RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey E22

The RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey, formerly known as the Homebuyer Report, is specifically designed for properties in reasonable condition and provides exactly the right level of inspection for most purchases in the East London area. Our chartered surveyors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe and accessible, external walls, foundations, damp proof courses, and key installations such as heating systems, electrical fittings, and plumbing. We examine the property from top to bottom, inside and out, building a complete picture of its current condition and identifying any areas of concern that might affect your decision or require budget allocation post-purchase.

During the inspection, we systematically assess the main structural elements including load-bearing walls, floor structures, ceiling joists, and the roof structure itself. We actively check for signs of damp penetration, wood-rotting fungi, timber beetle infestation, and any evidence of structural movement such as cracking or settlement. Our surveyors also carefully evaluate the condition of windows, doors, conservatories, and other joinery throughout the property, as well as testing the functionality of sanitation facilities, water pressure, and heating systems to ensure everything is operating as expected.

The survey employs the RICS traffic light rating system to clearly communicate the condition of each element, making it immediately obvious which areas require attention and which are in good condition. A green rating indicates no issues requiring attention, amber highlights defects that require repair or routine maintenance, and red flags issues that are serious and require urgent attention before proceeding with the purchase. This straightforward system makes it easy for you to understand which problems are minor and which could significantly affect the property's value or require substantial investment to put right.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Damp and moisture detection
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and heating systems
• Electrical installations
• Extensions and alterations
• External areas and boundaries

Properties throughout the E22 postcode area and the broader Tower Hamlets borough frequently share common characteristics and potential issues that our surveyors identify on a regular basis throughout their working week. Understanding these typical problems helps you know what to expect from your survey report and allows you to budget appropriately for any necessary repairs or improvements that may be required following the purchase. The more you know about the property before committing to buy, the better positioned you will be to negotiate fairly with the seller.

Many properties in this part of East London were constructed between 1850 and 1910, meaning they are now approaching or exceeding 120 years of age. These period properties frequently exhibit signs of wear and tear that naturally accumulate over more than a century of continuous occupation. Common findings from our survey work in the area include defective or completely missing damp proof courses that allow moisture to rise through solid walls, deterioration of original timber sash windows that may be beyond economical repair, outdated electrical installations that do not meet the latest Part P building regulations, and plumbing systems that may be approaching or have exceeded their expected serviceable life.

Flat conversions are particularly prevalent throughout the E22 area and surrounding districts, with numerous Victorian and Edwardian houses having been divided into separate apartments over recent decades. Our surveyors pay particular attention to the quality of these conversions, carefully checking that adequate sound insulation exists between floors, that fire safety measures meet current standards, and that any shared areas are properly maintained by the relevant freeholder or management company. We also thoroughly examine the condition of the original building structure, as conversion work can sometimes mask underlying structural issues that only become apparent with detailed inspection.

Properties located near the River Lea or in lower-lying areas of Tower Hamlets may require additional consideration regarding flood risk. Surface water flooding has become increasingly common in urban areas, and our surveyors assess flood resilience measures and advise on any historical flooding incidents or mitigation works that may affect the property. This is particularly relevant for properties in areas like Bow and Poplar where local drainage can be a concern during heavy rainfall events.

• Defective damp proof courses
• Timber window deterioration
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Roof and chimney defects
• Structural movement and cracking
• Inadequate insulation
• Flat conversion issues
• Shared maintenance responsibilities
• Flood risk considerations