RICS Level 2 Survey in Camber | From £400

A RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as a HomeBuyer Report, provides a thorough inspection of the main accessible elements of a property. Our surveyors examine the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the roof space (where safe and accessible), damp proofing, insulation, and drainage systems. In Camber, where many properties are situated close to the coast, special attention is given to identifying signs of salt erosion, moisture penetration, and corrosion of metal fixtures, all of which can be accelerated by the marine environment.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's condition using a simple traffic light system: red for urgent repairs requiring immediate attention, amber for defects that need negotiating before completing the purchase, and green for satisfactory condition. Our surveyors also provide market value and reinstatement cost assessments, which are essential for ensuring you have adequate buildings insurance and are not overpaying for the property. Given the recent price corrections in Camber, with some streets showing decreases of over 60% from their peak, these valuations are particularly important for ensuring you are making a sound investment.

For properties in Camber, our surveyors are particularly mindful of the local flood risk from rivers, the sea, and groundwater. While the immediate flood risk may be low on any given day, the long-term coastal erosion and the low-lying nature of Romney Marsh mean that flood resilience and drainage are critical considerations. We check for evidence of past flooding, water staining, damp proofing measures, and the condition of any existing flood barriers or defences. The Broomhill Sands coastal defence scheme provides protection for approximately 1,300 homes, but our surveyors still assess each property's individual resilience.

The RICS Level 2 Survey also includes a thorough assessment of the property's electrical systems, plumbing, and heating infrastructure. In older properties in Camber, which may contain traditional building materials such as flint, sandstone, and lime mortar, the condition of aging electrical wiring and plumbing is particularly important. Our surveyors will identify any outdated consumer units, inadequate earthing, or older pipework that may require upgrading.

• Walls and foundations
• Roof and chimneys
• Damp and moisture
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing and drainage
• Windows and doors
• Thermal elements and insulation
• External joinery

Flood risk is a significant consideration for property buyers in Camber, situated on the low-lying Romney Marsh where much of the land is at or below sea level. The area faces long-term flood risk from multiple sources: rivers, the sea, surface water, and groundwater. However, substantial coastal defence works have been undertaken along Camber Sands, particularly on the eastern third of the beach, to upgrade sea defences and protect the surrounding area. These works were necessary due to unsustainable groynes and an unacceptable flood risk to the low-lying marshland.

The Broomhill Sands coastal defence scheme, located between Camber and Jury's Gap, provides protection for approximately 1,300 homes and over 100 businesses. This scheme has increased the standard of protection from a 1-in-20-year event to a 1-in-200-year event, taking into account predicted sea level rises. The scheme includes new rock revetments, wave walls, additional shingle on the beach, and replacement timber groynes. Despite these defences, the Camber Village Supplementary Planning Document highlights that flood risk regulations pose challenges for new housing development in the area.

Our surveyors will check for evidence of past flooding, water damage, and the condition of any existing flood resilience measures. We also assess the property's drainage systems, which are critical in an area with high groundwater levels and clay soils that can impede drainage. Historical flooding has been reported on Old Lydd Road, and our surveyors are aware of areas that may be more susceptible to surface water flooding during heavy rainfall events. The drainage assessment is particularly important given the clay and silt deposits that underlie much of the surrounding area, which can restrict water movement and lead to localized flooding.

When purchasing a property in Camber, it is advisable to consider the property's flood resilience features, such as raised electrical sockets, waterproof ground floor finishes, and the presence of any flood barriers. Our surveyors will note these features and provide recommendations for improving flood resilience where appropriate. We also check the condition of any existing flood defence structures that may be the responsibility of the property owner, such as retaining walls or drainage systems.

Properties in Camber and the surrounding East Sussex area showcase a variety of construction methods and materials that reflect the local geology and historical building traditions. Camber Castle, a notable historic structure in the area, was constructed from yellow and grey sandstone and brick, demonstrating the materials available locally. Understanding these traditional materials is essential for assessing the condition of older properties in the area.

Flint cobbles and pebbles, often laid to course or decoratively, are extensively used as building stone across the East Sussex coastline. These were historically collected from beaches and downland fields, creating the distinctive appearance of many traditional properties in the area. Our surveyors are experienced in assessing flintwork, identifying areas where pointing may be deteriorating or where structural integrity may be compromised. Wealden Sandstone, including Ashdown Sandstone and Tunbridge Wells Sand, is also a prevalent building material, typically appearing as coursed rubble stone or roughly cut blocks.

For newer constructions and extensions in Camber, oak framing has become a popular choice in East Sussex, valued for its durability and traditional aesthetic. Brick remains a widespread material, with some buildings featuring external render. Roof coverings in the area commonly consist of plain clay tiles and Welsh slate, and our surveyors will assess the condition of these elements, checking for damaged or missing tiles, signs of weathering, and the condition of ridge tiles and flashings.

The age profile of properties in Camber varies, with the majority (84.8%) being whole houses or bungalows according to 2021 Census data. Properties may range from traditional period cottages to modern developments, and each requires a different approach to assessment. Our surveyors understand that older properties may have been constructed with different standards and materials than modern buildings, and we tailor our inspection accordingly to identify issues that may be specific to the property's construction era.