The short answer
A RICS Level 1 Condition Report is the most basic and lowest-cost survey of the three RICS levels, typically the least expensive option for a conventional home. It gives a concise overview using the RICS traffic-light ratings (1 green, 2 amber, 3 red) to flag the condition of the main elements, but contains little advice and no valuation. The fee is set by the surveyor based on the property's size, value and location. A Level 1 report suits newer, conventional properties in good condition where you mainly want reassurance; it is rarely enough for older, larger or altered buildings, where a Level 2 or Level 3 survey is more appropriate.
The Condition Report is the entry-level RICS survey. Here is what it costs, exactly what it does and doesn't include, and the kinds of property it is — and isn't — suited to.
Level 1 Condition Report — at a glance
- Cost positionLowest of three levels
- RatingsTraffic-light 1, 2, 3
- AdviceMinimal — flags only
- ValuationNot included
- Suited toNewer, conventional homes
What a Condition Report includes
The RICS Level 1 Condition Report is the simplest survey in the RICS Home Survey Standard. It is a visual inspection that gives a snapshot of the property's condition without detailed analysis. You receive:
- Traffic-light ratings for the main elements of the property — rating 1 (green, no repair needed), rating 2 (amber, attention needed but not urgent) and rating 3 (red, serious or urgent defects).
- A summary of risks and any urgent issues for your legal adviser.
- Comments on the general condition, but without the detailed defect advice of a HomeBuyer Report.
Crucially, a Condition Report does not tell you the likely cause of a defect or the repairs needed, does not include a valuation, and does not give the surveyor's advice in the depth a Level 2 or Level 3 survey would. It is designed to flag, not to diagnose.
How the cost compares across the three levels
The Condition Report sits at the bottom of the RICS pricing ladder. The table shows the relative position of the three levels for guidance.
| Survey level | Relative cost | Depth of advice |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 — Condition Report | Lowest | Ratings only, minimal advice |
| Level 2 — HomeBuyer Report | Middle | Ratings plus defect advice |
| Level 3 — Building Survey | Highest | Detailed cause and repair analysis |
Indicative relative positioning for guidance only. Actual fees are set per property. Source: RICS Home Survey Standard.
When a Condition Report is — and isn't — enough
The Level 1 report is appropriate for a narrow set of circumstances. It works well for:
- Newer or modern properties of conventional construction.
- Homes that are clearly in good condition with no obvious defects.
- Buyers who want a basic condition check and a list of any red flags, rather than detailed advice.
It is generally not enough for older or period properties, buildings of non-standard construction, homes that have been significantly extended or altered, or any property where you already suspect problems with damp, the roof, movement or timber. In those cases the Condition Report's minimal advice can leave important questions unanswered — you may simply be told an element is amber or red and to investigate further, without any guidance on cause, severity or cost.
If you are unsure which level you need, it is worth speaking to the surveyor about the specific property before booking. Choosing a Level 1 report to save money on a building that really needs a Level 2 or Level 3 survey is a false economy, because the cost of an undiscovered defect almost always dwarfs the difference between the survey fees.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Level 1 Condition Report include a valuation?
No. The Level 1 Condition Report does not include a market valuation. If you want a value figure as part of the survey, you would need a Level 2 HomeBuyer Report with the valuation version, or arrange a separate valuation.
Is a Condition Report enough for an old house?
Usually not. The Condition Report gives traffic-light ratings with minimal advice and does not diagnose the cause of defects. Older, period or altered properties carry more risk, so a Level 2 HomeBuyer Report or a Level 3 Building Survey is generally more appropriate.
What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 survey?
A Level 1 Condition Report gives traffic-light ratings with little advice and no valuation. A Level 2 HomeBuyer Report adds advice on the defects found and can include a market valuation, making it more suitable for properties where you want guidance, not just flags.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on the specific property and survey level. They are guidance, not a quotation.