RICS Level 2 Survey in Kimpton

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a thorough visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. Our inspectors examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and permanent fixtures, checking for signs of damage, wear, or potential problems. We assess the property's overall condition and flag any issues that require attention, from minor defects to serious structural concerns. The survey includes a detailed evaluation of the property's main elements, including the roof structure, chimneys, walls, windows and doors, plumbing and electrical installations (visually inspected only), and damp levels.

We also check for signs of rot, insect infestation, and any alterations that may have been made to the original building without appropriate permissions. Our surveyors understand that many properties in Kimpton have been extended or modified over the centuries, and we carefully assess whether these changes meet current building regulations. In older properties, we pay particular attention to the condition of traditional features such as timber framing, cob walls, and historic flint work that are characteristic of this Test Valley village.

Given the age of much of Kimpton's housing stock, with properties ranging from medieval timber-framed houses to Victorian-era buildings, our inspectors are experienced in identifying issues that commonly affect traditional construction. We use moisture meters to detect damp, inspect roofs for missing or damaged tiles, and examine foundations for signs of movement or settlement that can occur in properties built on varying soil types.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and chimney stacks
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and moisture levels
• Electrical and plumbing visible installations
• Woodworm and rot in structural timbers

Kimpton's housing stock includes a significant proportion of older properties, with many buildings dating from the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries. These historic homes often present specific challenges that our Level 2 survey is designed to identify. The village's older properties frequently exhibit issues related to damp penetration, particularly in properties with solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction. Rising damp is a common finding in older buildings, where the original damp-proof course may be ineffective or nonexistent.

Traditional building materials used throughout Kimpton, including flint, stone rubble, brick, and cob, require specialist knowledge to assess correctly. Our inspectors understand how these materials behave over time and can identify defects that might be missed by less experienced surveyors. Properties such as Kimpton Manor Farmhouse, with its timber framing and rendered brick walls, demonstrate the range of construction methods found in the village. We have extensive experience assessing buildings constructed with these traditional methods and understand the maintenance requirements specific to each type.

Roof defects are commonly identified in older Kimpton properties, particularly those with traditional clay tile or slate roofs. Missing or damaged tiles, deteriorated flashing around chimneys, and issues with parapet gutters are frequent findings. The aging infrastructure in many properties, including outdated plumbing systems and original electrical wiring, also represents a significant area of concern that our survey will identify. We check the condition of soil stacks, vent pipes, and underground drainage where accessible.

Timber decay and pest damage affect many older properties in the area. Woodworm, wet rot, and dry rot can compromise the structural integrity of timber elements including floor joists, roof rafters, and load-bearing beams. Our inspectors carefully examine all accessible timber for signs of insect activity and fungal decay. In properties with timber framing, we pay particular attention to joint connections and load-bearing elements where decay can often hide.

Kimpton benefits from a designated Conservation Area, established by Test Valley Borough Council in January 1985. This designation reflects the village's architectural and historic significance, with buildings spanning several centuries of English architecture. The Conservation Area encompasses much of the historic core, including the Church of St Peter and St Paul, which dates from the 13th century and is Grade I listed. The flint, stone rubble, and brick construction of the church demonstrates the traditional building materials that characterise the village.

Properties within Conservation Areas often require planning permission for certain alterations that would not normally need approval elsewhere. Our surveyors understand these restrictions and will note any visible alterations that may affect the property's legal status. If you are considering purchasing a property in Kimpton's Conservation Area, your survey report will highlight any potential compliance issues. We check for evidence of unapproved extensions or modifications that could affect your ability to make future changes to the property.

The village contains numerous Grade II listed buildings, including the K6 Telephone Kiosk opposite Kimpton Farm, The Vines, Wall Cottage, and several barns and farm buildings. Kimpton Manor Farmhouse, Grade II* listed, features brick walls with rendered fronts and a tile roof, with timber framing in the upper portion of the original building. These listed properties often require specialist approach during any renovation or repair work, and our Level 2 survey will identify any concerns related to their unique construction and maintenance requirements.

Kimpton Lodge, believed to have been built around 1835, sits above the village and offers views across the Conservation Area. Properties of this era typically feature construction methods that differ significantly from modern buildings, including solid walls, traditional lime-based mortars, and period features that require specific maintenance approaches. Our surveyors understand these traditional building methods and can identify issues that may affect older properties of this age and construction type.

Kimpton sits within the Test Valley area, where the underlying geology creates specific considerations for property owners. The village is positioned in a landscape where traditional building materials including chalk, clay, and flint have been used for centuries in local construction. Properties built on clay soils can experience movement during periods of dry weather, as the soil shrinks and swells with moisture content changes, potentially affecting foundations and causing structural movement.

Our surveyors are experienced in identifying signs of subsidence and settlement that may affect properties in areas with clay soils. We examine walls for cracks, check door and window operation, and assess the overall structural integrity of the building. In properties with trees or large shrubs planted near the building, we pay particular attention to potential root interference with foundations, which can exacerbate movement in clay soils.

While the proposed new development site between Deacon Road and Cow Lane is classified as Flood Zone 1, indicating low flood risk from rivers, surface water flooding can still occur in rural villages like Kimpton. The local parish council includes flooding in its emergency planning considerations, reflecting that surface water can accumulate in low-lying areas after heavy rainfall. Our surveyors check drainage arrangements and note any evidence of water staining or previous flooding when inspecting properties throughout the village.

A proposed outline planning application for 15 new homes in Kimpton is currently under consideration by Test Valley Borough Council. The development would occupy a 0.9-hectare field between Deacon Road and Cow Lane, with 40% (six properties) designated as affordable housing. The properties would be mainly two- and three-bedroom houses, mostly two storeys high, designed using traditional styles and local materials to complement the village character. The application was received in January 2026 with a determination date in April 2026.

The proposed development site is classified as Flood Zone 1, indicating low flood risk from river sources. However, Kimpton Parish Council includes flooding in its emergency planning considerations, so our surveyors remain alert to potential drainage and surface water issues when inspecting properties in the village. New build properties, while generally in good condition, still benefit from a Level 2 survey to identify any construction defects or snagging issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.

The draft Test Valley Local Plan 2042 includes proposals for housing allocations around Kimpton and surrounding villages including Thruxton, Weyhill, and Ludgershall. Should you be considering a new-build property in any future development, our Level 2 survey can identify issues that may not be apparent during a visual inspection. Common findings in new build properties include problems with window seals, roof tile fixing, and internal finishes that may require attention from the developer.