RICS Level 2 Survey in LE6

Our inspectors conduct a detailed visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. In LE6, where we frequently survey properties ranging from Victorian terraces on Station Road in Ratby to 1970s developments in Groby, our surveyors pay particular attention to issues common in the local housing stock. The survey includes an assessment of the property's overall condition, identifying any defects that might affect value or safety, from missing roof tiles to signs of damp penetration. We systematically examine each element of the property, documenting any issues we find with photographic evidence and clear descriptions.

We examine the main structural elements including walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure. Our report highlights any urgent defects requiring immediate attention, such as structural movement or significant damp issues, alongside less critical matters that may require future maintenance. For properties in areas like the Groby Conservation Area (designated in 1976) or the Ratby Conservation Area (designated in 1987), we note any features that may affect the property's listed status or conservation requirements. Our surveyors understand that modifications to listed buildings without proper consent can be a criminal offence, so we pay particular attention to identifying any unauthorized alterations.

The Level 2 survey also includes a market valuation and insurance reinstatement figure, giving you confidence in your purchase price. In the current LE6 market, where prices have seen a 0.9% decrease over the past year following a 15% peak in 2023, this valuation aspect proves particularly valuable for buyers seeking assurance that the property is priced appropriately for its condition. The insurance reinstatement cost helps you arrange adequate buildings insurance from the day you complete the purchase.

For those purchasing new build properties such as those at Pear Tree Fields in Ratby (priced from £350,000 to £555,000), our survey can identify any snagging issues or defects that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Even new homes can have construction issues, and having our chartered surveyors inspect before you complete provides valuable protection for your investment.

• Roof and chimney condition
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Wall structure and cracking
• Floor and ceiling conditions
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Windows and doors
• External drainage
• Thermal efficiency notes

Our inspectors are familiar with the specific challenges presented by properties in the LE6 area. Groby and Ratby have experienced surface water flooding in recent years, particularly around Leicester Road, Dalby Drive, Marston Drive, and the village centres. A flood alleviation project is currently underway in Groby to install larger sewer pipes and additional storage tanks to boost capacity. Our surveyors will inspect gutters, downpipes, and external drainage, noting any signs of water damage or inadequate drainage that could lead to future problems. We also check for evidence of flooding history, which can affect insurance premiums and future saleability.

The local geology means that some properties may be built on shrink-swell clay soils, which can cause foundation movement during periods of dry or wet weather. Properties with shallow foundations, common in older buildings, are particularly vulnerable. Our inspectors look for signs of cracking, subsidence, or doors and windows that no longer close properly, which could indicate structural movement. In extreme cases, we may recommend further investigation by a structural engineer if significant movement is detected.

Given the historical quarrying activity in Groby, where granite was extracted from local quarries including the site now occupied by GE Sensing (formerly Druck Ltd), our surveyors also consider ground stability issues. While active deep coal mining is less likely in LE6 itself (more prevalent in the nearby Desford area), we remain alert to any signs of ground instability that could affect the property's foundations. The proximity to historical mining areas means we pay particular attention to any signs of ground movement or subsidence.

For properties with thatched roofs or traditional lime-based construction, we note the specific maintenance requirements and any defects that might not be apparent in more modern buildings. Many properties in the area date from the Victorian era and earlier, meaning original wiring and plumbing may not meet current safety standards. Our electrical and plumbing assessments flag any concerns about outdated systems that may require upgrading.

• Surface water and fluvial flood risk
• Foundation movement and subsidence
• Damp and condensation in older properties
• Roof condition and slate/tile defects
• Chimney stacks and flues
• Electrical and plumbing age
• Drainage and gutter condition
• Conservation and listed building considerations

The LE6 property market has seen some adjustment recently, with prices 0.9% down over the past year and 15% down from the 2023 peak of £368,636. In this environment, having an independent professional assessment of the property's condition becomes even more important. A RICS Level 2 survey from our team gives you the information you need to negotiate with confidence or to walk away if the property has significant issues. The investment in a survey could save you thousands in unexpected repair costs or provide leverage to negotiate a better price.

Our local presence in Leicestershire means our surveyors understand the area's housing stock intimately. From the 1970s expansions in Groby to the inter-war semi-detached properties along Station Road and Markfield Road in Ratby, we know what to look for and can identify issues that a less experienced inspector might miss. Properties in LE6 have sold over the last year at an average of £306,991, making it essential to understand exactly what you're getting for your investment. Our surveyors are familiar with the Charnwood Estate area in Ratby, built on former farmland in the late 1940s, and can identify issues specific to post-war construction.

The RICS Level 2 survey represents excellent value, typically costing between 0.1-0.3% of the property price. For a property in LE6 averaging around £300,000, your survey will cost from £480, making it a small investment for the protection it provides. Should our report reveal issues that require renegotiation, even a small reduction in the purchase price could save you thousands. Our reports are accepted by all major lenders and can be a condition of your mortgage offer.

With new developments like Pear Tree Fields bringing modern homes to the area and established neighborhoods offering character properties, the LE6 area presents diverse buying opportunities. Whether you are a first-time buyer looking at a terraced property on Stamford Street in Ratby, a family seeking a detached home in the popular Groby areas, or someone looking to renovate a period property, our RICS Level 2 survey provides the clarity you need to proceed with confidence.