RICS Level 2 Survey in Arun

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying defects that could affect value or safety. We examine the walls, roof, windows, doors, floors, and ceilings, as well as the building's services including plumbing, electrical systems, and heating. The survey includes an assessment of any visible signs of damp, rot, structural movement, or alterations that may have been carried out without proper building control approval.

In the Arun district, our surveyors frequently encounter issues related to the age of local housing stock. Many properties in areas like Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, and Rustington were constructed during the mid-20th century building boom, meaning they may have original features that require updating. We check the condition of roofs, which in coastal areas can suffer from salt exposure, and assess whether windows and external joinery have been properly maintained against the elements.

The Level 2 survey also includes a clear traffic light rating system that highlights areas of concern in red, amber, or green. This helps you quickly identify the most serious issues that may require further investigation or negotiation with the seller. We provide practical advice on what repairs or improvements should be prioritised and estimated costs where possible.

We also include a market valuation as part of our standard Level 2 survey, which helps you assess whether the asking price reflects the property's actual condition. Given that the Arun property market saw a 1.8% decrease in average prices over the past year, with flats experiencing a significant 5.1% decline, having independent valuation advice is particularly valuable in the current market conditions.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Assessment of property condition and defects
• Traffic light rating system
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Market valuation
• Energy efficiency matters

Our experience surveying properties across the Arun district reveals several recurring themes. Many homes in the area, particularly those built between the 1930s and 1970s, may have original electrical systems that fall well below current standards. Rewiring is often recommended for properties that have not been updated in the last 25-30 years. We also commonly find outdated plumbing with galvanised steel pipes that are prone to internal corrosion and reduced water pressure.

Roof conditions are another frequent area of concern. Properties across West Sussex can suffer from missing or slipped tiles, deteriorating flashings, and ridge tile issues that lead to water ingress. In coastal areas like Littlehampton and Climping, salt-laden winds accelerate the deterioration of roof coverings and external render. Our surveyors pay particular attention to these environmental factors when assessing properties in the Arun district.

Damp and condensation issues appear regularly in our reports, particularly in properties with inadequate ventilation or solid walls that lack cavity insulation. Ground floor rooms in older terraced properties are especially susceptible to rising damp if the original damp-proof course has failed or was never installed. We measure moisture levels and provide recommendations for addressing any damp problems discovered during the inspection.

Windows and doors in older properties often show signs of deterioration, particularly in exposed coastal positions where timber can rot and UPVC units can become brittle. We check all window and door frames for signs of damage, ensure opening mechanisms function properly, and assess whether (sealant) around windows has failed. These issues may seem minor but can lead to significant heat loss and rising energy bills.

The Arun district presents unique challenges for property buyers that make a professional survey particularly valuable. The area's proximity to the coast means properties are exposed to salt-laden air, which can accelerate the deterioration of external materials including roof tiles, render, and timber joinery. Homes in Littlehampton, Climping, and along the coast require careful assessment of their exposure to these environmental factors.

The housing stock in Arun spans multiple eras, from Victorian and Edwardian period properties in town centre locations to post-war housing estates and modern coastal developments. Each era brings its own typical defects and maintenance requirements. Our surveyors understand these patterns and know exactly what to look for regardless of the property's age or construction type.

With the recent market adjustments showing a 1.8% decline in average property values and a particularly significant 5.1% drop in flat prices, buyers need to be confident they're making the right financial decision. A professional survey provides that confidence by revealing the true condition of the property. Rather than relying on the seller's description or what you can see during a viewing, you'll have an independent, expert assessment of exactly what you're buying.