RICS Level 2 Survey in Guston

Guston is a charming village in the Dover district of Kent, with a population of around 1,700 residents across 420 households. The village has seen significant property price growth, with prices rising 9.9% over the last 12 months to an average of £377,000 according to recent data. With property values in the village now approaching their 2023 peak of £384,688, getting a professional survey before committing to such a substantial investment makes sound financial sense. The village has seen increased interest from buyers seeking a quieter lifestyle while maintaining good transport links to Dover and Canterbury.

The village features a notable concentration of historic properties, with 20 listed buildings recorded in the National Heritage List for England. The Church of St Martin of Tours is a Grade II* listed building, reflecting Guston's historical significance. Many of these older properties require careful inspection to identify any issues that might not be apparent during a casual viewing, particularly given that 93.5% of accommodation in Guston Parish consists of houses or bungalows built in various eras. Period properties often have traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern building practices, and our surveyors know exactly what to look for when assessing these homes.

Our inspectors understand the specific challenges posed by Kent's housing stock. Older properties in the area may have traditional construction methods that differ from modern building practices, and our surveyors know what to look for when assessing these homes. We check for common defects found in UK properties, including damp and moisture problems, roof defects, structural cracks, and outdated electrical and plumbing systems. With 6.5% of accommodation being flats, maisonettes, or apartments, we also have experience inspecting smaller properties that may present different inspection challenges.

The local housing market is active, with new developments bringing fresh stock to the area. The Guston Heights development offers modern 2, 3, and 4 bedroom homes, while approved planning applications at 3 Norfolk Towers Way will add four new dwellings. There's also a larger potential development site (GUS001) identified between Guston Green and Meadow Croft on The Lane, which could bring significant change to the village in coming years. buying a new-build or an established property, our surveyors tailor their approach to each property type.

• Clear condition ratings for each element
• Market valuation and rebuild cost estimates
• Identification of urgent issues requiring attention
• Advice on repairs and maintenance

When surveying properties in Guston, our team frequently identifies several defect categories that buyers should be aware of. Damp and moisture problems are particularly common in older properties with solid walls, where rising damp or penetrating damp can cause significant damage if left untreated. The climate in Kent, with its wet winters and humid summers, can exacerbate these issues, especially in properties that haven't been well-maintained. Our surveyors use their training to identify signs of damp that might not be visible to the untrained eye, including staining, peeling wallpaper, and musty odours.

Roof defects are another frequent finding in our Guston surveys. Given the age of many properties in the village, issues such as slipped or cracked tiles, deteriorating ridge mortar, and failed flashings are relatively common. These defects can lead to water ingress, causing damage to ceilings and internal structure. Our inspectors thoroughly examine roof spaces where accessible, checking for daylight penetration, signs of previous leaks, and the condition of timbers. For properties in the Guston Heights development, we also check the condition of newer roofing materials and any flat roof areas.

Structural cracks and movement require careful assessment, particularly in older properties. Our surveyors look for cracks wider than 3mm, diagonal patterns, or those visible on both sides of a wall, which could indicate more serious structural issues. While some minor cracking is normal in older properties as they settle, our experienced team can distinguish between cosmetic issues and signs of significant movement that might require further investigation. For the 20 listed buildings in Guston, we pay particular attention to how any alterations or repairs have been carried out, as inappropriate work can affect both the building's heritage value and its structural integrity.

Outdated electrical and plumbing systems are frequently identified in our surveys of Guston properties. Many older homes may have original wiring that doesn't meet current regulations, or lead pipework that should be replaced. Our surveyors visually inspect accessible electrical and plumbing installations, noting their condition and any obvious deficiencies. While we can't perform invasive testing, we flag areas that will require attention from qualified electricians and plumbers before or after purchase.

The RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive inspection of the property's visible and accessible elements. Our surveyor will examine the walls, floors, ceilings, roof, windows, doors, and fixtures, assessing each area against the property's age and type. You'll receive clear condition ratings: Condition Rating 1 means no repair is currently needed, Condition Rating 2 indicates repairs are needed but are not urgent, and Condition Rating 3 signifies serious defects requiring urgent attention. Each element of the property is assessed individually, giving you a complete picture of its current condition.

Beyond the physical inspection, your report includes a market valuation based on current Guston property data. With semi-detached properties averaging £500,000 and detached homes at £441,000 in the village, this valuation helps you ensure you're paying a fair price. The report also includes an insurance rebuild cost, which is essential for buildings insurance purposes and ensures your property is adequately covered. This is particularly important for older properties where rebuild costs can differ significantly from market value, especially for listed buildings.

For properties like those on The Lane, Norfolk Towers Way, and the Guston Heights development, our surveyors tailor their inspection to the specific property type. buying a modern detached house on the new development or a terraced property in the village centre, you receive a report relevant to your specific property. We understand that a new-build property requires different scrutiny than a Victorian cottage, and our reports reflect these differences. The Level 2 Survey is designed for conventional properties in reasonable condition, which covers the majority of homes in Guston.

Your report also includes practical advice on the property, highlighting any ongoing maintenance requirements and suggesting specialists you might need to consult. We don't just identify problems - we help you understand what they mean for your future ownership. For properties in Guston, this might include advice on maintaining historic features, managing the grounds of larger properties, or working with the local conservation requirements if you're purchasing a listed building.

Choosing a surveyor with local knowledge of Guston and the surrounding Dover area provides significant advantages when you're buying a property. Our surveyors are familiar with the various housing styles found in the village, from historic cottages near the Church of St Martin of Tours to modern family homes on the Guston Heights development. This familiarity means we know exactly what to look for when inspecting properties of different ages and construction types, identifying issues that might be missed by less experienced surveyors.

We understand the specific challenges that Kent properties face, including the coastal climate that can accelerate wear on external surfaces and the clay soils that can cause subsidence and movement in older foundations. Our knowledge of local planning history means we can advise on any recent developments that might affect the property, such as the approved development at 3 Norfolk Towers Way or the potential expansion areas identified in local planning documents. This local context adds value to your survey report beyond just the physical inspection.

Additionally, our relationships with local estate agents and property professionals mean we have up-to-date market intelligence that informs our valuations. We know what properties in Guston are selling for, what the local market trends are, and how your property compares to recent sales. This insight is invaluable ensuring you're paying a fair price for your new home. With the market showing a 9.9% rise over the last 12 months, having accurate, local valuation data is more important than ever.