RICS Level 2 Survey Chartham

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems, flagging any issues that require attention or further investigation. The survey includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth and the potential costs of future repairs.

In Chartham, our inspectors pay particular attention to issues common in the local area. Many properties here are built on chalk bedrock with overlying clay soils (brickearth), which can cause foundation movement during periods of drought or heavy rain. We also check for signs of damp, a frequent problem in older properties, particularly those with solid walls near the River Stour flood plain. Our surveyors are familiar with the traditional Kentish brick construction used in Chartham's older homes and can identify defects that an untrained eye would miss.

The Level 2 Survey produces a clear, traffic-light rated report highlighting defects as either urgent, requiring attention, or needing monitoring. We explain everything in plain English, avoiding technical jargon where possible. If you're buying a property in Chartham's Conservation Area around The Green, our survey can identify issues that may affect listed building consent requirements or future renovation plans.

With over 60% of Chartham's housing stock built before 1976, the vast majority of properties in the village will benefit significantly from our detailed inspection. The pre-war properties often feature solid wall construction with traditional Kentish brick or ragstone, while post-war homes use cavity wall methods. Each construction type brings its own set of potential issues that our experienced surveyors know exactly how to assess.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Building defect identification
• Market valuation and rebuild costs
• Energy efficiency assessment (optional)
• Traffic-light ratings for priority issues

The property market in Chartham presents unique challenges that make a professional survey essential. With prices decreasing by 2.4% over the past year, buyers need to ensure they're making a sound investment. Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase, knowing exactly what you're getting into financially.

Chartham's proximity to Canterbury makes it a popular choice for commuters and families, but this also means the village has seen significant development in recent years. From the Barratt Homes development at St Augustine's Gate to the Pentland Homes project at Chartham Garden Village, new properties are being constructed at pace. While these new builds come with warranties, they can still have defects that only a trained eye will spot.

The village itself sits on the flood plain of the River Stour, which means certain areas face genuine flood risk. Our surveyors are familiar with the specific flood zones in Chartham and will note any visible signs of water damage or previous flooding. We also assess the general drainage of properties, which is particularly important given the clay soils in the area that can lead to standing water issues.

For those looking at older properties in the village centre, the Conservation Area designation brings additional considerations. Properties here may have restrictions on alterations and renovations, and our survey can highlight any issues that might affect your plans. Whether it's identifying the need for listed building consent or flagging potential costs for bringing an older property up to modern standards, we help you understand the full picture.

Our experience surveying properties across Chartham reveals several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Damp problems are particularly common in the older housing stock, especially Victorian and Edwardian properties built with solid walls. Rising damp due to failed or missing damp-proof courses, and penetrating damp from damaged rainwater goods, feature regularly in our reports for properties near the village centre.

Roof condition is another frequent finding. Many older properties in Chartham have original clay tile roofs that, while charming, can suffer from slipped tiles, degraded felt underlay, and deteriorating lead flashing. These defects can lead to leaks and timber decay if not addressed promptly. Our surveyors inspect roofs from both inside (accessible loft spaces) and outside, providing a complete assessment of condition.

Given the local geology, we also see subsidence and heave issues in Chartham. The clay-rich brickearth soils beneath many properties are susceptible to shrink-swell movement, particularly where mature trees draw moisture from the ground. Properties near the River Stour additionally face flood risk, which can cause long-term structural damage and damp problems. Our report will flag any visible signs of movement or flood damage and recommend appropriate action.

The older electrical and plumbing systems in many Chartham properties also warrant attention. Properties built before the 1980s often have wiring that does not meet current regulations, and we routinely recommend a qualified electrician inspect these systems. Similarly, lead pipes and outdated heating systems are common in pre-war properties, potentially requiring significant investment to bring up to modern standards.

• Rising damp and penetrating damp
• Roof defects and tile slippage
• Subsidence and foundation movement
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Timber decay and woodworm
• River Stour flood risk