RICS Level 2 Survey in E20 3 Stratford

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. The surveyor will examine the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the roof space (where safe and accessible), the external joinery, and the condition of any extensions or alterations. In E20 3, where many properties are part of larger apartment developments, our surveyors pay particular attention to the communal areas, the condition of the building's exterior cladding, and any signs of water ingress that have affected other properties in similar developments.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's condition rated using traffic light symbols: red for urgent defects requiring immediate attention, amber for defects that need attention but are not urgent, and green for satisfactory condition. Each section of the property receives one of these ratings, making it easy for you to understand which areas require the most urgent attention. Our surveyors in E20 3 are familiar with the construction methods used in local developments, from the brick-faced apartment blocks to the modern terraced houses in the East Village area. We understand that many buildings here use concrete frames with various cladding systems, and we know how to identify potential issues with these construction types.

We also check the services connected to the property, including the electrical supply, water supply, drainage, and heating systems. While we do not test these systems, we do visually inspect them and note any obvious defects, potential safety concerns, or installations that do not appear to meet current regulations. For leasehold properties, which make up the majority of homes in E20 3, we will also review the lease terms and flag any significant issues that you should be aware of. Given that virtually all flats in E20 are leasehold, this is a critical part of our assessment for the majority of properties in this area.

Our surveyors also assess the property's exposure to environmental risks. While E20 3 is not in a high-risk flood zone, the proximity to the River Lea means that surface water flooding can occur during periods of heavy rainfall. We visually assess the property for signs of previous water damage, check the effectiveness of damp-proof courses, and note any landscaping or hardstanding that might affect water runoff. London generally sits on London Clay, which has shrink-swell potential, particularly where mature trees are present. Our surveyors know to look for signs of subsidence or movement that might indicate clay-related ground conditions.

• Wall and ceiling condition assessment
• Roof space and loft inspection
• Window and door functionality check
• Electrical and gas visual inspection
• Drainage and plumbing assessment
• Building exterior evaluation
• Communal area review (where applicable)
• Traffic light defect ratings
• Flood risk visual assessment
• Leasehold review

Our surveyors bring specific local knowledge of the E20 3 area that makes a real difference to the quality of your survey. The Stratford area underwent massive transformation for the 2012 Olympics, and the construction methods used during that period have their own characteristic issues. Our surveyors understand the typical defects found in properties built by the various developers who worked on the Olympic Park regeneration, and they know what to look for when inspecting apartments in developments like East Village, Chobham Manor, Manhattan Loft Gardens, Lucia Heights, and Titian Heights.

The proximity to the River Lea means that some lower-lying properties in E20 3 may be affected by surface water flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. While specific flood risk data for individual postcodes within E20 3 is limited, our surveyors are trained to identify signs of previous water damage, inadequate damp-proof courses, and other indicators of moisture-related issues that are particularly relevant in this area. We will visually assess the property's flood risk and note any concerns in our report. The urban nature of the area means that surface water runoff can be significant during storms, and drainage around the property is an important consideration.

Another important consideration for E20 3 property buyers is the high proportion of leasehold flats in the area. With virtually all flats in E20 being leasehold, understanding the terms of your lease, the level of service charges, and the condition of the building's common areas is crucial. Our surveyors will inspect the external condition of the building and note any issues with the communal areas, roof, and building envelope that may affect the value of your leasehold interest. We can also advise on whether the service charge appears reasonable given the condition of the building. Recent sales data shows properties like Flat 43 at 16 Tandy Place (E20 3AR) sold for £850,000 in October 2025, making it essential to understand exactly what you are paying for.

The area benefits from excellent transport links, including Stratford International and Stratford stations, which makes it attractive for commuters. Westfield Stratford City provides major retail and leisure facilities nearby. These factors contribute to the strong demand for properties in E20 3, but they also mean that properties may be affected by noise from trains, events at the Olympic Park, and general urban activity. Our surveyors can identify any construction or layout features that might exacerbate these noise issues.