What Is a HomeBuyer Report and What Does It Cover?

If you’re buying a conventional, reasonably modern home, you’ll almost certainly come across the HomeBuyer Report. It’s the most popular property survey in the UK — but what is it, and what does it actually tell you? Here’s a plain-English guide.

The basics

A HomeBuyer Report is the RICS Level 2 survey. It sits in the middle of the three RICS survey levels: more thorough than a basic Level 1 Condition Report, but less exhaustive than a Level 3 Building Survey. It’s carried out by a qualified RICS surveyor and produces a clear, standardised report designed to give buyers the information they need without overwhelming detail.

What it covers

A HomeBuyer Report is a visual inspection of all the accessible parts of the property. The surveyor examines the main elements — roof, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, chimneys, and the visible parts of the services such as plumbing, heating and electrics — and reports on their condition. Crucially, it uses a simple traffic-light rating system: green for no concern, amber for issues needing attention in the near future, and red for serious or urgent problems. This makes the report easy to read at a glance, while the detail behind each rating tells you what the surveyor found and what to do about it.

The report flags visible defects, signs of wear, damp, and any issues that could affect the property’s value or safety. It also offers general maintenance advice and highlights risks worth investigating further before you commit.

What it doesn't cover

A HomeBuyer Report is non-intrusive: the surveyor won’t lift floorboards, move heavy furniture, or open up the structure. It doesn’t go into the depth of a Building Survey, so for older, larger or heavily altered properties it may not be enough. A standard HomeBuyer Report also doesn’t include a market valuation — though you can choose a version that adds one, giving you an independent view of what the property is worth and an insurance rebuild figure.

Who it's right for

The HomeBuyer Report is ideal for conventional houses, flats and bungalows built using standard methods and in reasonable condition — think inter-war and post-war semis, or well-maintained modern homes. If you’re buying a period property, something stone-built, a home that’s been significantly extended, or anywhere you suspect hidden problems, a Level 3 Building Survey is the better choice.

Why it's worth it

For most buyers, a HomeBuyer Report strikes the right balance between cost and reassurance. It can reveal issues you’d never spot on a viewing, give you grounds to renegotiate the price, and help you plan for future maintenance — all before you’re legally committed.

Book a HomeBuyer Report in Lancashire

Our RICS surveyors carry out HomeBuyer Reports across Preston, Lancashire and the North West, written in plain English and backed by genuine aftercare. Call 01772 419277 or request a quote to get started.