Level 2 or Level 3 survey for a 1960s leasehold flat

Buying & Selling
1

My mother is selling her leasehold flat in the Midlands, a purpose-built block from the mid 1960s. The buyer’s solicitor has been in touch and the buyer is arranging a survey. Mum asked me whether we should be concerned about what level of survey they go for, as she has heard a Level 3 can throw up all sorts and potentially scupper the sale.

The flat itself is in reasonable condition, rewired about ten years ago, combi boiler replaced five years ago, no signs of damp that we can see. The block has had roof work done in the last couple of years funded through the service charge reserve. I managed a rental property for years and never had a survey cause a problem, but that was a fairly modern house, not a 60 year old flat.

Has anyone sold a flat of this age and had the buyer go for a Level 3? Did it cause issues or is it generally fine if the place is well maintained?

2

We only had a Level 2 on ours but it was a new build so not really comparable. A friend bought a 1960s maisonette last year and the buyer’s Level 3 flagged some cracking in the external brickwork which turned out to be cosmetic, but it still caused a three week delay while they got a structural engineer in. If the block has been well maintained and the roof has been done recently I’d say you’re probably fine, but you can’t really control what the buyer chooses to commission.

3

Thanks @ContentCoventry, that’s useful to know. I think we are leaning towards just letting the buyer crack on with a Level 2 and seeing what comes back. It’s a straightforward purpose-built block with no obvious issues, so a Level 3 feels like overkill unless the surveyor flags something that warrants it. Mum just wants to know what to expect if the buyer comes back with queries.