RICS have implemented a new Home Survey Standard which will become the best practice benchmark for surveyors moving forward. This new RICS Home Survey Standard will replace the Homebuyer Survey and we will be referring to it as a Level 2 (HomeBuyer) Survey from now on to retain a sense of familiarity with the products that we offer.

Adopting this Standard allows us to continue to demonstrate our commitment to promoting and enforcing the highest standards in the residential surveying sector. It also enables us to demonstrate consistency, deliver the highest quality of service, meet evolving consumer needs and also contribute to delivering trust in the home survey market across the UK. 

RICS worked with members, stakeholders and established leaders’ forums to capture the views of lenders and consumers on what was wanted in a condition-based survey. The consultations concluded on the need for a professional statement – a set of mandatory requirements for all RICS members. 

The purpose of this professional statement is to: 

 • establish a clear framework that sets minimum expectations – this to protect and maintain consistent and high-quality standards in residential property survey services that RICS members and regulated firms provide 

• provide mandatory requirements for RICS members and regulated firms in the UK who deliver any level of residential property survey 

• replace and harmonise previous RICS publications relating to residential surveys. 

 The new standard will better protect buyers and sellers, with emphasis on making sure that consumers fully understand the importance and benefits of commissioning a home survey and what will be included in their survey before purchasing a property, as the process and language has undergone simplification and survey offerings are standardised. 

Upon calls from surveyors and consumers for more clarity in home surveys, the new Home Survey Standard will increase consistency, transparency and competency across residential surveying in the UK. The new standard aims to deliver not only increased clarity to the process but more open communication which will greatly benefit property transactions and will make sure consumers fully understand the process, the different levels of surveys and what is included in each one, and how to get the level they need. 

Avery have worked hard to ensure that we understand these changes and all of our surveyors are aware of what the new RICS Home Survey Standard entails. There will be no change to high levels of customer service you receive and our team are happy to discuss any questions you may have. Our hope is that, apart from a name change, you will not not notice any difference at all as we continue to provide our home survey and home survey and valuation reports to our customers.

You can contact us here to book a survey or valuation or call our friendly team on 0151 321 2000  or 0330 088 5040.