RICS Level 2 Survey BN12 6 Goring-by-Sea

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our inspectors examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and important fixtures, assessing the overall condition and identifying any defects that may affect the property's value or safety. In BN12 6, where properties range from 17th-century thatched cottages in Ferring to contemporary new-build apartments, this comprehensive approach helps buyers understand exactly what they are purchasing. We spend typically 2-3 hours on site for a standard three-bedroom property, ensuring no area is overlooked.

The survey includes an assessment of the property's construction and materials, with particular attention to the specific building methods used locally. Our inspectors are experienced with the flint-faced walls common in older properties along Jefferies Lane, the rendered 1930s Moderne houses popular in Goring-by-Sea, and the traditional red brick construction seen in properties like Goring Hall. We check for signs of dampness, structural movement, roof deterioration, and timber defects that are particularly relevant to the local housing stock. Our team has identified numerous defects specific to this area, including salt weathering on external joinery and corrosion of metal fixtures due to the coastal location.

Following the inspection, you will receive a detailed report with clear ratings for each element of the property - Condition Rating 1 (no repair needed) through to Condition Rating 3 (urgent repair or serious defects requiring attention). The report also includes our professional advice on legal matters that your conveyancing solicitor should investigate, ensuring you have full visibility before completing your purchase. Each section of the report uses traffic-light coding so you can quickly identify which areas require immediate attention versus those that can be monitored over time.

The survey also includes an energy efficiency rating review, providing you with an overview of the property's current energy performance. This is particularly valuable in BN12 6 where many older properties may have single glazing, inadequate insulation, or outdated heating systems. Understanding these factors helps you budget for potential improvements after purchase.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Assessment of construction and materials
• Identification of defects and disrepair
• Energy efficiency rating review
• Advice on legal and regulatory matters
• Clear condition ratings with priority recommendations

The BN12 6 area presents specific challenges for property buyers that our Level 2 surveys address comprehensively. Many properties in Goring-by-Sea and Ferring were built before modern building regulations, meaning issues such as inadequate insulation, single glazing, and outdated electrical systems are frequently encountered. Our inspectors assess these defects and provide practical guidance on remediation costs. In older properties along Ferring Street and around the conservation areas, we commonly find solid-wall construction without cavity insulation, which can lead to higher heating costs and condensation issues.

The coastal environment of BN12 6 means properties are exposed to maritime weather conditions that can accelerate wear on external surfaces. Salt-laden air can cause corrosion of metal fixtures and deterioration of certain render types, while the proximity to the sea increases the risk of damp penetration in older properties. Our surveyors specifically examine properties for these coastal-specific defects, drawing on their knowledge of how the local environment affects building materials. We have seen numerous cases where rendered 1930s Moderne properties along Sea Lane have suffered from salt damage to external wall ties and embedded metalwork.

Given that a significant proportion of housing in BN12 6 dates from the 1950s onwards, with scattered older properties from the 17th to 19th centuries, our inspectors frequently identify issues related to aging infrastructure. This includes deteriorating roof coverings, original timber windows requiring renovation or replacement, and plumbing systems that may contain outdated materials. The report provides clear guidance on which issues require immediate attention and which can be monitored over time. We also check for signs of movement or subsidence, which can be a concern in areas with clay-rich soils that shrink during dry spells.

The geology of the BN12 6 area, which sits on the plain to the south of the South Downs with chalk bedrock and overlying brickearth deposits, means that properties may be at risk of shrink-swell subsidence during prolonged dry weather. Our surveyors are trained to identify the early signs of this type of movement, including cracking patterns in walls and door operation issues. Properties in areas like Highdown and near the Ferring Rife flood plain may also face additional considerations that our team understands from local experience.

Understanding the construction methods used in BN12 6 is essential for identifying potential defects, and our surveyors bring this expertise to every inspection. The area showcases a remarkable variety of building styles, from the oldest properties in Ferring village centre to the modern apartments at Elizabeth Square. The flint-walled cottages along Jefferies Lane and near St Mary's Church represent traditional building methods that required significant skill, and our inspectors know how to assess the condition of these historic structures without causing damage.

The 1930s Moderne properties that characterise much of Goring-by-Sea, particularly along Sea Lane, Ilex Way, and Oak Avenue, were built with render finishes that were innovative for their time but can now present challenges. These properties often feature white-painted render under pitched pantile roofs, and our team understands how to identify render failure, cavity wall tie corrosion, and the specific defects that affect this era of construction. Many of these homes have been lovingly maintained, but others may show signs of age-related deterioration that our survey will reveal.

Newer developments in the area, such as the Bellway Homes properties at Elizabeth Square, represent modern construction methods with contemporary materials. While these properties typically require less remediation than older homes, our Level 2 surveys still add value by identifying any snagging issues or construction defects that may not be apparent to buyers. Even new-build properties can have defects, and having a professional assessment provides and documentation of the property's condition at handover. Our team has surveyed numerous properties at Elizabeth Square and understands the common issues that can affect this type of modern coastal development.

Purchasing a property in BN12 6 is a significant investment, and our Level 2 survey provides the information you need to make a confident decision. With average property prices at £372,336 and detached properties averaging over £500,000, understanding the true condition of your potential new home is essential. Our survey identifies defects that may not be visible during a viewing, from hidden damp issues in flint-walled cottages to structural concerns in 1930s properties that have settled over decades.

The coastal location of BN12 6 brings unique considerations that local knowledge helps us address effectively. Properties within the Ferring Rife flood warning area, or those near the seafront in Goring-by-Sea, face different risks than inland properties, and our survey accounts for these factors. We assess the condition of coastal defences, examine properties for signs of damp related to sea spray exposure, and provide guidance on maintenance requirements for properties in this marine environment.

For properties within the multiple conservation areas in BN12 6, including the Goring Hall Conservation Area, Ferring Conservation Area, and the Ilex Way, Oak Avenue and Sea Lane conservation area, understanding any restrictions or maintenance requirements is valuable. Our survey includes advice on matters that your solicitor should investigate, including any planning permissions or listed building consents that may affect the property. This ensures you are fully informed before completing your purchase and can budget appropriately for any necessary works.