RICS Level 2 Survey Barnham

The Barnham property market offers a diverse range of housing, from charming terraced cottages in the Church Lane Conservation Area to substantial detached homes on modern developments. With average property values exceeding £390,000 and many homes selling for significantly more, the cost of a survey represents excellent value for money. Our inspectors frequently examine properties across the village, from traditional brick and flint cottages near St Mary's Church to newer builds on the Century Gardens development. The average detached property in Barnham commands over £563,000, making survey costs a minimal insurance premium against potential defects.

Barnham's housing stock presents varied survey considerations. The village contains several listed buildings, including the impressive Grade I listed Barnham Court, a 17th-century Artisan Mannerism house of red brick. Properties in or near the Conservation Area often feature traditional construction methods including timber-framing with brick infilling, plaster, and flint walling. These older properties may present issues such as damp, outdated electrical systems, or roof condition concerns that a Level 2 survey will identify. Our surveyors know exactly what to look for when examining these traditional construction methods and can spot signs of historic movement or deterioration that untrained eyes would miss.

Recent new build activity in Barnham includes developments by Barratt David Wilson Homes at Century Gardens on Church Lane, where three and four-bedroom homes range from £500,000 to £575,000. While newer properties typically require less extensive investigation, our surveys still provide valuable assurance. We check visible defects, review construction quality, and ensure your new home meets expected standards. Even on new builds, we frequently identify issues such as inadequate insulation around windows, poorly fitted doors, or drainage falls that could lead to future problems. With the major strategic development of up to 1,250 homes between Barnham, Eastergate and Westergate now approved, even more buyers will need professional survey advice.

The village has seen 107 property sales in the last twelve months, with semi-detached properties forming the majority of transactions. This mix of property types and ages means that every survey we conduct in Barnham is different. Whether you are buying a Victorian terrace near the station or a modern detached home on the edge of the village, our detailed inspection provides the confidence you need to proceed with your purchase or negotiate on the basis of our findings.

• Protection for £400,000+ investments
• Identification of hidden defects
• Negotiation leverage for repairs
• Confidence in your purchase decision

Understanding local construction methods helps our surveyors identify potential issues specific to Barnham properties. The village features a distinctive mix of building materials reflecting its history. Properties in the Church Lane Conservation Area commonly use brick, flint, plain grey clay tiles, and natural slate. These traditional materials require specific knowledge to assess properly, and our experienced surveyors understand how they perform over time. The combination of brick and flint walling, while visually attractive, can sometimes hide hidden defects such as mortar deterioration or insect activity in timber elements.

Many older properties in Barnham feature timber-framed construction with red brick infilling, a building method that can be susceptible to structural movement if not properly maintained. The presence of clay tiles and slate roofing, while attractive, often indicates properties of considerable age that may have undergone various alterations over the decades. Our inspectors know what to look for when examining these traditional construction methods, checking for signs of past movement, repair work, or deterioration that might not be apparent during a casual viewing. Properties like the Grade I listed Barnham Court demonstrate the craftsmanship of earlier eras, but also require careful assessment of their structural integrity.

Barnham's geology, typical of West Sussex, includes areas where clay soils dominate, which can lead to shrink-swell movement affecting foundations. The parish council recognises flood risk areas within the community, with flood mapping available as a local resource. While not all properties are affected, our surveyors are aware of these local factors and pay particular attention to signs of movement or damp in properties where these conditions may be present. The proximity to the River Arun and low-lying areas means that some properties near the station and along certain roads may have elevated flood risk that our survey will flag.

The chalk and clay geology underlying much of Barnham can contribute to ground movement, particularly during periods of drought or heavy rainfall. Our surveyors inspect foundations carefully, looking for signs of subsidence or heave that might indicate problems with the underlying soil conditions. Properties on the newer developments at Century Gardens and St George's Park were built with modern foundations designed for the local conditions, but even these should be checked for any signs of settlement or movement that could indicate future problems.

• Brick and flint construction
• Clay tile and slate roofing
• Timber-framed structures
• Traditional heritage materials

Barnham is experiencing significant growth with several new residential developments either under construction or recently approved. The strategic site between Barnham, Eastergate, and Westergate has received outline permission for up to 1,250 homes as part of Arun District Council's Local Plan. This major development will include a new primary school, care home, retail space, and public open areas. The first phases of this development are already underway, with infrastructure works beginning in 2024. This represents the largest expansion of Barnham in its history and will significantly change the character of the village.

On the edge of Barnham, the Land South of Barnham Station has outline planning permission for up to 200 homes, including provisions for affordable housing. These developments, combined with existing new builds at Century Gardens and St George's Park, mean increasing numbers of buyers in Barnham are seeking professional surveys. Even on new properties, our Level 2 survey provides valuable assurance and identification of any construction issues. St George's Park, built by Elivia Homes on the Barnham Road, includes 30 dwellings with a mix of affordable and market housing, and the first residents moved in during mid-2024.

For buyers considering properties on these new developments, our surveys can identify issues such as inadequate insulation, poorly fitted windows, drainage problems, or construction defects that may not be apparent during a viewing. With property prices ranging from £500,000 to over £575,000 for new four-bedroom homes, the investment in a survey is minor compared to the potential cost of unexpected remedial works. We have surveyed numerous properties on the Century Gardens development and understand the typical construction methods and common issues that can arise with these newer properties.

The growth in Barnham also brings considerations for buyers regarding flood risk. The parish council maintains flood mapping for the area, and certain locations near watercourses and low-lying land may have elevated flood risk. Our surveyors will flag any potential flood risk issues identified during the inspection and provide advice on the steps buyers should take to verify the flood risk to any property they are considering purchasing. This is particularly relevant for properties near the River Arun or in areas identified on the local flood maps.