RICS Level 2 Survey in Glen Parva

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive inspection of the property you are considering purchasing in Glen Parva. The surveyor will examine all accessible areas of the home, including the roof, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical systems, and damp levels. For properties in this area, we pay particular attention to common issues found in Leicestershire housing, including roof condition on older properties and the condition of brickwork that may show signs of weathering. Our inspectors use moisture meters to check for hidden damp, thermal imaging cameras to identify cold spots and potential insulation gaps, and ladder access to inspect roof coverings where it is safe to do so.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of both the interior and exterior of the property, with the surveyor noting any defects, potential problems, or areas requiring future maintenance. We check for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and issues with windows and doors. The report also includes an overview of the property's energy efficiency, helping you understand potential heating costs for your new Glen Parva home. For properties with conservatories, we inspect the structure, glazing, and drainage to ensure these additions are properly constructed and integrated with the main building.

Following the inspection, you receive a clear, professional report that categorises any issues found by their severity. The report uses traffic light ratings - red for serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber for defects that should be addressed, and green for satisfactory condition. This straightforward system helps you understand exactly what you are buying and provides ammunition for any negotiations with the seller based on the findings. Each issue includes a clear explanation of what the defect is, why it has occurred, and what the recommended action should be.

Our Glen Parva surveyors pay special attention to the local construction methods used in this part of Leicestershire. Many semi-detached properties in the area were built using traditional brick cavity wall construction, while some of the newer homes at developments like Cork Lane use modern timber frame methods. We understand both approaches and can identify issues specific to each construction type.

• Roof and loft structure
• Walls, foundations and damp proof course
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical wiring and consumer unit
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Garage and parking areas

Based on our inspections throughout Glen Parva and the surrounding Blaby district, we see several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Properties built in the 1960s through 1980s often have original timber windows that are reaching the end of their serviceable life, with rotten frames and failing seals. These windows can be expensive to replace and may not meet current thermal efficiency standards. Our surveyors check every window thoroughly, opening them where possible to assess operation and condition.

Another common issue in this area is damp proof course failure on older properties. Many homes built between the wars and in the post-war period had bitumen-based DPCs installed, which can deteriorate over decades. We use moisture meters to identify areas where damp is rising through walls and can advise on whether the existing DPC is functioning or needs replacement. This is particularly important for the terraced properties that make up a significant portion of the housing stock in Glen Parva.

The clay soils common throughout Leicestershire can cause foundation movement through shrink-swell behaviour, particularly during periods of drought followed by heavy rain. While Glen Parva is not in a high-risk mining area, our surveyors remain alert to signs of structural movement such as cracking to walls, doors that stick, and uneven floors. We assess the property's overall structural integrity and note any signs of past or ongoing movement that might require further investigation.

Electrical installations in older properties are a particular concern. Properties that have not been updated since the 1970s or earlier may have dated fuse boards, inadequate earthing, and cabling that does not meet current regulations. Our inspection includes a visual check of the consumer unit, wiring accessibility, and we note any obvious defects or areas where a qualified electrician should be engaged for a more detailed assessment.

The Glen Parva housing market has seen some price adjustment recently, with values falling approximately 3.3% over the past year according to Housemetric data. In this environment, understanding the true condition of a property becomes even more critical. A Level 2 survey helps you avoid expensive surprises that could further impact your investment. With 81 property sales recorded in Glen Parva during 2025 and median prices around £260,000, making an informed decision based on professional advice is money well spent. The recent price correction means buyers have more negotiating power, and a survey report gives you factual ammunition to justify any price reduction requests.

The area features a significant proportion of semi-detached properties, accounting for over 55% of recent sales according to PropertyResearch.uk data. These properties, typically built with traditional brick construction common in Leicestershire, can have various maintenance requirements depending on their age. Our surveyors know what to look for in this type of housing, from the condition of roof tiles to the state of damp proof courses that may be original to older properties. We have inspected hundreds of similar properties across the Blaby district and understand the typical defects that affect this housing type.

For those considering the newer Cork Lane development from Linden Homes, starting prices of £389,995 for a three-bedroom detached home represent a significant investment. Even on new builds, our Level 2 survey identifies any construction issues before completion. The development offers modern features including solar panels and electric car charging points, and our surveyors are familiar with the construction methods used by national builders in the area. While new homes benefit from NHBC warranty protection, having an independent survey means you can identify defects that the developer should fix before you move in, rather than discovering them yourself later.

The current market conditions make surveys particularly valuable. With detached properties showing a 6.3% increase in median price to £390,500 across 15 sales in 2025, while terraced properties have decreased by 4.7% to a median of £205,000, understanding exactly what you are getting for your money is essential. A survey helps you determine whether the premium for a detached property is justified by its condition, or whether a terraced home might actually offer better value despite the lower purchase price once renovation needs are accounted for.