RICS Level 2 Survey in BN43

Flint is the defining building material of historic West Sussex, and Shoreham-by-Sea has a notable concentration of flint-faced properties in its older streets. Flint walls are typically constructed as a rubble core with dressed or knapped flint facing, bound with lime mortar. When well maintained, flint walls are durable and attractive. When poorly maintained - or worse, when lime mortar has been replaced with hard cement - moisture is driven into the wall and can cause serious dampness and deterioration.

Our inspectors assess flint walls carefully, noting the condition of pointing, any evidence of moisture tracking, and whether previous repointing has used inappropriate materials. In older flint properties, we also check the internal wall faces for tide marks and salt bloom that can indicate long-term moisture movement through the wall.

Coastal exposure in Shoreham-by-Sea affects all exterior materials, not just flint. Salt-laden air accelerates the corrosion of metal fixings, the degradation of timber frames and soffits, and the deterioration of external render finishes. On properties facing south or west towards the sea, we pay close attention to the condition of external joinery, roof flashings, and any metal components. Unadvertised corrosion found during a survey has saved many BN43 buyers from inheriting expensive remedial works after purchase.

Our RICS-qualified surveyors carry out a methodical inspection of the property from boundary to ridge, following the RICS Home Survey Standard. In BN43, where coastal exposure and riverside setting create additional risks beyond those found in inland properties, our inspectors apply specific attention to the areas most affected by the local environment.

For properties with flint or solid brick walls, we check for damp penetration using calibrated moisture meters at regular intervals across all external wall faces at ground floor level. We assess repointing quality, looking for inappropriate cement that could trap moisture in breathable historic walls. On the roof, our surveyors assess tile and slate condition using binoculars from ground level, noting any slipped or cracked units, deteriorated ridge pointing, and the condition of all lead flashings and verge mortar.

Timber elements receive careful attention in Shoreham properties. We probe accessible floor timbers for wet rot and woodworm, and where roof space access is available, we inspect rafters, purlins, and ceiling joists for moisture, pest damage, and structural adequacy. External timber joinery - fascia boards, soffits, window frames and doors - is assessed for paint adhesion, rot, and the effectiveness of weatherproofing, which degrades faster in coastal conditions than in sheltered inland areas.

• Flint and brick walls: pointing type, moisture readings, salt bloom and damp penetration
• Roof: tile and slate condition, ridge mortar, lead flashings at chimney junctions and dormers
• External joinery: paint condition, rot checks, weatherproofing at coastal exposure elevations
• Internal walls and ceilings: cracking patterns, staining from above and from external walls
• Services: consumer unit age, boiler age and visible pipework condition
• Floors: springiness, accessible timber probe testing, and any signs of raised ground levels

Shoreham-by-Sea has seen riverside and waterfront development along the Adur, with schemes such as the Ropetackle development bringing contemporary apartments to the riverbank. Hyde New Homes offers shared ownership 2-bedroom properties at Kingston Wharf on Brighton Road (BN43), providing an entry point into homeownership in an area where average prices sit above £460,000.

New-build and recently converted riverside apartments in BN43 carry specific inspection considerations. Cladding specification is an important question for any flat above ground floor level - following the national focus on fire safety, buyers should confirm that external cladding materials comply with current standards and that an EWS1 form is available where required by the lender. Service charge structures and sinking fund balances should be reviewed in conveyancing, particularly for waterfront developments where ongoing maintenance costs can be high.

Our RICS Level 2 Survey covers newly built homes only if they are more than two years old and beyond the developer's defect liability period. For brand-new properties at Kingston Wharf or elsewhere in BN43, a snagging inspection is the appropriate service, covering all the specific checks relevant to newly completed construction before you legally complete the purchase.