The traffic-light system
To make reports easy to act on, Level 2 and Level 3 surveys give the main elements of a property a condition rating of 1, 2 or 3 — a simple traffic-light system that lets you see at a glance what needs attention and how urgently.
Condition Rating 1
No repair is currently needed. The element is in a serviceable condition and only requires normal ongoing maintenance. These items are not a cause for concern.
Condition Rating 2
Defects that need attention or repair but are not considered serious or urgent. These are items to budget for and plan, rather than emergencies — but they should not be ignored, as deferred maintenance can escalate.
Condition Rating 3
Defects that are serious and/or need urgent repair, replacement or further investigation. These are the items to focus on first: they may affect cost, safety, your negotiating position, or whether you proceed. A Level 3 report explains the likely cause and consequences in more depth.
Using the ratings
Read the 3s first, then the 2s. Use them to prioritise repairs, budget realistically, decide whether further specialist investigation is needed, and inform price negotiations. ‘NI’ (not inspected) flags areas that could not be accessed and may warrant follow-up. If anything is unclear, that is what the free follow-up call is for.
Key takeaways
- Rating 1: no repair needed — normal maintenance only.
- Rating 2: needs attention but not serious or urgent — plan and budget.
- Rating 3: serious and/or urgent — prioritise; may need further investigation.
- ‘NI’ means an element was not inspected (e.g. no safe access).
- Use the ratings to prioritise, budget and negotiate.
Frequently asked questions
What does a condition rating 3 mean?
It flags a defect that is serious and/or needs urgent repair, replacement or further investigation. These are the items to address first and to factor into cost and negotiation.
Is a rating 2 a problem?
It is a defect that needs attention but is not serious or urgent. It should be planned and budgeted for rather than treated as an emergency, but not ignored.
What does ‘NI’ mean in a survey report?
‘Not inspected’ — the element could not be accessed or safely examined. It may warrant further investigation, which the surveyor can explain on the follow-up call.
This guide is general information, not advice on a specific property. Every building differs — for findings specific to a property you are buying, book a survey.