RICS Building Survey Guide

A RICS building survey is one of the most recognised forms of property inspection in the UK. Produced in line with standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), these surveys are designed to help buyers, owners and investors understand the condition of a building before making financial or maintenance decisions.

Bloomsbury Surveyors provides RICS building survey advice in Brighton, Hove and across Sussex. This guide explains what a RICS building survey is, how the different survey levels work and when a more detailed inspection may be appropriate.

If you would like a general overview first, visit our Building Survey Advice Brighton hub.

What Is a RICS Building Survey?

A RICS building survey is a property inspection carried out by a qualified surveyor following recognised professional standards. The aim is to provide a structured report on visible condition issues, potential defects and maintenance risks.

RICS surveys are commonly used when buying residential property, but they can also be useful for owners, landlords and investors who want professional advice on building condition.

A RICS building survey helps identify:

Visible building defects
Signs of damp or moisture problems
Cracking and structural concerns
Roof condition issues
External maintenance defects
Areas needing further investigation

RICS Survey Levels Explained

RICS surveys are commonly grouped into levels depending on how detailed the inspection is. The main options most buyers encounter are Level 2 and Level 3 surveys.

RICS Level 2 Survey

A RICS Level 2 survey is generally suited to more conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition. It provides a structured overview of visible defects and highlights issues that may need repair or further investigation.

This type of survey may be appropriate for:

Modern properties
Homes of standard construction
Properties without major visible defects
Buildings that have not been heavily altered

However, it may not be detailed enough for older or more complex buildings.

RICS Level 3 Building Survey

A RICS Level 3 building survey is a more detailed inspection and is often recommended for older, altered or higher risk properties. It provides fuller commentary on condition, visible defects and likely repair considerations.

This type of survey is commonly appropriate for:

Period properties
Buildings over 80–100 years old
Converted properties
Buildings with visible defects
Properties requiring refurbishment
Non-standard construction

Many Brighton and Hove properties fall into this category because of the age and character of the local housing stock.

What a RICS Building Survey Report Includes

The exact detail depends on the level of survey and the property, but most RICS building survey reports will include commentary on key building elements and visible defects.

This may include:

Roof condition
External walls and masonry
Internal walls and ceilings
Floors and structure
Windows and doors
Visible damp issues
Signs of cracking or movement
General maintenance issues

The report should also help the client understand the likely significance of what is found.

RICS Building Survey vs Mortgage Valuation

One of the most common misunderstandings is assuming a mortgage valuation provides the same protection as a RICS building survey. A valuation is primarily for the lender and is usually limited in scope. It is not designed to provide the buyer with detailed condition advice.

A RICS building survey, by contrast, is intended to help the buyer understand the building itself and any visible risks.

Read more on our Pre Purchase Survey Brighton page.

When a RICS Building Survey Is Recommended

A RICS building survey is often recommended when:

You are buying property
The building is older
The property has been altered
There are visible defects
You want reassurance before committing
You are planning refurbishment

In Brighton and Sussex, many properties are older or converted, which often makes a more detailed survey a sensible precaution.

Common Issues Found in RICS Building Surveys

Common defects identified during RICS surveys include:

Cracking linked to movement
Damp penetration
Roof defects
Timber deterioration
Maintenance backlogs
Poor previous repairs

Related defect pages include:

RICS Surveys and Brighton Period Property

Brighton contains a large number of Regency and Victorian properties, many of which have been altered over time. These buildings often benefit from a more detailed inspection because age and maintenance history can influence condition significantly.

Common issues in older Brighton property include:

Historic cracking
Moisture related defects
Roof ageing
Solid wall behaviour
Poor historic alterations

A RICS Level 3 style survey is often more appropriate for these types of buildings.

RICS Surveys for Investors

Property investors often use RICS building surveys to understand risk before committing to acquisition or refurbishment. A survey can help identify repair liabilities and condition issues that may affect project budgeting or programme planning.

Read more on our Survey For Property Investors page.

Why Professional Survey Advice Matters

A RICS building survey helps buyers and owners move beyond assumption. It provides a structured and professional assessment of the property so decisions can be based on evidence rather than appearance.

A survey can help:

Reduce purchase risk
Identify repair priorities
Clarify visible defects
Support negotiation
Improve maintenance planning

How Bloomsbury Surveyors Can Help

Bloomsbury Surveyors provides RICS building survey advice in Brighton, Hove and across Sussex. We help buyers, owners and investors understand property condition clearly through professional inspection and reporting.

Whether you need a survey before purchase, advice on visible defects or guidance on the right survey level, we provide practical advice tailored to your property and situation.

Related Building Survey Pages

Frequently Asked Questions

What does RICS stand for?

RICS stands for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a professional body setting standards for property professionals.

What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3?

Level 2 provides a general overview of condition, while Level 3 provides more detailed inspection and commentary.

Which RICS survey is best for older properties?

Older and altered buildings are often better suited to a Level 3 building survey.

Do I need a RICS survey in Brighton?

Many Brighton properties benefit from a survey due to age, conversion and coastal exposure factors.

Do you provide RICS building surveys across Sussex?

Yes. We provide building survey advice across Brighton, Hove and Sussex.

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