RICS Level 2 Home Survey in E16 1 Canning Town

Our RICS Level 2 survey, also known as the Home Survey, provides a comprehensive assessment of the property condition without the exhaustive detail of a full building survey. The inspection covers all accessible areas of the property, from the roof down to the foundations, and identifies any defects, potential issues, or areas requiring urgent attention. We examine the structural elements, dampness levels, timber condition, and test the basic functionality of electrical and plumbing systems.

In E16 1, our surveyors regularly encounter properties ranging from Victorian terrace houses built in the late 19th century to brand new apartments in developments like The Oxygen on Western Gateway, Balearic Apartments, and Queens Cross. Each property type presents its own challenges, and our inspectors are trained to identify issues specific to each construction method and era. For instance, Victorian properties often have solid walls without cavity insulation, while modern developments may have balcony waterproofing systems that require careful inspection.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's structure, walls, roof, dampness, timber condition, and services. We check for signs of subsidence common in some older London properties, assess the condition of flat roofs common in many modern E16 developments, and evaluate the electrical and plumbing systems. Our report then categorises issues by priority, using traffic light ratings so you can quickly understand which problems require immediate attention and which are less urgent. This system follows the RICS condition rating framework, with ratings of 1 (no repairs required), 2 (repairs required but not serious), and 3 (serious issues requiring urgent attention).

Given the riverside location of many E16 1 properties, particularly those near the Royal Docks, we pay particular attention to flood risk assessment and the condition of any ground floor or basement areas. We also assess the adequacy of drainage systems and check for signs of previous water ingress that might not be visible to the untrained eye.

• Structural integrity assessment
• Damp and timber analysis
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Electrical and plumbing review
• Energy efficiency observations
• Flood risk assessment for riverside properties

The E16 1 postcode has undergone tremendous transformation over the past decade, with major developments like Hallsville Quarter, Royal Wharf, and the Silvertown Quays regeneration scheme bringing thousands of new homes to the area. While this regeneration has created exciting opportunities for buyers, it has also introduced new considerations that a professional survey can address. Many of these new developments are built at pace, and our experience shows that snagging issues are common in recently completed properties across areas like Western Gateway and the Royal Docks.

The mix of housing stock in E16 1 presents unique challenges that vary significantly between property types. Victorian properties in Canning Town, particularly those on streets like Edwin Street and Keats Avenue, often date back to the late 1800s and were built with construction methods that differ substantially from modern standards. These older properties may have solid walls without damp-proof courses, outdated electrical wiring that does not meet current regulations, and roofing that has been patched multiple times over the decades.

Modern apartment blocks, while built to contemporary standards, face their own set of potential issues. The rapid pace of development in E16 means that some buildings have been constructed quickly, and we frequently identify defects in flat roof systems, balcony waterproofing, and communal drainage. Properties like Those in Balearic Apartments and The Oxygen often feature complex external wall systems that require careful assessment. Additionally, the high-rise nature of many developments means fire safety considerations are increasingly important in our surveys.

With property prices in E16 1 ranging from around £270,000 for smaller flats in developments like Ariel Apartments to over £540,000 for larger units in developments like The Oxygen, the investment in a Level 2 survey represents excellent value for money. The average price of £472,645 means that even a small issue identified during the survey could save you thousands in repair costs or provide valuable leverage in price negotiations with the seller.

The E16 1 area presents a diverse range of properties, each with their own potential issues. Victorian properties in Canning Town, many of which date back to the late 1800s, often suffer from damp problems due to the solid wall construction methods used at the time. Rising damp is particularly common in these older terraces, where the original damp-proof course may have failed or was never installed. We regularly find evidence of damp in ground floor rooms and basements, particularly after periods of wet weather.

In the many modern apartment blocks that dominate the E16 1 skyline, we frequently identify issues related to flat roofs and balcony areas. While these developments are relatively new, the rapid pace of construction in the area means that defects in waterproofing systems can emerge within the first few years. Our surveyors pay particular attention to balconies, communal areas, and roof terraces in properties like The Oxygen, Balearic Apartments, and Queens Cross. We have found instances of inadequate drainage, poorly installed balcony doors, and defects in flat roof membranes that could lead to water ingress if not addressed.

The riverside location of E16 1 also means that flood risk is a consideration for ground floor properties and those in lower-lying areas near the Royal Docks. While major developments often have modern drainage systems, we assess the history of flooding in the area and check whether properties have adequate flood resilience measures in place. Surface water flooding can occur during heavy rainfall events, particularly in more urbanised parts of the postcode where drainage can be overwhelmed. We also check the condition of any flood barriers or pumps that may have been installed in newer developments.

Structural movement is another issue we encounter in older terraced properties in E16 1, particularly those built on London Clay which can shrink and swell with moisture changes. While minor settlement cracks are common in older properties, our surveyors are trained to identify signs of more significant movement that might indicate subsidence. We also check for signs of previous structural repairs and assess the adequacy of any underpinning that may have been carried out.

• Rising and penetrating damp in Victorian properties
• Flat roof defects in modern apartments
• Structural movement in older terraced houses
• Outdated electrical installations in period properties
• Flood risk in riverside locations
• Fire safety issues in high-rise buildings