Level 2 survey
When a Level 2 Survey Flags the Roof
A Level 2 HomeBuyer Report gives you a broad view of the property, but the roof is usually inspected only from ground level. When it flags the roof, a specialist survey gives you the detail you need to decide.
What a Level 2 survey covers on the roof
A Level 2 survey (often called a HomeBuyer Report) is designed as a concise, surface-level assessment of the property. On the roof, that typically means a visual inspection from ground level, using binoculars or from a vantage point — not a close-up, hands-on inspection.
Because of that limited access, a Level 2 survey will often flag the roof conditionally: noting visible defects where seen, or stating that the roof could not be fully inspected and recommending a specialist investigation.
Common roof flags in a Level 2 report
- Roof coverings appear aged or deteriorating
- Slipped or missing tiles/slates visible from ground
- Chimney stack or flashings showing signs of decay
- Roof could not be fully inspected — specialist advised
- Signs of possible past or present leakage
What to do when your Level 2 flags the roof
Don't panic — a flag is a prompt for a closer look, not a verdict. The most useful next step is an independent specialist roof survey, which inspects the roof in detail using drone imagery where appropriate and loft access where available.
We target a written, photographic report within 48 hours. Share it with your conveyancer: if genuine defects exist, the evidence can support a price renegotiation or a request for the seller to remedy the work before completion.
Level 2 vs a specialist roof survey
A Level 2 survey is broad and property-wide; our specialist survey is narrow and roof-deep. They answer different questions. The Level 2 tells you the general condition of the home; the specialist survey tells you exactly what's happening with the roof — and what, if anything, it'll cost to put right.
We do not provide Level 2 surveys. If you need one, instruct a RICS-regulated surveyor — and if they flag the roof, we're here for the specialist follow-up.
Independent by design
We don't sell repairs, so we have no reason to exaggerate. You get an honest report to inform your purchase — nothing more.
Book your survey
Get the roof checked before you commit
From £399, with a photographic report targeted within 48 hours. Tell us the property and your concern — we'll respond within one working day.
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Questions
Frequently asked
A Level 2 survey includes a visual roof inspection, usually from ground level. It will flag obvious defects but won't give you close-up detail. A specialist roof survey provides that depth.
A Level 3 (Building Survey) is more detailed across the whole property but still inspects the roof within the limits of safe access. For roof-specific certainty, a specialist roof survey goes further than either.
Yes. An independent, photographic report gives your conveyancer concrete evidence to support a price reduction or a request for remedial work before exchange.
Know what you're buying. Before you buy it.
Independent specialist roof inspection from £399. Report targeted within 48 hours.