RICS Level 2 Survey Easton on the Hill

A RICS Level 2 Survey includes a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, assessing the overall condition and identifying any significant defects. The report covers the roof, walls, floors, windows and doors, damp levels, timber condition, electrical and plumbing systems, and external elements like boundaries and outbuildings. Each element is given a condition rating from one to three, with one being acceptable and three requiring urgent attention. The report also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement cost estimate. For properties in Easton on the Hill, we specifically assess foundations and structural elements for signs of movement related to the clay soil conditions common in this area.

The on-site inspection typically takes between one and two hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. For a standard three-bedroom house in Easton on the Hill, you can expect the surveyor to be on site for approximately 90 minutes. Larger detached properties, which make up a significant portion of homes in the village with an average value of £450,000, may take longer to inspect thoroughly. After the inspection, the written report is usually delivered within three to five working days, giving you plenty of time to review the findings before the exchange of contracts.

While new build properties are generally in better condition than older homes, a RICS Level 2 Survey can still identify issues that may not be immediately obvious to the untrained eye. Our inspectors can spot defects in construction, missing components, or finishing issues that the developer may need to rectify under their warranty scheme. Even with new builds, it is worth having a survey to ensure you are not inheriting problems that could cost significant sums to put right later. In Easton on the Hill, newer developments should still be checked for issues with drainage, foundations, and building regulations compliance.

Yes, we actively encourage buyers to attend the survey if they wish. This gives you the opportunity to see any issues firsthand and ask the surveyor questions about the property's condition. Many of our clients find this invaluable, as it helps them understand the property better and prioritises any areas of concern. Your presence also allows the surveyor to point out specific issues visible during the inspection, such as areas of damp or roof defects, which can be harder to visualise from written descriptions alone. If you cannot attend in person, the surveyor can still conduct a thorough inspection and provide a comprehensive written report.

If the survey identifies significant issues, such as structural defects, extensive damp problems, or roofing issues, you have several options. You can request that the seller rectifies the problems before completion, negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to cover repair costs, or in some cases, withdraw from the sale if the issues are deemed too severe. In the current market conditions, with property values in Easton on the Hill showing adjustments, survey findings can be valuable leverage in price negotiations. Your solicitor can advise you on the best course of action based on the survey findings and the terms of your purchase contract.

Our RICS Level 2 Surveys in Easton on the Hill start from £495 for properties valued up to £300,000. For properties in the £300,000 to £400,000 range, typical of many homes in this village with an average price of £382,500, prices range from £495 to £695 depending on size and complexity. Larger detached properties with values around £450,000 typically fall into the higher price bracket due to their larger footprint and potentially more complex construction. We provide clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

As a traditional village in Northamptonshire, Easton on the Hill likely contains several period properties that may be listed or located within conservation areas. Properties that are listed or in conservation areas often require more detailed assessment due to their historic character and specific planning restrictions. While a RICS Level 2 Survey can identify defects and issues, for these properties we often recommend a RICS Level 3 Building Survey which provides more comprehensive analysis of the structural condition and specific advice on maintaining historic features. Your solicitor can check whether any property you are considering falls within a designated area.

The clay soil conditions in Easton on the Hill mean that properties can be susceptible to ground movement, particularly during periods of extreme weather. When clay soils get very wet, they expand (swell), and when they dry out, they contract (shrink). This movement can affect foundations, causing cracks in walls, doors that stick, and floors that become uneven. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of this movement and assess whether any issues observed are within normal parameters or require further investigation by a structural engineer. This is particularly important for older properties with potentially shallower foundations.