RICS Level 2 Survey in E20 1 Stratford

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive assessment of properties up to 2,000 square feet, making it ideal for the apartments and townhouses prevalent in E20 1. We examine all visible and accessible elements of the property, including walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows. Our inspectors assess the condition of bathrooms and kitchens, checking for signs of water damage, faulty seals, or inadequate ventilation that are common in newerbuild constructions.

Given that most properties in E20 1 were constructed within the last 10-15 years for the London Olympics and subsequent developments, our surveyors pay particular attention to modern construction issues. This includes examining cladding systems, checking window installations, and assessing the quality of recent building work. We look for defects that may have arisen from rapid development timelines or compromises in build quality, issues that are sometimes missed by less experienced assessors. Our team has inspected numerous properties in developments like East Village, Glasshouse Gardens, and Manhattan Loft Gardens, giving us valuable insight into typical defect patterns in these specific building types.

The report we produce includes clear traffic light ratings for each element of the property, giving you an immediate understanding of conditions ranging from urgent repairs to routine maintenance. We provide specific recommendations for any remedial work needed, with cost estimates where appropriate. For properties in developments like East Village, Glasshouse Gardens, or Manhattan Loft Gardens, we can compare your property against typical standards for those specific building types.

Our service extends beyond the basic inspection. We review the property's legal documentation where available, flagging any concerns that might affect your purchase. We also provide advice on future maintenance requirements, helping you budget for the upkeep of your new home in this modern urban area.

• Visible structural elements
• Building fabric condition
• Windows and doors
• Kitchen and bathroom fittings
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible evidence
• External areas and boundaries

Despite the relatively young age of properties in E20 1, our surveyors regularly identify specific defects common to modern Olympic-era construction. Window seal failures rank among the most frequently observed issues, particularly in high-rise developments like Glasshouse Gardens and Manhattan Loft Gardens where thermal movement stresses sealing compounds over time. We thoroughly test all windows during our inspection, checking for drafts, damaged seals, and proper operation of opening mechanisms.

Ventilation issues represent another significant concern in this area. Many apartments in East Village and Chobham Manor were built with mechanical ventilation systems that require regular maintenance but are often neglected by leaseholders. Our surveyors assess the effectiveness of these systems, checking for adequate airflow in bathrooms and kitchens where moisture buildup can lead to mould growth. We have found instances of ducting blockages and faulty extract fans in several properties, issues that sellers may not have been aware of.

Waterproofing defects in flat roofs and balcony areas have also appeared in our surveys for E20 1 properties. The contemporary architectural designs featuring flat roofs and extensive balcony space, while visually appealing, require precise installation to prevent water ingress. We inspect these areas carefully, looking for signs of previous leaks, membrane damage, or inadequate falls that could compromise the property's weather resistance over time.

Additionally, we encounter issues related to building management systems and snagging items that were never addressed by developers. In newbuild developments, it is not unusual to find minor defects that were overlooked during the original construction handover process. Our detailed inspection ensures you have a complete picture of your property's condition before completing your purchase.

The E20 1 postcode represents one of London's most unique property markets, shaped entirely by the 2012 Olympic Games and subsequent regeneration. This area, spanning from Stratford through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to East Village, comprises properties that simply did not exist before 2010. Understanding this context is crucial for any purchaser, as the construction methods and materials used differ substantially from traditional London housing stock.

Properties in E20 1 were built to meet ambitious deadlines associated with the Olympic deadline, which meant construction programmes that prioritised speed alongside quality. Our surveyors understand the pressures faced by builders during this period and recognise the specific issues that can arise from accelerated construction timelines. We know which developers delivered consistently good work and which projects may have experienced compromises that are now manifesting as defects.

The area continues to evolve with new phases of development, particularly at Chobham Manor where construction remains ongoing. This means the ground conditions around your property may still be settling, and surrounding construction activity could potentially affect your building. Our local knowledge extends to understanding these ongoing developments and their potential impact on property condition and value.

Investment considerations also differ in E20 1 compared to traditional property markets. With prices averaging over £620 per square foot and one-bedroom flats starting around £465,000, the financial stakes are high. Our survey helps protect this investment by identifying any issues that could affect the property's long-term value or require significant unexpected expenditure.

The E20 1 postcode features a unique housing mix dominated by flats and terraced properties, with virtually no detached or semi-detached homes. The area around Stratford and the Olympic Park comprises 100% terraced properties alongside a high proportion of flats, reflecting the modern urban planning that characterized the 2012 Olympic development. This means most purchasers will be buying apartments or townhouses, and our Level 2 survey is perfectly suited to these property types.

Within East Village, managed by Get Living, you will find a range of properties from studios to four-bedroom apartments and townhouses. Properties in developments like Triathlon Point and Madison Way in Chobham Manor represent some of the newest construction in the area. Our surveyors are familiar with these specific developments and understand the common issues that can arise, from window seal failures to ventilation concerns in newerbuild apartments.

The average price for a one-bedroom flat in E20 1 is around £465,000, while two-bedroom flats average £637,000 and three-bedroom flats reach approximately £745,000. Townhouses and larger properties can command prices exceeding £1.2 million. Given these significant investments, our Level 2 survey provides essential protection by identifying any defects before you commit to the purchase. We particularly focus on elements that might not be immediately apparent to buyers, such as underlying damp issues or construction defects that could require expensive remediation.

The area's rapid growth from a population of just 1 in 2011 to nearly 10,000 by 2021 demonstrates the scale of transformation this postcode has experienced. This explosive growth brings unique considerations for property purchasers, including ongoing construction activity in neighbouring plots and the evolving nature of local amenities and transport links. Our survey reports account for these factors, providing you with a complete picture of your potential new home.

• Flats in modern developments
• Terraced townhouses
• Apartments in East Village
• Properties in Glasshouse Gardens
• Units in Manhattan Loft Gardens

When you receive your RICS Level 2 report from us, you will find a clearly structured document designed to be easily understood by any property purchaser. Each section of the property receives a condition rating using the familiar traffic light system: red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention, amber for defects that need addressing in the medium term, and green for satisfactory condition. This visual approach allows you to quickly identify the most critical issues while also understanding the overall condition of your potential new home.

For properties in E20 1 specifically, our reports include observations on elements unique to modern Olympic-era construction. This covers the condition of communal areas in apartment developments, the operation of mechanical ventilation systems, and the state of balcony spaces and flat roof areas. We have seen firsthand how these elements can deteriorate if not properly maintained, and our reports provide you with the information needed to request appropriate remediation from developers or management companies.

The cost guidance provided in our reports gives you realistic estimates for any remedial work identified during the inspection. This information proves invaluable when negotiating with sellers, as you can either request specific repairs before completion or adjust your offer to account for the cost of addressing identified issues. In a market where properties regularly exceed £600,000, even a small percentage adjustment based on survey findings can represent significant savings.

We also include practical guidance on maintaining your property going forward. For the modern apartments and townhouses in E20 1, this includes advice on the specific maintenance requirements of your development, contact information for management companies, and recommendations for ongoing care that will protect your property's value over time. Our goal is to provide you with a complete picture that serves you well both now and in the future.