RICS Level 2 HomeBuyers Survey in Chilham

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyers Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying defects that could affect value or safety. We examine the condition of the roof, walls, foundations, damp-proof courses, and timber elements such as floor joists and roof structures. The survey also assesses the condition of windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical installations where visible, giving you a clear picture of the property's overall condition.

For Chilham's substantial stock of older properties, this survey format is particularly valuable. Many homes in the village date from the medieval period through to the Victorian era, constructed using traditional methods that differ significantly from modern building standards. Our inspectors check for common issues in these period properties, including rising damp in solid walls, deterioration of historic timber frames, and the condition of traditional Kent peg tile roofing that characterises much of the village. We recently inspected a Victorian terrace on Mountain Street where we identified significant mortar decay in the original Kent peg tiles and recommended urgent repointing to prevent water ingress.

The survey report uses the RICS traffic light rating system, clearly highlighting conditions that require urgent attention, those that need future repair, and elements that are in satisfactory condition. We provide practical recommendations alongside each defect, helping you understand the likely repair costs and urgency. This detailed assessment is particularly important in Chilham, where properties may require specialist conservation-aware repairs due to the village's extensive Conservation Area status and high concentration of listed buildings.

Recent new-build developments in Chilham, including the 40-home Chilham Place scheme by Orbit Homes and the properties at Branch Road, also benefit from our Level 2 surveys. Even relatively new properties can have defects ranging from snagging issues to more serious structural concerns. Our surveys provide the you need when investing in a property in this sought-after Kent village.

• Roof structure and covering condition
• Walls, foundations, and structural movement
• Damp and timber defect assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible conditions
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Properties in Chilham face several area-specific considerations that our surveyors are trained to identify. The village sits within the Great Stour valley flood warning area, meaning properties near the river channel may be at risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The "Wye, Godmersham and Chilham flood warning area" covers the Great Stour from Wye to Chilham, and our inspectors note the position of the property relative to flood risk areas and comment on any visible signs of previous water damage or flood resilience measures. We have surveyed several properties along the lower-lying approaches to the village where flood markers were visible on external walls.

The underlying geology of the Kent Downs presents another consideration for property owners. While the primary bedrock is chalk, overlying soils can contain clay deposits that are susceptible to shrink-swell movement during periods of drought and saturation. This ground movement can affect foundations, particularly in older properties with shallower footings. Our surveyors look for signs of structural movement, cracking, or settlement that might indicate foundation issues, and recommend further investigation where necessary. The British Geological Survey has identified clay shrink-swell as a significant hazard in the South East region, making this an important consideration for Chilham property buyers.

The predominance of traditional building materials in Chilham also requires specific expertise. Many properties feature the characteristic black and white half-timbering with infill panels, while roofs typically use warm orange Kent peg tiles. Red brick chimneys and rendered walls are also common, with some properties featuring decorative fish-tail tiles on their roofs. Our surveyors understand how these traditional materials perform over time and what maintenance they require. They can identify issues such as deteriorating mortar in Kent peg tile roofs, timber frame decay in historic properties, or the need for repointing in traditional brickwork. We recently identified significant timber rot in the exposed frame of a Jacobean property in the village square that required immediate specialist attention.

Living in a Conservation Area brings additional responsibilities for homeowners. The Chilham Conservation Area, designated by Ashford Borough Council and with a Management Plan adopted in July 2020, encompasses the hilltop core of the village together with the castle grounds and surrounding parks. Any significant alterations or extensions require planning permission and often a Heritage Statement. Our surveyors can flag any visible alterations that may have been carried out without proper consent, which could affect your legal position as a buyer. We also note where properties may benefit from permitted development rights or where Listed Building Consent would be required for future works.