RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey in Bere Regis

The RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is specifically designed for properties in reasonable condition that are built using conventional construction methods. Our inspectors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space (where safe and accessible), the exterior walls, windows and doors, floors, and interior fixtures. We assess the condition of key structural elements including walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure, identifying any signs of defects, decay, or damage that could require attention. The survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly communicate the severity of any issues found.

In Bere Regis, where many properties date from the Georgian and Victorian periods and some thatched cottages in Shitterton are over 500 years old, our surveyors pay particular attention to age-related issues. We check for signs of damp penetration, which is especially relevant given the local geology that includes clay deposits capable of causing subsidence or heave. We also inspect roofing conditions, examining slate and tile coverings, thatch where present, and flashings around chimneys and dormer windows. Properties in the Conservation Area often feature traditional lime-based renders and historic brickwork from the former Doddings Brickyard, which require specialist assessment.

The survey includes an assessment of services such as electrical installations, plumbing, and heating systems. We note any obvious deficiencies or safety concerns, though we always recommend that you obtain specialist certifications from qualified electricians and gas engineers for full safety assurance. Our report also evaluates the property's insulation and energy efficiency, providing you with a clear picture of potential improvement opportunities that could affect your long-term running costs. For properties in areas prone to groundwater flooding along the Bere Stream, we specifically assess flood resilience measures and drainage functionality.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible defects
• Insulation and energy efficiency
• Boundaries and exterior elements
• Parking and access arrangements

Bere Regis sits at a fascinating geological junction where the chalk of the Dorset Downs dips beneath younger deposits of clay, sands, and gravels. This geological composition has significant implications for property owners. The presence of London Clay and Reading Beds means that properties may be susceptible to ground movement, particularly during periods of drought or heavy rainfall. Clay soils expand when wet and contract when dry, which can lead to subsidence or heave that manifests as cracking in walls, uneven floors, or misaligned doors and windows. The British Geological Survey warns that clay shrinkage subsidence is responsible for around 70% of all subsidence cases in the UK, with the South East particularly at risk, and this risk is projected to increase with climate change.

The village also faces recurring groundwater flooding issues, particularly along the Bere Stream that runs through Shitterton and Bere Regis. Properties in Flood Zones 2 and 3 along the stream corridor may experience periodic inundation, and high groundwater levels can affect septic tanks and sewer systems. During periods of heavy rainfall, roads in the lower-lying areas can become impassable as groundwater rises. When purchasing in these areas, our surveyors pay particular attention to flood resilience measures, drainage systems, and any signs of previous water damage or damp penetration. We also check for pump systems or other flood mitigation measures that may have been installed.

The housing stock in Bere Regis reflects its long and occasionally turbulent history. Major fires in 1777 and previous centuries destroyed many of the oldest buildings, meaning that much of the current property stock dates from the Georgian and Victorian periods onwards. However, Shitterton hamlet retains an exceptional collection of medieval and post-medieval thatched cottages, including Honeycombe Cottage, which dates back approximately 550 years. These older properties, while full of character, require careful inspection for issues common to historic buildings including timber decay, thatch condition, and the integrity of traditional rendered cob walls.

The village centre contains 55 listed buildings, many concentrated along North Street, West Street, and Blind Street. These properties often feature traditional construction methods including locally-made brick from the former Doddings Brickyard, which operated from the 17th century until 1911 using London Clay extracted from the surrounding area. Understanding these construction methods is essential for identifying appropriate repair materials and techniques, as incorrect repairs using modern cement-based products can cause significant damage to historic fabric.

The buildings in Bere Regis showcase a fascinating variety of construction methods that reflect the village's long history and local resources. Traditional properties in the village and surrounding hamlets often feature rendered cob walls, a building technique using earth and straw that was common in Dorset. The hamlet of Shitterton is particularly known for its extensive collection of thatched properties, some dating back centuries. These older buildings typically have thick stone or rubble walls, lime-based renders, and traditional timber-framed windows. The condition of thatch roofing requires careful assessment, as deterioration can lead to significant water ingress and structural damage.

Following the devastating fires that swept through the village, particularly the major fire of 1777, many buildings were reconstructed using local brick. The brickworks at Doddings Brickyard, which operated from the 17th century until 1911, produced bricks using locally extracted London Clay. These bricks were used extensively in the post-fire rebuilding, particularly along West Street, and give much of the village its distinctive character. Understanding these different construction types is essential for identifying appropriate repair methods and materials, as using incompatible modern materials can trap moisture and cause accelerated decay in historic structures.

Modern developments in the area, such as the Rochester Court retirement bungalows at Rye Hill, represent contemporary construction standards with conventional brick and blockwork, insulated cavities, and modern roofing materials. When surveying these newer properties, our focus shifts to checking construction quality, insulation standards, and any potential issues arising from building defects or shortcuts that may have occurred during construction. We also assess the interaction between modern extensions and older original structures where properties have been renovated or extended.