Comprehensive property inspection from certified RICS surveyors. Get the clarity you need before you buy.
Our team of RICS-certified surveyors in Hastings provides detailed Level 2 Home Surveys for buyers in this historic East Sussex coastal town. Whether you are purchasing a Victorian terrace in the Old Town, a modern flat near the station, or a family home in St Leonards-on-Sea, our inspections give you the confidence to proceed with your purchase knowing exactly what lies beneath the surface. We have surveyed properties across all the key postcode sectors including TN34, TN35, TN36, TN37 and TN38, giving us extensive local knowledge of the area's housing stock.
We understand that the Hastings property market has its own character. With average house prices around £304,427 and a mix of period properties and new builds, getting a professional survey is essential. Our surveyors know the local area intimately and can identify issues specific to coastal properties, from damp penetration in older buildings to structural concerns in converted flats. The market has seen a 0.94% price increase over the last twelve months, with 1,013 properties sold in the area, making it vital to ensure your investment is sound before committing.
The RICS Level 2 Home Survey we provide is specifically designed for conventional properties like those found throughout Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea. This includes the three-storey period properties common in the Old Town, the terraced houses in central Hastings, and the newer developments such as those at Fellows Road and Porters Grove. Our surveyors use the RICS traffic light system to clearly indicate the condition of each element, giving you actionable information whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced property investor.
£304,427
Average House Price
+0.94%
Annual Price Change
1,013
Properties Sold (12 months)
From £395
Level 2 Survey Cost
A Level 2 Home Survey, formerly known as the Home Buyers Survey, provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's condition. Our surveyors examine all accessible areas of the property including the roof structure, walls, floors, windows, doors, and permanent fixtures. The survey uses a clear traffic light rating system to indicate the condition of each element - from green (no repair needed) to red (urgent repair required). This visual inspection covers approximately 150 separate elements across the property, each assessed and rated according to its current condition.
The report includes a detailed assessment of major issues that could affect the property's value or safety. This covers structural problems like subsidence or movement, damp and moisture penetration, roof condition, timber defects including rot and woodworm, and the condition of walls and foundations. For Hastings properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of damp in period properties and any erosion-related concerns near the coast. We also check for cavity wall tie corrosion, which is a common issue in properties built between the 1920s and 1980s.
You will also receive practical guidance on maintenance issues and estimated costs for any repairs identified. This helps you plan financially for the future and can provide useful leverage during price negotiations if significant issues are found. The survey is designed for conventional properties built with standard materials, which covers the majority of homes in the Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea area. Each report runs between 20-40 pages and includes clear photographs of any defects found during the inspection.
Our Level 2 survey also includes an assessment of the property's energy efficiency where visible, and we can recommend whether an EPC assessment would be beneficial. For properties in the newer developments around St Leonards such as Porters Grove or Holmhurst Gardens, we check the quality of construction and any potential snagging issues that may not be apparent during a normal viewing.
Rightmove / ONS 2024-2025
Choose your preferred date and time through our simple online booking system. We offer flexible appointments across Hastings, St Leonards-on-Sea, Battle, and the surrounding East Sussex area. Simply select your property type and preferred time slot, or speak to our team directly to arrange a convenient time for your inspection.
A qualified RICS surveyor visits your property to conduct a thorough visual inspection lasting typically 1-2 hours depending on size. They examine all accessible areas including the roof space, sub-floor areas, walls, floors, windows, and doors. Our surveyor will take photographs of any defects, measure relevant areas, and note all concerns for inclusion in your report. They will also check the condition of any outbuildings, garages, and the general grounds.
Within 3-5 working days of the survey, you receive your detailed Level 2 Home Survey report via email. The clear format highlights any issues with colour-coded ratings and provides practical recommendations for repairs and maintenance. The report includes a clear summary section at the front, followed by detailed sections covering each area of the property, complete with photographs and specific advice.
The Hastings housing market includes a significant proportion of older properties, particularly Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses in areas like the Old Town and central Hastings. These period properties often have hidden issues that are not visible during a viewing, such as outdated electrical systems, aging roof structures, or historic damp problems that have been painted over. Many properties in the Old Town Conservation Area have solid walls rather than cavity walls, which require different considerations for damp resistance and energy efficiency.
Recent market data shows that property sales in Hastings decreased by 18.66% compared to the previous year, with 1,013 transactions in the last twelve months. This makes it even more important to ensure any property you consider is sound before committing your capital. A Level 2 survey protects your investment by revealing defects before you commit to purchase, potentially saving you thousands in unexpected repair costs. With average prices around £304,000, identifying a £5,000 or £10,000 repair need before exchange could save you significant money.
The coastal location of Hastings brings specific challenges that our surveyors understand intimately. Salt air can accelerate corrosion of metal fixtures and fittings, while exposure to weather can lead to accelerated wear on external joinery and rendering. Properties within the TN34 and TN35 postcode areas are particularly affected by coastal weather conditions. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying these coastal-specific issues and will include relevant observations in your report, from rust on gutter brackets to salt crystallization in external brickwork.
Properties in Hastings face unique challenges due to their coastal location. Salt air can accelerate corrosion of metal fixtures and fittings, while exposure to weather can lead to accelerated wear on external joinery and rendering. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying these coastal-specific issues and will include relevant observations in your report. We also check for signs of coastal erosion in nearby cliff areas and assess whether the property falls within any flood risk zones.
Our local surveyors regularly identify several recurring issues during Level 2 inspections in the Hastings area. Damp penetration is particularly common in period properties, especially those with solid walls rather than cavity wall construction. The coastal climate can exacerbate moisture problems, and our surveyors use their experience to spot both obvious signs and subtle indicators that might be missed by less experienced eyes. We frequently find rising damp in ground floor rooms of Victorian terraced properties, particularly where original damp proof courses have failed or were never installed.
Roof condition is another frequent finding, with older properties often having original or aging roof structures that require attention. Many Victorian and Edwardian homes in Hastings still have their original slate roofs, which may be suffering from slipped tiles, broken ridge tiles, or deterioration of mortar pointing. Our surveyors thoroughly inspect roof spaces where accessible and assess the overall condition of coverings and structures. We also check for signs of previous leaks that may have been temporarily repaired but left underlying damage to timber rafters or ceiling joists.
Structural movement and subsidence concerns also arise in local surveys, particularly in areas with clay soil conditions. While not all movement is serious, identifying it early and understanding its cause is crucial for any property purchase. Our detailed reports explain any movement found, its likely cause, and whether further investigation is recommended. In some cases, we may recommend a follow-up inspection by a structural engineer if significant movement is observed. The clay soils common in parts of East Sussex can cause seasonal movement in foundations, particularly in properties with shallow foundations built before modern building regulations.
Outdated electrical installations are frequently identified in period properties across Hastings. Many Victorian and Edwardian homes still have their original wiring, which may not meet current regulations and could pose a safety risk. Our surveyors visually inspect the consumer unit and wiring where accessible, noting any obvious concerns and recommending a full electrical inspection by a registered electrician. Similarly, we often find old gas installations that should be checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer before purchase completion.
| Feature | Level 2 (Home Survey) | Level 3 (Building Survey) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Conventional properties | Older or complex buildings |
| Inspection depth | Visual inspection | Detailed structural analysis |
| Report length | 20-40 pages | 50+ pages |
| Recommended for | Properties post-1850 | Listed buildings, large period homes |
| Typical cost | £395-£1,250 | £600-£1,500 |
Best for
Level 2 (Home Survey)
Conventional properties
Level 3 (Building Survey)
Older or complex buildings
Inspection depth
Level 2 (Home Survey)
Visual inspection
Level 3 (Building Survey)
Detailed structural analysis
Report length
Level 2 (Home Survey)
20-40 pages
Level 3 (Building Survey)
50+ pages
Recommended for
Level 2 (Home Survey)
Properties post-1850
Level 3 (Building Survey)
Listed buildings, large period homes
Typical cost
Level 2 (Home Survey)
£395-£1,250
Level 3 (Building Survey)
£600-£1,500
A Level 2 Home Survey provides a visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property including the roof, walls, floors, windows, and doors. It checks for structural issues, damp, timber defects, and other common problems. The report uses a traffic light system to rate the condition of each element and provides advice on repairs and maintenance. Our Hastings surveyors specifically look for issues common to the local area, including coastal corrosion, period property defects, and any signs of movement in the local clay soil conditions.
RICS Level 2 surveys in Hastings start from £395 for standard properties. The exact cost depends on your property's value, size, and number of bedrooms. For example, a 2-bedroom terrace in areas like Ore or St Leonards would typically cost around £420, while a larger 4-bedroom detached property in Hollington could be £495 or more. You can get an instant quote through our online booking system by entering your property details.
While new builds like those at Porters Grove in St Leonards-on-Sea, Fellows Road in Hastings, or Holmhurst Gardens typically have fewer issues than older properties, a Level 2 survey is still recommended. It can identify defects in construction, snagging issues, and problems with fittings that may not be apparent during your walkthrough. New build properties can have hidden defects that only a professional surveyor would spot, and the report provides valuable documentation for any warranty claims.
A Level 2 survey typically takes between 1-2 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property. Smaller flats in areas like Hastings town centre may take under an hour, while larger detached homes in St Leonards-on-Sea or period properties with multiple floors will require more time for a thorough inspection. Our surveyor will need access to all rooms, the roof space, and any accessible outbuildings.
We aim to deliver your completed survey report within 3-5 working days of the survey date. In some cases, reports can be expedited if you have tight deadlines, and we offer a priority service for urgent requirements. Your report will be sent via email in a clear, easy-to-read PDF format with colour-coded sections and photographs of any issues identified.
Yes, damp assessment is a key part of the Level 2 survey. Our surveyors visually inspect for signs of damp using their training and experience, checking walls, floors, and ceilings for staining, peeling paint, or musty odours. Where damp is suspected or visible, they will note it in the report with the likely cause and severity. For a more thorough damp investigation including moisture meter readings, a specialist damp survey can be arranged at additional cost. This is particularly important for solid-wall properties common in Hastings Old Town.
We provide RICS Level 2 surveys throughout Hastings and the surrounding areas, including St Leonards-on-Sea, Battle, Rye, Bexhill-on-Sea, and into Eastbourne. Our surveyors are based locally and familiar with the different property types and common issues in each area, from the Victorian terraces of the Old Town to the modern developments in Hollington and Silverhill.
While a Level 2 survey can be carried out on listed buildings, we generally recommend a RICS Level 3 Building Survey for listed properties or those of unusual construction. The Level 3 provides a more detailed assessment that is better suited to historic buildings with special considerations. If you are considering a listed property in the Hastings Conservation Area, we can discuss whether a Level 2 would be suitable or whether the more comprehensive Level 3 would be better.
Most surveyors take 1-2 days to quote.
We'll price your survey in seconds.
Most surveyors take 1-2 days to quote.
We'll price your survey in seconds.
Homemove is a trading name of HM Haus Group Ltd (Company No. 13873779, registered in England & Wales). Homemove Mortgages Ltd (Company No. 15947693) is an Appointed Representative of TMG Direct Limited, trading as TMG Mortgage Network, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 786245). Homemove Mortgages Ltd is entered on the FCA Register as an Appointed Representative (FRN 1022429). You can check registrations at NewRegister or by calling 0800 111 6768.
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