RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey in Compton

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's condition, identifying any significant defects or issues that might affect your purchase. The survey includes a detailed visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, from the roof space to the foundations, and everything in between. We examine the walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, checking for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and other common defects that could impact the property's value or require future investment.

Given that over 70-80% of properties in Compton are over 50 years old, our inspectors pay particular attention to the specific issues affecting older housing stock. This includes assessing traditional solid wall construction, which is prevalent throughout the village, and identifying potential problems with outdated electrical systems, plumbing, and heating installations that often require upgrading in period properties. Many homes in Compton still retain their original consumer units, which would not meet current electrical safety regulations.

We also evaluate the property's environment, including any flood risk from surface water in lower-lying areas and the potential impact of shrinkable clay soils on foundations. The geology around Compton includes chalk deposits from the South Downs overlain with clay and sand in places, which can create foundation challenges, particularly where trees are present. Our survey reports include clear ratings for each element inspected, from "good" to "urgent repair," helping you understand exactly what work may be needed after purchase.

The RICS Level 2 Survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, which proves valuable for mortgage purposes and ensuring you have adequate buildings insurance coverage. For properties in Compton's Conservation Area or those with Listed Building status, we provide specific guidance on any issues that may affect the property's special character.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Timber conditions and rot
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Energy efficiency considerations

Properties in Compton face specific challenges that our surveyors understand intimately. The traditional brick and flint construction common throughout the village, using local red and brown bricks with flint detailing, creates particular inspection requirements. This older construction method often lacks cavity walls, meaning insulation may be inadequate and moisture can travel more easily through the fabric of the building. Our inspectors know what to look for when assessing these traditional walls, including the condition of any render finishes that may be hiding underlying defects.

The local geology presents another factor our surveyors consider carefully. While the chalk bedrock of the South Downs provides stable ground in many areas, pockets of clay deposits create potential for shrink-swell movement that can affect foundations. This is particularly relevant for properties with large trees nearby, where root systems can both draw moisture from the soil (causing shrinkage) or introduce moisture (causing heave) when trees are removed. We have inspected properties along the lanes approaching the village centre where these foundation issues have manifested as cracking or movement.

Surface water flood risk affects lower-lying parts of Compton, particularly properties near the minor watercourses and drainage ditches that run through the village. Our surveyors assess the property's position in relation to these risk areas and will flag any concerns about flood resilience. Additionally, the rural nature of Compton means many properties rely on private water supplies or septic tanks, which fall outside the scope of a standard survey but which we can advise you to investigate separately.

The presence of asbestos-containing materials in properties built or renovated before 2000 is another consideration in Compton's older housing stock. Our surveyors are trained to identify potential asbestos in Victorian and Edwardian-era pipe insulation, decorative finishes, and building materials, and will recommend further investigation where appropriate.

The housing stock in Compton presents several recurring issues that our surveyors frequently identify during inspections. Damp problems are particularly common in the older properties that dominate the village, with rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation affecting many period homes. These issues often relate to the age of properties, inadequate ventilation, or failed damp-proof courses that have deteriorated over decades. We regularly find damp readings elevated in ground-floor walls where original damp-proof courses have broken down or were never installed in the first place.

Roof conditions represent another significant area of concern. Many homes in Compton feature original roof coverings that have deteriorated over time, with common issues including slipped tiles, failing leadwork around chimneys and valleys, deteriorated roofing felt, and timber decay in roof structures. Given the traditional slate and clay tile roofs found throughout the village, our inspectors carefully assess these elements for signs of wear, previous repairs, and potential water ingress that could lead to more serious problems if left unaddressed.

Timber defects, including woodworm and both wet and dry rot, frequently affect floor timbers, roof timbers, and joinery throughout Compton's older properties. These issues are often related to underlying damp problems or poor ventilation, and our surveyors identify the extent of any timber decay and recommend appropriate remedial action. We commonly find evidence of woodworm activity in floorboards and roof struts, particularly in properties where airflow has been restricted by modern improvements like double glazing.

Subsidence and structural movement can affect properties in areas with shrinkable clay soils, especially where trees are present. Our surveyors examine walls for signs of cracking that might indicate foundation movement, assessing whether this is historic or active. Properties on the edges of the village near agricultural land may also show signs of settlement or movement that requires monitoring or remedial underpinning.

• Damp and moisture problems
• Roof deterioration
• Subsidence from clay soils
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Outdated electrical systems
• Asbestos-containing materials