RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Durley

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a thorough inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and joinery, checking for visible defects that could affect the value or safety of the home. The survey includes an assessment of the property's construction materials and building methods, which is particularly relevant in Durley where older properties may feature traditional brickwork or timber framing. We note the type of construction, whether cavity wall or solid wall, and assess the condition of any rendered or clad elevations.

We inspect the condition of the roof covering, including tiles, flashing, and verges, looking for signs of damage, missing sections, or deterioration that could lead to leaks. Our surveyors also examine the gutters and drainage systems, as blocked or damaged gutters are a common cause of penetrating damp in properties throughout Hampshire. We check the condition of the damp-proof course, if visible, and look for signs of rising damp or condensation, which are frequent issues in older homes. In properties with flat roof sections, we pay particular attention to any signs of ponding or blistering that may indicate membrane failure.

The electrical and plumbing systems receive visual inspection, with our surveyors noting the age and condition of visible wiring, consumer units, and pipework. While we do not test the systems, we flag any obvious safety concerns or outdated installations that should be checked by a qualified electrician or plumber. In properties built before the 1970s, which make up a significant portion of Durley's housing stock, outdated electrics are a common finding. We note the type of consumer unit, whether there is evidence of modern RCD protection, and the condition of visible socket outlets and switches.

We also assess the condition of any outbuildings, garages, and boundary walls included in the property. The survey includes a basic review of the grounds, looking for signs of subsidence, movement, or drainage issues that could affect the main structure. Given Durley's location on clay soils prone to shrink-swell movement, our inspectors pay particular attention to any cracks in walls or signs of structural stress. We examine the relationship between the property and any nearby trees, as root systems can draw moisture from clay soils and contribute to foundation movement.

• Wall and ceiling condition
• Roof and gutter inspection
• Damp and rot assessment
• Electrical visible condition
• Plumbing visible condition
• Boundary and outbuildings

Durley sits in an area of Hampshire known for its clay-rich soils, which present specific challenges for property owners. The geology of the South East England means that many properties in Durley and the surrounding villages are built on London Clay and other expansive soils. These clay soils are highly susceptible to shrink-swell subsidence, which occurs when the soil contracts during dry periods and expands when wet. This movement can cause foundations to shift, leading to cracks in walls and structural damage over time. The British Geological Survey GeoSure data identifies this area as having elevated shrink-swell risk, which our surveyors take into account when assessing properties.

The presence of large trees near properties in Durley compounds this risk. Trees, particularly those with extensive root systems like oak, poplar, and willow, draw moisture from the soil during dry spells, causing the clay to shrink and potentially undermining foundations. Our surveyors inspect for signs of subsidence movement, including diagonal cracks, windows that stick, and uneven floors. If we identify potential subsidence, we recommend further investigation by a structural engineer. We also note the proximity of trees to the property and whether foundation depths may be inadequate for the local ground conditions.

Flood risk is another important consideration for properties in Durley. The village is located near the River Hamble, with areas around Durley Mill and Durley School identified as having specific flood risk from the river. Surface water flooding from main roads can also affect the area, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when drainage systems become overwhelmed. Some properties in Durley fall within Flood Zones 2 and 3, which indicate moderate to high flood risk. Our surveyors note the location of the property in relation to flood zones and check for signs of previous flooding or water damage, including watermarks on walls and damaged plasterwork that may indicate past incidents.

Properties in conservation areas, which fall under Winchester City's jurisdiction, may have additional restrictions on alterations and improvements. If you are purchasing a listed building or a property within a conservation area in Durley, we may recommend a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey to assess the specific requirements for historic properties. Winchester District has thirty-seven designated conservation areas, and properties within these zones may require listed building consent for certain works. Our surveyors are familiar with the additional considerations that apply to historic and listed properties in the area.

While Durley itself has limited new build development, with no housing allocation in the current Winchester District Local Plan, there are several new build developments in the surrounding SO32 postcode area that potential buyers should be aware of. The Bellway development at Boorley Gardens, located in the adjacent village of Boorley Green, offers a range of three and four-bedroom houses with prices ranging from £449,995 to £634,995. This development, known as Beauwood at Boorley Gardens Phase 3, Crosswood at Boorley Gardens Phase 3, Denton at Boorley Gardens Phase 3, The Goldsmith, and The Weaver, represents significant new housing stock in the local area.

In nearby Swanmore, Persimmon Homes is developing Cygnet Grange on New Road, with three-bedroom detached houses available from around £455,000. These new build properties may appear to require less scrutiny than older homes, but a RICS Level 2 survey can still identify defects in construction, issues with finishes, and any snagging matters that need addressing before the developer's warranty period expires. Our surveyors are experienced in assessing new build properties and understand the common issues that arise in recently constructed homes.

Within Durley itself, there have been smaller-scale developments and planning applications, including a replacement dwelling at Meadow View on Winchester Road and a proposal for timber cabins on land adjacent to The Farmers Home on Heathen Street. These smaller developments highlight ongoing interest in housing in the area, but they represent limited additional stock. For buyers considering properties in Durley, whether older period homes or newer constructions, a thorough survey provides essential and protects your investment in this desirable village location.

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout Durley and the surrounding SO32 area, we frequently identify several common issues that affect homes in this part of Hampshire. Dampness is perhaps the most prevalent problem, manifesting as rising damp due to failed or missing damp-proof courses, penetrating damp from damaged roofs or gutters, and condensation caused by inadequate ventilation. These issues are particularly common in older properties that were built before modern damp-proofing standards were introduced. We often find that original damp-proof courses have bridged over time through raised ground levels or accumulated debris.

Roof problems are another frequent finding in our Durley surveys. Many properties in the area have older roof coverings that show signs of wear, including missing or broken tiles, damaged flashings, and deteriorating mortar. We often find that ridge tiles have become loose, valleys are blocked with debris, and flat roof sections are showing signs of ponding or blistering. These issues can lead to significant water ingress if not addressed promptly. We also check the condition of any chimneys, which are common on period properties in Durley and can suffer from damaged flaunching or deteriorating brickwork.

Structural movement and subsidence are concerns that our surveyors take very seriously in Durley due to the local clay soils. We look for cracks in walls, particularly those that are diagonal or step-like in pattern, doors and windows that no longer close properly, and floors that feel uneven or bouncy. While some minor movement is common in older properties, significant structural issues can be expensive to remedy and may affect the mortgageability of the property. We specifically examine the relationship between the property and any nearby trees, as the shrink-swell behaviour of clay soils can be exacerbated by tree roots extracting moisture.

Outdated electrical systems are frequently identified in properties built before the 1970s. We often find old-style fuse boxes, fabric-covered wiring, and a lack of modern safety features like RCD protection. These installations may not comply with current electrical safety regulations and should be upgraded by a qualified electrician. Similarly, older plumbing systems with galvanized steel pipes or lead joints are common in Durley's older housing stock and may need replacement. We note the location of the consumer unit and the type of wiring visible in accessible areas, flagging any concerns that should be investigated by a qualified electrician or plumber before completion.