RICS Level 2 Survey Borough Green

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, focusing on all major visible elements including the roof, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical systems. We examine the structural integrity of the building, checking for signs of subsidence, damp penetration, or timber defects that are particularly relevant to Borough Green's older properties. The survey includes assessment of extensions and modifications, which is essential given the number of period properties that may have been altered over decades or centuries of occupation.

Properties in Borough Green present unique survey considerations due to the area's geological setting and historical building stock. The village sits within an area with undulating topography, with the North Downs to the north, and many homes built using traditional materials including brick, timber-framing, and local ragstone. Our inspectors pay particular attention to the condition of older roofs, the presence of damp in period properties, and the state of historic windows and doors that characterize many homes in this area. We also assess any flood risk from the nearby Busty Stream, which affects certain properties in the village. Given that property prices in the TN15 8 postcode area grew by 1.0% in the last year, understanding the true condition of your investment is more important than ever.

The Level 2 survey format is ideally suited to properties in Borough Green given the significant proportion of homes over 50 years old, including Victorian and Edwardian properties built along the High Street and Station Road. These older properties often require careful inspection of their traditional construction methods, which differ substantially from modern building techniques. The village began to expand significantly in the 1830s, meaning many properties along the main roads date from this period and beyond. Our survey report provides a clear condition rating system for each element, highlighting issues that require immediate attention, those that need future monitoring, and those that meet acceptable standards.

• Roof structure and covering condition
• Walls, foundations, and structural elements
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber defect assessment
• Plumbing and electrical installations
• Extensions and alterations
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Flood risk and drainage assessment

Borough Green faces specific environmental challenges that our inspectors address during every Level 2 survey. The area adjacent to the Busty Stream carries medium to high risk of fluvial flooding, with properties in certain locations having between 1% and greater than 3.3% chance of flooding in any given year. Additionally, many areas near the stream face high risk of surface water flooding, meaning water can travel along Borough Green Road and affect properties in its path. Our surveyors assess drainage systems, look for signs of previous water ingress, and provide guidance on flood resilience for affected properties.

The geological conditions in the Borough Green area also warrant careful inspection during our surveys. The local geology includes clay deposits that can cause shrink-swell movement, potentially leading to subsidence issues in properties with shallow foundations. This is particularly relevant for older buildings that may have been constructed before modern foundation standards were established. The area sits between the scarp face of the North Downs to the north and the rolling greensand ridge to the south, creating varied ground conditions across the village. Our inspectors examine walls and foundations for signs of movement, cracks, or settlement that might indicate underlying structural concerns.

The presence of 12 Grade II listed buildings in Borough Green, including properties dating back to the 16th century such as The Old Manor House and Hunts Farmhouse, means some purchasers may be acquiring properties with unique historical and construction characteristics. Notable listed buildings also include Fourways House dated 1751, the Red Lion Public House with its 17th Century wing, and the historic cottages along Sevenoaks Road. While a RICS Level 2 survey provides valuable information for listed buildings, our team will advise if a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey might be appropriate given the specialized nature of historic property maintenance. These older properties often require understanding of traditional building techniques and may face restrictions on certain repair methods due to their listed status.

Your Level 2 survey report uses a clear rating system to categorize the condition of each element inspected. Properties in Rating 1 indicate good condition with no repair needed, while Rating 2 signifies minor defects requiring routine maintenance. Properties receiving Rating 3 highlight serious defects that require urgent attention or specialist investigation, and Rating 4 indicates severe defects requiring immediate specialized attention. This straightforward system helps you quickly identify which issues require the most urgent action.

For Borough Green properties, common Rating 3 findings might include roof covering deterioration on period properties, damp penetration in older walls, or inadequate electrical installations in homes that have not been updated for decades. Many Victorian and Edwardian properties along the High Street and Station Road retain their original electrical systems, which may not meet current regulations. Our reports provide specific recommendations for addressing each issue, including guidance on whether repairs should be undertaken by general contractors or specialist tradespeople. We also estimate the likely cost implications for significant defects, helping you budget for future maintenance.

The report includes a property valuation and insurance rebuilding cost estimate, which proves useful for mortgage purposes and ensuring you have adequate building insurance coverage. Given that property prices in Borough Green average over £450,000, having an accurate rebuilding cost ensures you are not underinsured. Our chartered surveyors use current building cost data to provide realistic estimates based on the property's construction type and size. This is particularly important for older listed buildings where rebuilding costs can significantly exceed market value due to the specialized materials and techniques required for historic property repairs.