What is a RICS Level 1 Survey?
A RICS Level 1 survey (also called a Condition Report) is the most basic of the three RICS Home Survey standards used in the UK. It gives a simple traffic-light rating (red/amber/green) for the condition of each part of a property, but does not include a valuation, advice, or repair cost estimates.
It's best suited to conventional properties in reasonable condition — typically newer or standard-build homes — where the buyer just wants a quick overview of any obvious problems.
How it compares
- Level 1 (Condition Report): Basic traffic-light ratings, no advice or valuation.
- Level 2 (HomeBuyer Report): More detail, advice on defects, and a valuation.
- Level 3 (Building Survey): Most thorough; suited to older, larger, or non-standard properties.
For a fairly modern, standard property, a Level 1 survey can be enough. For anything older or unusual, a Level 2 or Level 3 survey is generally recommended.