RICS Level 2 Survey in Burton and Dalby

The Burton and Dalby Parish encompasses several charming villages with a mix of housing stock spanning several centuries. Many properties in this area feature traditional construction methods, including some with thatched roofs and historic building materials. Great Dalby maintains its own Conservation Area, meaning properties here may have specific considerations for buyers. Little Dalby Hall, originally built around 1580, represents the heritage richness of the parish, though largely rebuilt in 1951. When purchasing any property in this area, understanding the condition of the building is essential before committing to your purchase.

Our inspectors have extensive experience surveying properties throughout Melton Borough. They understand how the local geology and soil conditions can affect buildings over time, and they know what to look for in properties that may have been built using traditional methods common to Leicestershire. The age of housing stock in Burton and Dalby means that many properties will be over 50 years old, making a thorough survey particularly valuable. We have surveyed properties throughout the parish and understand the common issues that affect homes in this area, from roof conditions to structural movement.

Recent market data shows some adjustment in property values across the area. Burton Lazars saw prices approximately 22% down on the previous year and 26% down from the 2023 peak of £483,000. Great Dalby properties were around 3% down on the previous year and 30% down from their 2016 peak. These price adjustments make it even more important to understand exactly what you are buying. A RICS Level 2 Survey helps you avoid unexpected repair costs that could further impact your investment.

There is a particular need for two and three-bedroomed houses and bungalows in the parish, according to local housing assessments. This demand, combined with the limited supply of appropriately sized properties, means that buyers need to act quickly when suitable properties become available. However, regardless of the property type or size, obtaining a professional survey before completing your purchase is essential to protect your investment.

• Traditional thatched roof properties
• Period cottages and farmhouses
• Conservation Area properties
• Modern family homes
• Properties requiring modernisation

Properties in Burton and Dalby often present unique challenges due to their age and traditional construction. Many homes in the area feature older roofing materials, including traditional thatch on some properties. Historical records indicate that some properties in the parish were previously covered in corrugated iron due to maintenance costs before being re-thatched in the 1980s and 1990s. Our surveyors are experienced in assessing the condition of these roofing types and can identify issues such as wear, leaks, or the need for specialist maintenance that might not be apparent to the untrained eye.

Damp is a common issue in period properties throughout Leicestershire, and Burton and Dalby is no exception. Older properties built with traditional methods may have rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation issues, particularly if the property has been poorly maintained or if ventilation is inadequate. Our surveyors use their experience to identify signs of damp and assess the likely cause and extent of any problems found. We check walls, floors, and ceilings for evidence of moisture damage and recommend appropriate remediation.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older properties frequently do not meet current regulations. Many homes in the parish will have wiring and pipework that dates from previous decades, potentially presenting safety concerns or requiring expensive upgrades. We note the condition of visible electrical and plumbing installations and recommend that qualified electricians and plumbers carry out further testing before completion. This is particularly important for properties that may have been subject to DIY modifications over the years.

The parish includes around ten farm-based businesses, and some properties in the area may have been adapted for commercial use or have non-standard construction elements. Small business units are located at Lower Hall Farm in Burton Lazars and at the former Melton Airfield. Our surveyors know how to assess these different property types and can identify any issues that might affect your intended use of the property. We also check for any issues related to nearby agricultural activities that might affect residential properties.

• Thatched and historic roofing
• Rising and penetrating damp
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Traditional plumbing systems
• Structural movement
• Window and door deterioration
• Non-standard construction adaptations

Timing your survey correctly is important in the home buying process. We recommend arranging your RICS Level 2 Survey as soon as your offer is accepted, but always check with your mortgage lender if they require a survey as part of their valuation process. Some lenders include a basic valuation as part of their mortgage offer, but this is not the same as a full survey and may not identify defects. Getting your survey arranged early gives you more time to review the results and negotiate if needed.

Our surveyors work throughout Burton and Dalby and the wider Melton Mowbray area. We offer flexible appointment times to fit in with your purchase timeline and can often accommodate short-notice bookings. Once the survey is complete, you will have the information you need to proceed with confidence or to renegotiate your offer based on the true condition of the property. We understand that buying a property can be a stressful process, and we aim to make the survey as straightforward as possible.

The current property market in Burton and Dalby reflects broader national trends, with prices having adjusted from their peaks in recent years. This makes it even more important to understand exactly what you are buying. A survey helps you avoid costly surprises after you move in and gives you leverage in negotiations if issues are found. Whether you are buying a family home in Great Dalby, a cottage in Burton Lazars, or a property anywhere in between, a RICS Level 2 Survey from Homemove gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase.

The need for two and three-bedroomed houses and bungalows in the parish indicates the demand for properties suitable for families and retirees in this area. If you are considering purchasing a property that may require modernisation or extension, our survey can identify any structural issues or potential problems that might affect your plans. We provide advice on ongoing maintenance requirements and suggest specialists you might need to consult for further investigations.