RICS Level 1Essential overviewConventional property

RICS Level 1 Survey

An essential condition overview for conventional properties where a concise level of inspection and reporting is appropriate.

A concise survey level

Level 1 is the most concise of the three RICS survey levels in the BRS service range.

Useful when the property is straightforward and you need an essential overview.

The survey is intended to identify significant visible issues and provide a concise picture of condition.

It does not offer the same depth of defect analysis or repair guidance as Levels 2 and 3.

Included in Level 1

A clear summary of what this survey is designed to cover.

Level 1 stays focused on the essentials so the most important visible points are easier to understand.

Condition overview

A concise summary of the visible condition of the property.

Significant visible issues

Important visible defects are identified so they stand out clearly.

Accessible internal and external areas

The inspection considers the accessible parts of the property within the agreed scope.

Further attention where needed

The report makes clear where another opinion or closer investigation may help.

Conventional residential property
Suitable situations

A proportionate survey for simpler property situations.

The exact fit depends on the property and the level of information required.

  • 01Conventional constructionA straightforward residential property type.
  • 02Reasonable conditionWhere no major complexity is apparent.
  • 03Essential overviewFor buyers who need a concise condition summary.
Residential property inspection detail
Focused on visible condition.

The exact scope follows the agreed survey service and accessible areas of the property.

01

Exterior

Visible external elements and overall condition.

02

Interior

Accessible internal elements and visible defects.

03

Condition

Key issues presented in a concise format.

04

Next step

Clear indication where further attention may be appropriate.

Compare survey levels

Compare Level 1 with Levels 2 and 3.

If the property is older, altered, unusual or you want more detail, another level may be more suitable.

02

Level 2

More detail

  • Visible defects
  • Condition ratings
  • Maintenance context
03

Level 3

Greatest depth

  • Complex buildings
  • Likely causes
  • Repair considerations
Property survey report checklist
Level 1Essential condition overview
What you receive

A focused report built around the significant visible points.

The Level 1 report is deliberately concise and condition-focused.

01

Condition overview

A concise picture of visible property condition within the scope of the Level 1 service.

02

Significant issues

Important visible matters are identified so they are easier to pick out from the rest of the property.

03

Further attention

Where something needs closer investigation or another professional opinion, that need can be made clear.

Before choosing Level 1

Keep the survey proportionate to the building.

If the property is older, altered, unusual, visibly deteriorated or you simply want more detailed commentary, Level 2 or Level 3 may be more appropriate.

Compare services →
Level 1 questions

Useful points to understand before you request the survey.

What is the purpose of a Level 1 Survey?

It provides an essential overview of visible condition for simpler property situations without the deeper analysis associated with Levels 2 and 3.

Does Level 1 include repair advice?

It is intentionally more concise. If detailed defect analysis or repair guidance is important to you, a higher survey level may be a better fit.

What if the property is older or altered?

Those characteristics can call for greater depth, so Level 2 or Level 3 may be more appropriate depending on the property.

RICS Level 1

Need an essential condition overview?

Share the property details and select RICS Level 1 in the quote form to start the enquiry.

Request a quote