Property guide

Danish property condition report:
what the classifications mean

Updated June 2026 · 4 min read

Denne side er også tilgængelig på dansk: K2 i tilstandsrapport →

A tilstandsrapport is a surveyor's assessment of a property's visible condition. Every defect is classified by severity. Reports from before October 2020 use K1/K2/K3; newer reports use grey, yellow and red — the meaning is identical. This guide explains what each classification means and what you should do as a buyer.

The classification system

Old (pre-2020)New (from 2020)MeaningWhat to do
K3RedCritical defect. Risk of personal injury or major structural damage. Must be repaired immediately.Demand repair or a significant price reduction. Consider walking away.
K2YellowSignificant defect. Should be repaired — can worsen and become more expensive over time.Get contractor quotes. Use them as the basis for price negotiation.
K1GreyMinor defect. No immediate action required, but should be monitored.Note it and plan maintenance over time.
IBIBNothing to note — no visible defect found.No action needed.
UNUNNot investigated — surveyor did not have access to this area.Find out why. Demand independent access before signing.

What yellow (K2) means for you

Yellow is the most common classification in an average Danish property report. It means the surveyor found a defect that should be repaired — not immediately critical, but not something to ignore either.

Key point: Because yellow defects are documented in the report, they are not covered by owner's defect insurance. You take them on as known issues. That is exactly why they matter before you sign. What does owner's defect insurance cover? →

A yellow defect won't automatically kill a deal. Most properties have several. What matters is understanding precisely what you are taking on and whether the price reflects it.

Typical yellow defects

How to use the report in price negotiation

1. Get quotes

Contact one or two contractors — a plumber, carpenter or electrician depending on the defect — and get a written quote for repair. This gives you a concrete number to negotiate from.

2. Request a price reduction

Yellow and red defects are legitimate grounds for a lower price. The seller is aware of them — they are in the report. You are not asking for anything unreasonable. Ask for a reduction matching the documented repair costs.

Negotiation tip: A specific, documented amount is easier for the seller to accept than a rough estimate. Lead with the quotes, not a gut feeling.

UN — not investigated

If you see UN on critical elements — roof, foundation, basement — demand access for an independent assessment before you sign. UN protects the seller's liability but gives you no information. It is a blind spot in the report.

Understand your condition report fully

Upload the report to Elify. We explain every defect in plain English — what it means, what it costs to fix, and what you should do.

Analyse my report free →

Frequently asked questions

What is a tilstandsrapport?

A surveyor's inspection report of a property's visible condition. Mandatory for the seller to limit liability for hidden defects. Defects are classified by severity — grey/yellow/red in newer reports, K1/K2/K3 in older ones.

What does a yellow (K2) marking mean?

A significant defect that should be repaired. Not immediately critical, but it can worsen over time. It is not covered by owner's defect insurance — you take it on as a known issue when you buy.

Can I negotiate the price based on defects?

Yes. Get contractor repair quotes and use them as documented grounds to request a price reduction. Yellow and red defects are fully legitimate negotiation points.

What is a UN marking?

Not investigated — the surveyor had no access. If UN appears on critical elements like roof, basement or foundation, demand an independent assessment before signing.

Does owner's defect insurance cover report defects?

No. It only covers hidden defects not in the report. Everything listed is a known issue and is excluded. The seller must offer to pay 50% of the cheapest policy.