What each category means
1
Category 1
No immediate action or repair is needed. Normal maintenance still matters and a Category 1 does not mean the item will never need work.
2
Category 2
Repair or replacement requiring future attention. Estimates are still advised, especially for roofs, gutters, stonework, damp, heating or windows.
3
Category 3
Urgent repairs or replacement are needed now. Left unresolved, they may affect safety, other parts of the property, mortgageability or sale price.
What buyers should do
- Read the full notes behind each Category 2 and 3 item.
- Ask the solicitor whether any issue needs title, guarantee or consent checks.
- Get contractor estimates before offering when costs could be material.
- Consider whether the issue affects insurance, lending or future resale.
Important: A Category 2 item can still be expensive. A roof, render, parapet gutter or shared repair may be rated 2 but still deserve careful budgeting.
What sellers should do
- Deal with obvious minor maintenance before the surveyor attends where practical.
- Gather guarantees, safety certificates and alteration paperwork.
- Ask your agent how to explain any visible repair issues to buyers.
- Do not try to hide issues; focus on clear information and realistic pricing.