RICS Level 2 Survey in Mole Valley

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of your property. Our surveyors examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical installations, identifying any defects or areas of concern that might affect the value or safety of the property. In Mole Valley, where approximately 74% of properties are over 46 years old, this thorough inspection is particularly valuable for uncovering issues common to older housing stock. We inspect properties of all types, from compact flats in Leatherhead to substantial detached homes in the village settlements surrounding Dorking.

The survey includes an assessment of the property's condition across nine key areas: grounds, damp proofing, walls, windows, roofs, services, fire and safety, and infrastructure. We provide a clear red, amber, or green rating system that highlights the urgency of any issues discovered. For properties in Mole Valley's numerous conservation areas or those listed buildings, we include specific advice about any restrictions or considerations that may affect future renovations. Our report explains what each rating means in practical terms, translating technical findings into clear guidance you can use when negotiating with sellers or planning repair works.

Our surveyors pay particular attention to the common issues found in Mole Valley properties. The district's clay geology creates significant subsidence risk, while the age of much of the housing stock means we frequently encounter outdated electrical systems, timber defects, and deteriorating roof coverings. We also check for signs of flooding risk, given the proximity of many properties to the River Mole. Every survey report includes high-quality photographs showing the issues we find, giving you a clear visual record of any areas of concern.

The Level 2 Survey also includes a market value assessment and insurance rebuild cost figure, which is particularly useful for mortgage purposes and buildings insurance. We compare your property to recent sales in the Mole Valley area to ensure our valuation reflects current market conditions. For properties in specific developments such as Longhurst Park, Pippbrook Mill, or The Ridings, we can draw on our knowledge of these sites to provide context-specific commentary in our reports.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for key elements
• Assessment of flood risk
• Identification of subsidence indicators
• Evaluation of roof and chimney condition
• Check of services and utilities
• Market value assessment
• Insurance rebuild cost calculation

The geology of Mole Valley presents unique challenges for property owners. The district features significant areas of Gault Clay, London Clay, and Weald Clay, particularly in the north and east around Leatherhead and Fetcham. These clay types are susceptible to shrink-swell behaviour, which means properties can experience movement during prolonged dry or wet periods. This geology, combined with the many mature trees and hedgerows found throughout the area, makes subsidence a common concern that our surveyors specifically check for during every inspection. We look for signs such as cracking to external walls, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floor levels.

Many properties in Mole Valley were built before modern building regulations came into effect, meaning they may have shallow foundations, outdated electrical systems, or inadequate damp proofing. Our surveyors frequently identify issues such as rising damp in period properties, deteriorated roof coverings on homes over 50 years old, and timber defects including woodworm and rot in floor joists and roof structures. We also commonly find outdated fuse boards and wiring that does not meet current electrical safety standards, particularly in properties that have not been updated since construction. According to our experience surveying properties across Dorking, Leatherhead, and the surrounding villages, electrical deficiencies are one of the most frequently identified issues requiring attention.

Flood risk is another important consideration for properties in Mole Valley. The River Mole flows through Dorking, Leatherhead, and Fetcham, creating fluvial flood risk for properties along its course. Surface water flooding is also a concern across the district, particularly in urbanised areas where drainage systems can become overwhelmed during heavy rainfall. Our surveyors assess flood risk as part of every inspection and flag any concerns in your report. We check the property's position relative to the flood plain, examine the effectiveness of existing drainage, and look for any evidence of previous flooding such as water marks or damaged plasterwork at lower levels.

Properties in Mole Valley also commonly exhibit issues related to their age and construction type. Pre-1919 properties often have solid brick walls without cavity insulation, meaning they can be prone to damp and have poorer thermal performance. Properties built between 1919 and 1945 may have cavity walls but with shallow foundations that are more vulnerable to movement. The post-war properties built between 1945 and 1980, which make up around 38% of the housing stock, frequently require attention to roof coverings, windows, and original heating systems. Our surveyors understand these construction types and know exactly what to look for when inspecting properties from each era.

• Subsidence from clay shrink-swell
• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof defects and deterioration
• Outdated electrical systems
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Flood risk from River Mole

While Mole Valley is known for its period properties, the district also has active new build developments that require careful consideration. Longhurst Park in Walliswood offers 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom homes from £450,000 to £1,100,000, built by Thakeham Homes. This development is situated in a rural location between Dorking and Horsham, and properties here benefit from modern construction methods but may have unique issues related to their setting, including potential flood risk from nearby watercourses and the effects of clay soil on new structures as they settle. Pippbrook Mill in Dorking provides shared ownership apartments from £80,000, while The Ridings in Fetcham offers larger family homes from £795,000.

Even new build properties benefit from a Level 2 Survey. While they may be free from the age-related issues affecting older homes, our surveyors can identify snagging issues, check the quality of construction and fittings, and verify that everything has been completed to acceptable standards. Common issues we find in new build properties include incomplete works, cosmetic defects, improperly installed insulation, and drainage issues that may not be immediately apparent to an untrained eye. For shared ownership properties like those at Pippbrook Mill, understanding the full condition of the property is particularly important for making informed decisions about future maintenance costs and service charges.

Our experience surveying new builds throughout Surrey has shown that even recently constructed properties can have significant defects that are not visible on a basic visual inspection. We check that windows and doors function correctly, that damp proofing is properly installed, and that the electrical and plumbing systems are completed to current standards. For developments in Mole Valley where ground conditions may include clay soil, we also assess whether the property has been designed and built with appropriate foundations and ground stability measures. A Level 2 Survey on a new build property provides valuable and can uncover issues that the developer should rectify before completion or during the warranty period.