RICS Level 2 Survey in Boughton under Blean

The RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is specifically designed for properties in conventional condition, typically those built after 1850 using standard construction methods. During the inspection, our qualified surveyors examine all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe and accessible, walls, floors, windows, doors, and permanent fixtures. We provide a detailed assessment of the property's overall condition, categorising issues by severity from urgent matters requiring immediate attention to recommendations for future maintenance.

In Boughton under Blean, where many properties along the historic high street were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, our surveyors pay particular attention to the common issues found in period properties. This includes checking for signs of damp penetration, assessing the condition of original windows and timber frames, evaluating older roofing materials, and identifying any structural movement that might indicate subsidence or foundation issues. The Kent environment, with its mix of historic buildings and varied weather patterns, can take its toll on older properties, making a thorough survey essential.

The survey result includes a clear traffic light rating system, giving you an instant understanding of which areas require urgent attention and which are in satisfactory condition. Properties in Boughton under Blean, particularly those along the historic high street, may receive amber or red ratings for elements such as roof coverings, chimneys, or external render, reflecting the age and character of the local housing stock. This detailed assessment provides you with powerful negotiating leverage if significant repairs are needed, which is particularly valuable in the current market where prices have dropped 12% in the last year.

Our surveyors also provide a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost estimate as part of the RICS Level 2 report. This valuation is based on current market conditions in Boughton under Blean and the wider Swale area, giving you confidence that you're paying a fair price for the property. The insurance rebuild cost is crucial for ensuring your new home is adequately insured from the day you complete.

• External walls, windows, and doors
• Roof, chimneys, and gutters
• Damp proofing and ventilation
• Floors, stairs, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems (visual inspection only)
• Garage and outbuildings

Boughton under Blean offers a diverse range of housing, from charming period cottages along the historic high street to modern family homes in newer developments. The village has seen recent development activity, including a 16-dwelling project on land adjacent to Bull Lane, featuring a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties. Of these, seven are designated as affordable housing, comprising six rental properties and one for sale. considering a character property with original features or a newer build, each type presents unique considerations that a professional survey can address.

The character properties in Boughton under Blean, particularly those originally built in the early 1900s, often feature traditional construction methods that require expert assessment. These might include solid brick walls, original timber-framed windows, and pitched roofs with traditional coverings. While these features add to the property's charm and character, they also require careful inspection to ensure they meet current standards and don't require significant maintenance or repair. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and can identify issues that might be missed by less experienced eyes.

The village's location in Kent means properties are subject to the local climate, which can bring damp conditions during wet winters and temperature variations throughout the year. For older properties, this can exacerbate issues such as rising damp, condensation, and weathering of external materials. Our surveyors are familiar with how Kent's weather affects local properties and can identify issues that might be missed by a less experienced eye. We check for proper ventilation, assess the effectiveness of existing damp proofing measures, and recommend solutions where needed.

According to ONS data for Kent, the sales breakdown by property type shows terraced properties at 32.2%, semi-detached at 29.5%, detached at 22.7%, and flats at 15.6%. In Boughton under Blean, semi-detached properties have been the most common sales type in the last year. This mix of property ages and types means that a RICS Level 2 survey is valuable buying a modern family home or a historic cottage. Each property type has its own set of potential issues that our experienced surveyors know to look for.

• Historic high street character properties
• Period cottages (pre-1919)
• Inter-war and post-war housing (1919-1980)
• Modern developments
• New build properties
• Properties in or near conservation areas