RICS Level 2 Survey in Ingoldmells

Our inspectors examine every accessible part of the property during a Level 2 survey. This includes the roof structure and covering, walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows, damp proofing, and the condition of any attached garages or outbuildings. We assess the general state of the building fabric and look for visible defects that might not be apparent to the untrained eye. For properties in coastal areas like Ingoldmells, we pay particular attention to signs of salt damp, corrosion of metalwork, and any evidence of previous flooding or water ingress. The coastal air here accelerates wear on external finishes, so we specifically examine window frames, fascia boards, and any metal railings or gates for early signs of corrosion.

The survey also includes an evaluation of the property's services, covering electrical installations, plumbing and drainage, and heating systems where accessible. We note the general condition of these systems and flag any obvious safety concerns or items that appear not to meet current regulations. Our inspectors will also check the property's access points, including loft hatches and any accessible void spaces, to build a comprehensive picture of the building's condition. Many properties in Ingoldmells, particularly the older council housing stock built in the mid-20th century, may have original electrical systems that would benefit from our detailed assessment.

We assess the grounds around the property as well, looking at boundaries, drainage, and any significant trees or structures that might affect the building. In Ingoldmells, where some properties sit close to the sea wall and low-lying marshland, we evaluate the potential for flooding and any flood mitigation measures already in place. The report includes our professional opinion on the property's overall condition and any matters that should be investigated further or addressed. We check the condition of any boundary walls or fences, particularly important in areas where properties may have been extended or altered over time.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, floors and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Damp proofing and dampness
• Electrical and gas services
• Heating systems
• Boundaries and grounds
• Flood risk assessment

Your Level 2 Survey Report uses the RICS condition rating system to clearly communicate our findings. Each element of the property receives a rating from 1 to 3, with 1 indicating no repair needed, 2 meaning repairs are required but are not urgent, and 3 flagging urgent repairs that need immediate attention. This system helps you quickly identify which matters require the most serious consideration when reviewing the report. The ratings apply to every major element from the roof down to the foundations, giving you a complete picture of the property's condition.

The report includes an Executive Summary that highlights the most important findings, followed by detailed sections covering each area of the property. We explain any defects found in plain language, describe the likely cause where apparent, and recommend what action should be taken. For properties in Ingoldmells where we identify issues related to the coastal environment, such as corrosion, dampness, or drainage concerns, we provide specific guidance on addressing these local factors. This might include recommendations for salt-resistant paints, improved drainage, or flood resilience measures appropriate to the marshland setting.

One of the key benefits of the Level 2 survey is that it empowers you in purchase negotiations. If the survey reveals significant issues, you can use the report to renegotiate the purchase price, request that the seller makes repairs before completion, or in some cases, reconsider the purchase entirely. The investment in a survey often pays for itself many times over through these negotiations or by highlighting expensive problems before you've committed to the buy. With the average property price around £185,000, identifying even a few thousand pounds worth of issues makes the survey cost worthwhile.

Ingoldmells presents a diverse mix of housing types that our surveyors regularly inspect. The village has seen significant development over the years, from the historic properties near the Grade I listed St Peter and St Paul church, through the large council complexes that dominate the western part of the village, to modern new builds at The Shorelands development on Anchor Lane. Each type of property brings its own considerations for a survey, and our local experience means we know what to look for in each case.

The council housing stock, which makes up much of the older traditional housing in Ingoldmells, often dates from the mid-20th century. These properties may have original features that are now showing their age, including older electrical wiring, original windows, and roofing that may be approaching the end of its practical lifespan. Our inspectors know what to look for in these properties and can identify issues that might be costly to address in the future. Many of these properties were built to serve the growing tourism industry of the mid-1900s, with Butlins opening in 1936 and Fantasy Island later becoming a major local employer.

Properties closer to the sea front face unique challenges in this coastal environment. Salt-laden air can accelerate corrosion of metalwork and cause deterioration of external finishes. The marshland geology can lead to different foundation conditions than you'd find in other areas. Flood risk is a genuine consideration for lower-lying properties, and our survey will assess the property's history with flooding and any existing flood resilience measures. The Level 2 survey is ideally suited to these conventional properties and provides the information you need to make an informed decision.

New build properties at The Shorelands development, built by Gleeson Homes on Anchor Lane, offer modern housing with contemporary construction methods. These 2, 3, and 4-bedroom semi-detached and detached houses represent the newer end of the local housing stock. Even new builds can benefit from a Level 2 survey to identify any build quality issues or snagging items that might not be apparent during a visual viewing. The shared ownership options available at this development also make independent survey advice particularly valuable for first-time buyers.