RICS Level 2 Survey in Acrise

A RICS Level 2 Survey, also known as a HomeBuyer Report, provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's condition. Our surveyors examine all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space (where safe and accessible), walls, floors, windows, doors, and permanent fixtures. We assess the overall condition and flag any defects that may affect the value or safety of the property, from minor maintenance issues to significant structural concerns. The inspection covers everything visible to the trained eye, helping you understand exactly what you're buying before you commit financially.

The survey includes a thorough evaluation of the property's construction and materials, looking specifically at the condition of the roof covering, the state of external render and brickwork, the integrity of windows and doors, and the condition of internal joinery. For properties in Acrise, where many homes feature traditional Kentish construction methods including solid wall buildings and historic timber framing, our inspectors pay particular attention to signs of wear, movement, or deterioration that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. We've found that properties in this area often show specific patterns of wear related to their age and construction type.

We also assess essential building services including electrical installations, plumbing and drainage, and heating systems. While we do not conduct invasive testing, our visual inspection can identify obvious deficiencies, outdated wiring, or plumbing concerns that may require further investigation by specialist contractors. The resulting report provides you with a clear, jargon-free assessment of the property's condition, using a simple traffic light system to highlight areas of concern. This makes it easy to prioritise any work that may be needed after purchase.

Additionally, the survey includes a market value assessment and rebuild cost estimation, which proves valuable for insurance purposes. Our report also highlights any legal considerations that may affect the property, such as boundary issues, rights of way, or planning consents that may impact your ownership. For properties in Acrise, we pay particular attention to any implications of the conservation area designation and listed building status, as these can significantly affect what you can and cannot do with the property.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition assessment of roof, walls, floors and windows
• Evaluation of building services and fixtures
• Market value and rebuild cost assessment
• Legal and planning considerations
• Energy efficiency advisory (where applicable)

Properties in Acrise present unique challenges that our surveyors understand intimately. This rural hamlet in the Folkestone and Hythe district features a significant number of older properties, many dating back to the Victorian era or earlier. The presence of listed buildings, including the Grade I listed Acrise Place and the Grade II* listed Church of St Martin, indicates the historical significance of properties in this area. Many homes in Acrise are constructed using traditional methods that differ significantly from modern building practices. We've inspected numerous properties in this area and understand the specific issues that affect them.

The underlying geology in Acrise presents specific considerations for property buyers. The area sits predominantly on Gault Formation - Mudstone, which is known for its shrink-swell potential. This clay-based geology can cause ground movement during periods of extreme wet or dry weather, potentially affecting foundations and structural integrity. Our inspectors are trained to identify signs of subsidence, heave, or movement that may be related to these ground conditions, particularly where mature trees are present near properties. We've seen properties in similar Kent locations where tree roots have exacerbated clay movement issues.

Building materials in the area typically include local ragstone, traditional red brick, and timber framing, with many older properties featuring solid wall construction rather than modern cavity walls. These older construction methods can present challenges including reduced thermal efficiency, limited damp resistance, and the potential for hidden defects in structural timbers. Our surveyors examine these properties with particular attention to the condition of historic building fabric, looking for signs of damp penetration, timber decay, or structural movement that may require attention. We know from experience that solid wall properties in this area often lack proper damp-proof courses.

The flood risk in Acrise is generally low from rivers and the sea, though some areas may experience surface water flooding in localized depressions or near minor watercourses. Our surveyors will note any signs of previous flooding or drainage issues during the inspection. Additionally, for properties within the Acrise conservation area, there may be restrictions on alterations and improvements that affect your future plans for the property. We ensure our reports highlight these important considerations.

• Gault Clay geology and shrink-swell risk
• Solid wall construction in older properties
• Traditional Kentish building materials
• Potential for subsidence or heave
• Historic timber framing condition
• Drainage and surface water considerations

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, even if you have no prior experience with property surveys. Each section of the property is assessed and given a rating: red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention, amber for defects that should be addressed but aren't urgent, and green for satisfactory condition. This system allows you to quickly identify which areas require the most attention. We write our reports with the non-technical reader in mind, avoiding jargon wherever possible.

The report also includes our professional opinion on the property's market value, which you can compare against the asking price. If significant defects are identified, the report provides guidance on what further investigations or specialist reports may be required. We believe in providing practical, actionable advice that helps you understand exactly what you're purchasing and what investment may be needed to maintain or improve the property. Our experience in the Acrise market means we can provide valuable context for the findings.

Our surveyors are happy to discuss their findings with you after you receive the report. If you have questions about any aspect of the survey, or if you'd like clarification on any of the recommendations, our team is here to help. We want you to feel confident in your property purchase decision. Many clients appreciate the opportunity to talk through the report, particularly when significant issues have been identified.