmth, reduced noise, improved security and appearance. But in leasehold buildings, windows are frequently treated as part of the external envelope and overall appearance of the...

A Level 2 Survey and a Level 3 Survey are both RICS home surveys, but they’re designed for different property “risk levels” and give you different depths of detail. Put simply: Level 2 is a thorough visual condition check for typical properties in reasonable...

Choosing the right survey level is really about matching the survey depth to the property’s risk.  A Level 2 Survey is built for “typical” homes in reasonable condition, while a Level 3 Survey is designed for properties where surprises are more likely—or where...