RICS Level 2 Home Survey in North East England

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying any defects or issues that could affect value or safety. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the main structural elements, including walls, roof, floors, doors, and windows. Our surveyors check the condition of the property's services such as plumbing, electrical installations, and heating systems, flagging any obvious safety concerns or urgent repairs needed.

In the North East, our inspectors are particularly experienced in identifying issues common to the region's housing stock. This includes problems with older Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties found in abundance in Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough, where subsidence, damp, and roof defects are frequently encountered. We also assess the condition of more modern properties, including new builds from developers like Barratt Homes, Persimmon Homes, and Taylor Wimpey, where snagging issues and construction defects may still be present despite the relatively young age of these properties.

The Level 2 Survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element assessed. Red rating means urgent repairs are required, amber indicates defects that need attention but are not immediately serious, and green means no action is required. This clear formatting helps you prioritise any negotiations with the seller and budget appropriately for any remedial work needed after completion. Our surveyors also include an insurance rebuild cost valuation, which is essential for ensuring you have adequate cover for your new property.

We examine the property's drainage and damp-proofing measures, which is particularly important in the North East given the region's high rainfall and proximity to the coast. Our team checks for signs of penetrating damp in solid wall constructions, which are common in older North East properties, and assesses the effectiveness of any existing damp-proof courses. We also evaluate the condition of gutters and downpipes, as blocked or damaged drainage is a frequent issue in period properties throughout the region.

• Wall structure and condition
• Roof covering and gutters
• Floor surfaces and foundations
• Damp and timber condition
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Heating and ventilation
• External areas and boundaries

The North East has a diverse housing stock reflecting its rich industrial heritage and modern regeneration. Cities like Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland feature extensive Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties, many of which are over 100 years old. These properties often have solid brick walls, traditional slate roofs, and original features that require careful assessment. Our surveyors understand the common issues affecting these older properties, including subsidence from past mining activity, rising damp, and the gradual deterioration of historic building materials.

County Durham and Northumberland contain numerous rural properties, including traditional stone cottages that showcase the region's agricultural heritage. These buildings often feature solid stone walls that can suffer from penetrating damp, particularly in exposed locations. Our inspectors are familiar with the local geology and understand how the Carboniferous rock formations in areas like Northumberland can affect foundation conditions and the shrink-swell risk in clay-rich soils found in valley areas. We pay particular attention to properties in areas like the Tyne Valley and Weardale where traditional stone construction is prevalent.

The Teesside area, including Middlesbrough and Stockton, has seen significant regeneration in recent years with new apartment developments and modern housing estates. While these newer properties generally require less maintenance, our surveyors still check for common new build issues such as inadequate insulation, poorly fitted windows, and cosmetic defects that might not be immediately obvious to an untrained eye. With new build prices averaging £278,000 and 1,212 new properties sold in the region last year, ensuring these investments are sound is crucial.

Flood risk is an important consideration for properties in the North East, particularly those near the region's major rivers. Properties along the River Tyne, River Wear, and River Tees may be at risk of fluvial flooding, while coastal areas including parts of Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, and South Shields face potential coastal flooding during storm surges. Our surveyors note the location of properties in relation to flood risk areas and will flag any concerns in the report. Surface water flooding can also affect urban areas across the region during heavy rainfall events.

• Mining subsidence affects many areas
• Coastal exposure can impact coastal properties
• Flood risk along River Tyne, Wear, and Tees
• Conservation areas in Durham and Hexham
• Listed buildings require specialist knowledge
• Modern apartment developments need thorough checks