RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey Eartham

Eartham is a small village with a rich architectural heritage, featuring numerous listed buildings and properties that span several centuries. The Parish Church of St Margaret is Grade I listed, while properties such as Chaff Barn, Eartham Cottage, Eartham House, Home Farmhouse, The George Inn, and The Old Cottage are among the Grade II listed buildings you might find in this area. Many of these properties were constructed using traditional methods including roughcast walls and tiled roofs, as seen in Eartham House which was rebuilt in 1905. These older properties, while full of character, often come with hidden issues that only an experienced surveyor can identify.

The geology of Eartham sits on the chalk downs, with the area including a prehistoric flint mine at Eartham Pit within chalk deposits. While flood risk in Eartham is generally low, properties on clay soils can experience subsidence and movement over time, particularly those with older foundations. Our inspectors are familiar with the types of defects commonly found in properties of this age and construction, including structural movement, roof deterioration, and damp penetration. We understand that properties built on chalk and flint foundations present unique assessment challenges that require specialist knowledge.

Recent property sales in Eartham demonstrate the significant investment buyers are making in this desirable village. The Old Cottage on Eartham Lane sold for £550,000 in December 2024, while Keepers Cottage on Brittens Lane achieved £1,825,000 in November 2024 as a detached bungalow. Starley Cottage sold for £800,000 in May 2024, reflecting the premium nature of property in this area. With such substantial amounts at stake, a RICS Level 2 Survey provides essential protection and for your investment. The survey cost is minimal compared to the potential expense of uncovering major structural issues after completion.

Properties in Eartham's Conservation Area, designated in 1973, may face additional considerations for prospective buyers. Our surveyors understand the implications of listed building status and will flag any concerns related to restrictions on alterations and repairs. Whether you are purchasing a historic cottage or a modern home, we provide thorough inspections that give you confidence in your property decision.

Properties in Eartham, given their age and construction type, are prone to several common defects that our surveyors regularly identify. Damp and moisture problems represent one of the most frequent issues, manifesting as rising damp, condensation, or penetrating damp. This is particularly relevant in older properties with solid walls that were not designed to meet modern standards of moisture resistance. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify signs of damp that might not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye, including discoloured walls, musty odours, and peeling wallpaper.

Roof defects and damage are another common finding in Eartham properties. Many of the older buildings feature traditional tiled roofs that can suffer from missing or slipped tiles, deteriorating mortar, and chimney problems. Roof spread, where the weight of heavier tiles causes the roof structure to bow outward, is a particular concern in older properties. Our inspectors examine roof coverings, flashings, valleys, and chimneys where accessible, documenting any defects that could lead to water ingress. We also assess the condition of any thatched roofs, which require specialist knowledge due to their unique construction and fire safety considerations.

Structural cracks and movement require careful assessment in any property, but especially so in Eartham where properties may have been subject to decades of settlement. Our surveyors look for signs of subsidence, wall cracks, bowing walls, and deflecting timbers. While some movement is normal in older properties, our reports clearly distinguish between cosmetic cracks and those indicating more serious structural issues that may require further investigation or remediation. Given the clay soils that can be found in parts of West Sussex, this is an important aspect of any property assessment in the area.

Defective concrete lintels, particularly those used in properties from the 1960s and 1970s, can presentHidden defects are a particular concern in Eartham's older properties. Our surveyors pay special attention to concrete lintels that may have corroded over time, as well as any signs of beetle activity in structural timbers. We also assess the condition of any outbuildings, garages, and boundaries, ensuring you have a complete picture of the property's overall condition. Every element that could affect your investment is carefully documented in your survey report.

Properties in Eartham reflect the traditional building methods of the South Downs, with many homes constructed using locally sourced materials that were readily available in this chalk and flint rich landscape. The prevalent construction technique in older properties involves solid walls rather than the cavity walls found in modern buildings, which presents unique challenges in terms of insulation and moisture resistance. Our surveyors understand these traditional construction methods and know what to look for when assessing properties built using these historic techniques.

Sussex flint work is a distinctive feature of properties throughout the Chichester district, including Eartham. This technique involves using knapped flint stones to create decorative and structural wall elements, often seen in combination with brick quoins and window surrounds. While visually striking, flint walls require specific expertise to assess properly, as the mortar pointing between flints can deteriorate over time, allowing moisture penetration. Our chartered surveyors have the local knowledge to evaluate these traditional features accurately.

Many properties in Eartham feature traditional roof structures using natural slate or clay tiles, with some historic buildings still retaining thatched roofs. The weight of these traditional roof materials can cause structural issues over time, including roof spread where the walls bow outward under the load. Our inspectors assess the condition of roof structures carefully, looking for signs of movement, deterioration, and previous repairs that might indicate ongoing issues. We also examine the condition of any chimneys, which are a common source of defects in older properties.

Foundation conditions in Eartham properties vary depending on the age and type of construction. Properties on the chalk downs may have shallow foundations that are more susceptible to movement, while those on clay soils face potential shrink-swell issues. Our surveyors assess the foundations for signs of settlement, cracking, or movement, documenting any concerns that might require further investigation by a structural engineer. This thorough approach ensures you have a complete understanding of the property's structural integrity.