RICS Level 2 Survey in FY3

Our HomeBuyer survey - formally called a RICS Level 2 survey - is the most widely used professional survey for residential property purchases in the UK. Carried out by a qualified RICS member, it covers all visible and accessible parts of the building and produces a structured report using a colour-coded condition rating system that is easy to understand.

Each part of the property receives one of three condition ratings. Condition 1 means no repair is needed at this time. Condition 2 means that repair or replacement will be needed but is not urgent. Condition 3 flags issues requiring urgent attention before or shortly after purchase. This straightforward system means you do not need to be a builder to understand what the report is telling you.

The report also includes a market valuation, which gives you an independent view of what the property is worth. This is separate from the mortgage lender's valuation and reflects the condition of the building as found on the day of inspection. The report also includes an estimated reinstatement cost for buildings insurance purposes, saving you the trouble of calculating this separately.

Legal matters identified during the inspection - such as evidence of alterations that may require building regulations approval, or drainage issues that could affect neighbouring properties - are flagged for your solicitor to investigate. This joined-up approach means the survey feeds directly into your conveyancing process.

• Colour-coded condition ratings for all visible elements
• Independent market valuation included
• Insurance reinstatement cost figure
• Damp, drainage, roof, and services checks
• Legal issues flagged for your solicitor
• Post-survey call with your surveyor available

FY3 sits within the borough of Blackpool, one of England's most recognisable seaside towns. The postcode area takes in parts of the town to the east and south of the central resort strip, including residential neighbourhoods around Stanley Park and the southern parts of Blackpool. The area has a mix of housing types, but semi-detached and terraced properties dominate - reflecting the large-scale residential development that took place across Lancashire during the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

Semi-detached properties were the most common sale type in FY3 over the last 12 months, with an average price of £158,049. Terraced homes averaged £118,579, making them among the more affordable entry points to the local market. Detached properties are less common but present, averaging £288,692. Flats, at an average of £81,178, represent the most accessible price point and are often found in converted Victorian terraces and purpose-built blocks closer to the seafront.

Properties across FY3 were predominantly built during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with further development continuing into the post-war period. Many of these homes have been through changes of use, conversion, or extended periods of rental tenure - all factors that can affect condition. Homes with multiple owners or tenants over decades often accumulate deferred maintenance that is not visible at a casual viewing but which a trained surveyor will identify.

Blackpool Victoria Hospital is one of the largest employers in the area, and the broader Blackpool economy is closely tied to its role as a major tourist destination. These economic factors influence the rental market in FY3, which in turn affects how well properties are maintained over time. Buyers purchasing in FY3 benefit from professional survey support to understand exactly what they are getting before committing.

Our Level 2 survey works well for FY3 properties that appear to be in reasonable overall condition and are of conventional brick construction. If the home you are buying looks well maintained at viewing, has not been significantly altered or converted, and was built using standard methods from the late nineteenth century onward, this survey level will give you the professional oversight you need.

Where a property has been converted into flats, has had structural alterations, or is showing signs of significant deterioration at the viewing stage, a Level 3 Building Survey may be more appropriate. The Level 3 provides a deeper investigation of the structure, describes construction methods in detail, and includes estimates for significant repair costs. Our team can advise you on which level suits your FY3 property before you book.

Many buyers in FY3 also use survey findings as a negotiation tool. If our report identifies condition 2 or 3 items - such as roof repairs, failed pointing, or problematic drainage - you have documented professional evidence to support a request for a price reduction or remediation before completion. Given the competitive pricing of FY3 properties, a relatively small repair bill flagged in the survey can still be meaningful, and having the evidence to negotiate is valuable.

• Conventional brick or traditional properties in reasonable condition
• Semi-detached and terraced homes without major visible defects
• Purchases where you want an independent valuation alongside condition data
• Buyers wanting leverage for price renegotiation
• Properties not showing significant structural concerns at viewing