RICS Level 2 Survey in Roos

Roos has been busy, with house prices up 31% over the last year, even though they still sit 7% under the 2023 peak of £295,714. In a market moving like that, buyers want every edge they can get. A Level 2 Survey gives you just that, a professional, independent view of the property’s condition. It suits homes in reasonable shape and built within the last 150 years, which covers most of the housing stock in Roos, where detached properties make up much of the market.

During our inspection, we look at all accessible parts of the property, from the roof, walls and floors to doors, windows, plumbing and electrical systems. We check for damp, rot, structural movement, subsidence and other defects that may not show up at a standard viewing. Outbuildings, garages and the state of the boundaries are also assessed. In Roos, where detached homes with sizeable gardens are common, that broader view helps you see the full picture before you commit.

A traffic light rating system sits at the centre of the Level 2 Survey, making it easy to see the condition of each item we inspect. Green means no issues that need attention, amber points to defects to discuss with the seller or budget for, and red marks serious matters that may need urgent professional input. The format is simple and visual, so the overall state of the property is clear at a glance. With 514 properties in the Roos area analysed for sold prices, the market is active, and a careful survey gives you something solid to negotiate from.

Local housing age is one reason our surveys matter so much in Roos. Many homes in this part of the East Riding were built in the mid-to-late twentieth century, so they are now approaching, or have passed, fifty years old. At that point, roof coverings can deteriorate, plumbing may be ageing, and movement or settlement can show itself after decades. Our surveyors know what to look for in these homes, and that matters. We have also found that properties in Roos often include outbuildings and garages that deserve a close look, because those structures tend to receive less upkeep than the main house.

• Thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Traffic light rating system for clear condition assessment
• Identification of defects and potential future issues
• Professional advice on repairs and maintenance
• Market valuation based on current condition

The RICS Level 2 Survey is made for properties that appear to be in reasonable condition, and it works well for conventional houses, bungalows and flats. Our surveyors check the exterior of the property, including walls, windows, doors, roofs and chimneys, along with interior features such as floors, ceilings, walls and stairs. We also look at plumbing, heating and electrical installations, though we do not test them. The survey sets out the property’s overall condition and points to any areas needing specialist attention.

Another useful part of the Level 2 Survey is the market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate. That matters in Roos, where property values have shifted sharply and prices are currently 7% below their 2023 peak. Knowing the current market value helps you judge whether the asking price is fair, while the rebuild cost matters for buildings insurance. Our surveyors use local knowledge of the Roos market, along with recent sales data and current market conditions, to produce accurate valuations.

For buyers looking at properties in Roos, the Level 2 Survey also flags potential environmental risks or legal issues that could affect the home. Our research did not find specific flood risk or subsidence issues in the Roos area, but the survey will note any visible signs of problems and recommend further investigations where needed. That gives you a fuller picture before you complete the purchase. It is especially useful for the detached homes that dominate Roos, where bigger roofs, extended pipework and wide boundaries may not be obvious at a standard viewing.

We also look at garages, outbuildings and any other structures on the property. In Roos, larger gardens and plot sizes mean these extras are common, and they can represent real value. Our survey identifies defects in these buildings that might affect the value of the purchase or lead to future maintenance costs. Boundaries and access points are checked too, so you understand any rights of way or shared responsibilities attached to the property.