RICS Level 2 Survey Hawkley

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the condition of the roof, walls, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the condition of built-in fixtures and fittings. Our inspectors assess the overall structural integrity of the property and identify any visible defects that may affect its value or require future maintenance. In Hawkley, where many properties are over 100 years old, this thorough assessment is particularly important before committing to a purchase.

We check for signs of damp, which is a common issue in older properties built with solid walls. Our surveyors use moisture meters and their expertise to identify areas where moisture may be penetrating the fabric of the building. We also assess the condition of the roof, including any sagging or deterioration of roof tiles, the condition of flashings, and the state of any chimney stacks. Given the age of many Hawkley properties, roof condition is a frequent area of concern that our reports highlight, particularly where traditional slate or clay tiles have reached the end of their serviceable life.

The electrical and plumbing systems receive careful attention during our inspection. We visually check the condition of the consumer unit, wiring, and plumbing connections where accessible. We note the age and condition of these installations and recommend further investigation by qualified specialists where necessary. Our report also examines the property's drainage, checking visible soil pipes, gullies, and access points for signs of blockages or damage. Many Hawkley properties have older drainage systems that may need updating, and we identify where these issues require attention.

Our surveyors also assess the property's foundations and ground conditions where visible. Hawkley sits on the Upper Greensand plateau, and we understand how this geology can affect different property types. We look for signs of settlement or movement in walls, cracks that may indicate structural issues, and evidence of any past or current problems with the foundations. This is especially important for older cottages where foundations may be shallower than modern standards require.

• Roof structure and covering
• Wall construction and condition
• Damp and moisture penetration
• Windows and doors
• Floors and staircases
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Drainage and external drainage
• Foundation and structural movement assessment

Hawkley boasts a rich architectural heritage, with properties constructed from distinctive local materials. The Church of St Peter and St Paul, built in 1865, showcases random rubble malmstone construction, a feature common to many historic buildings in the area. The cottages surrounding the Upper Green, dating from the mid-18th and early 19th centuries, typically feature malmstone walls with coursed rubble stone or brick dressings. Some properties are rendered and painted, while others display the characteristic Hampshire red bricks in Flemish bond with bluish headers that are distinctive to this part of Hampshire.

The Hawkley Inn demonstrates another local building tradition with its tile-hung elevations. This traditional method of weatherproofing, using overlapping tiles on the walls, is distinctive to the area and requires specific knowledge to assess properly. Our surveyors are familiar with these construction methods and understand how these materials perform over time. We know to look for signs of mortar decay in stonework, weathering of brickwork, and deterioration of tile hanging that may not be immediately apparent to untrained buyers. These issues are particularly common where maintenance has been neglected or where original materials have reached the end of their lifespan.

Properties in Hawkley's two Conservation Areas, the Upper Green Conservation Area (designated 1982) and the Lower Green Conservation Area (designated 1994), often require additional consideration. Many of these historic properties are Grade II listed, which means they have protected status and may have specific maintenance requirements or restrictions. Our surveyors have experience assessing properties in conservation areas and can identify issues that may require specialist attention or that may affect your plans for the property. When purchasing a listed building in Hawkley, it is worth noting that certain works may require listed building consent from the South Downs National Park Authority.

The local geology also plays a role in property condition. Hawkley sits on the Upper Greensand plateau, with areas of chalk characteristic of this part of the South Downs. Understanding how these ground conditions interact with older foundations is important when assessing a property's structural integrity. Our surveyors consider these geological factors when evaluating any signs of movement or settlement in the properties we inspect.

Based on our experience surveying properties in Hawkley and the surrounding East Hampshire villages, we frequently encounter several common issues that buyers should be aware of. Damp is perhaps the most prevalent problem in older properties, particularly those built with solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction. The malmstone and brick construction common in Hawkley cottages can allow moisture to penetrate if the external wall surfaces or pointing have deteriorated over time. Our surveyors use moisture meters to identify affected areas and provide recommendations for addressing damp problems.

Roof condition is another area where we frequently identify issues in Hawkley properties. Many of the older cottages have original or early replacement roofs that are now reaching the end of their serviceable life. We inspect for missing or cracked tiles, deteriorated flashings around chimneys and valleys, and signs of past or current leaks. Given the traditional construction of these properties, roof repairs can be expensive, and our reports provide detailed assessments of what work may be needed and approximately how much it might cost.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older Hawkley properties often require attention. Many cottages still have original wiring that does not meet current regulations, and consumer units may be outdated or inadequate for modern usage demands. Similarly, plumbing systems may use old galvanised pipes that are prone to corrosion and reduced water pressure. Our survey identifies these issues and recommends that further investigation be carried out by qualified electricians and plumbers before you complete your purchase.

The age of many Hawkley properties means that windows and doors may be original or early replacements that are no longer energy efficient. Single-glazed windows are common in older cottages, and draught-proofing may be minimal or nonexistent. Our survey notes the condition of all windows and doors and comments on their energy efficiency, which can be useful information when budgeting for future improvements to the property.

The Hawkley property market shows significant variety, with prices reflecting the village's desirable location within the South Downs National Park and its mix of historic and modern properties. Recent data shows an average sold price of £1,235,000 over the last 12 months, though this figure is influenced by the high proportion of detached homes in recent sales. Semi-detached properties have sold for around £1,400,000 on average, while detached homes averaged £1,070,000. The market has seen some adjustment, with sold prices approximately 13% down on the previous year, which means buyers may find better value than in previous years.

The village offers a range of property types, from narrow two-storey semi-detached cottages surrounding the Upper Green to larger individual homes set in generous grounds. Many properties enjoy views across the surrounding countryside, and the village's conservation area status helps maintain its character. Properties in Hawkley tend to be in demand from buyers seeking a rural lifestyle while remaining within reach of larger towns like Petersfield and Liphook. The village has a strong community feel with a popular pub and village events throughout the year.

For buyers considering properties in Hawkley, understanding the local market dynamics is essential before making a purchase decision. Our RICS Level 2 survey provides valuable independent information about the property's condition, helping you ensure that the price you are paying reflects the true state of the building. With many properties in the area dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, a professional survey can reveal issues that are not immediately visible during a viewing. The premium prices commanded by Hawkley properties mean that identifying any defects early can save you significant sums and provide valuable leverage in price negotiations.

The local housing stock in Hawkley is predominantly made up of period properties, with relatively few modern developments in the village itself. This means that buyers are often purchasing historic buildings that require ongoing maintenance and may have hidden issues that only a professional survey will uncover. Our local experience means we understand the specific challenges that come with older properties in this area, from the maintenance requirements of malmstone walls to the importance of checking the condition of traditional roofs.