RICS Level 2 Survey in DA5

A RICS Level 2 Survey - previously known as the HomeBuyer Report - is a mid-level inspection suited to properties of standard construction that are in broadly reasonable condition. It gives you a structured, professional assessment of the property's condition at the point of purchase, using the RICS traffic-light rating system.

Our inspectors assess all accessible parts of the property, including:

• Roof coverings, ridge, valleys, gutters, and downpipes
• Chimneys and chimney stacks
• External walls, pointing, and window frames
• Internal walls, floors, and ceilings throughout the property
• Roof space where accessible and safe to enter
• Basements and cellars where accessible
• Gas, electrical, plumbing, and drainage services - visual inspection
• Garages and permanent outbuildings

Each element receives a Condition Rating: 1 (no repair currently needed), 2 (defects requiring attention but not urgent), or 3 (serious defects or urgent need for specialist investigation). Areas not inspected are recorded with reasons, so you understand the scope of the report clearly.

Based on the characteristics of Bexley's interwar and Victorian housing stock, and the specific local environmental conditions, these are the defects our surveyors most frequently encounter in DA5 inspections:

• Dampness - rising damp from failed damp-proof courses, penetrating damp through porous brickwork or render, and condensation related to modern insulation and draught-proofing reducing natural ventilation
• Roof deterioration - cracked or slipped clay tiles, failing lead flashings around chimney stacks and parapet walls, blocked or corroded gutters and downpipes causing dampness to external walls
• Outdated or defective electrics - older fuseboard designs without RCD protection, deteriorated wiring insulation, and incomplete or poorly executed consumer unit upgrades
• Structural cracking - diagonal cracking from differential settlement or seasonal shrink-swell ground movement, horizontal cracking in cavity walls from wall tie corrosion, and lintel failures in older openings
• Timber decay - wet rot in ground-floor window frames, door thresholds and external joinery; dry rot where dampness has persisted in enclosed spaces; woodworm in older suspended timber floors
• Drainage and plumbing - cast iron drainage systems in very poor condition, lead supply pipes in the oldest properties, and poorly executed extensions to drainage systems

Surface water flooding is also the largest flood risk in the London Borough of Bexley, with approximately 660 properties at high risk and 13,000 at low risk. Our survey notes evidence of water ingress, but you should also obtain a formal flood risk search through your solicitor as part of the conveyancing process.

The London Borough of Bexley has 23 conservation areas, and the DA5 postcode includes the Old Bexley Conservation Area - one of the borough's most significant designated areas. It was first designated in 1971 and extended in 1987, covering the historic village of Bexley centred on St Mary's Church and the Manor House.

The borough as a whole has over 150 listed buildings. Within the Old Bexley Conservation Area, 18 buildings are individually listed, including properties on and around Bexley High Street. Buying any of these properties carries specific planning obligations - listed building consent is required for most alterations, and any unauthorised works by previous owners can create legal complications that must be resolved before or at purchase.

Our Level 2 Survey report notes the listed status and conservation area context where relevant, and highlights any visible alterations that may warrant further enquiries. For properties where the construction is complex or the condition suggests more extensive investigation, we actively recommend upgrading to a Level 3 Building Survey rather than proceeding with a Level 2.

DA5 sits within the London commuter belt, and survey costs for the wider London and South East region tend to run above the national average. For a RICS Level 2 Survey in this area, typical pricing is in the range of £700 to £1,200 for standard residential properties.

The main factors that affect pricing for a DA5 survey are:

• Purchase price - costs increase with property value; properties above £500,000 average around £586 nationally, though London pricing runs higher
• Property size - larger homes with more rooms and more accessible areas take longer to inspect
• Property age and construction complexity - pre-1919 properties can add 20 to 40% to the survey cost
• Listed status - listed building assessments can add £150 to £400 to the base fee
• Unusual features - multiple extensions, annexes, outbuildings, or non-standard construction

Use our online quote tool for a fixed price based on your DA5 property address. Our pricing is transparent and covers the full inspection, report preparation, and the post-report call with your surveyor. There are no additional fees added after booking.