RICS Level 2 Survey in PO17

The PO17 area presents a fascinating mix of property types that all benefit from a thorough RICS Level 2 inspection. The region encompasses everything from historic cottages dating back to the 1700s in Wickham village to modern new builds at the Welborne development on Dashwood Avenue, where properties range from £495,000 for a two-bedroom plot to £600,000 for larger detached homes. Between these extremes lie Victorian terraced houses, post-war semis, converted barns in North Boarhunt, and the distinctive Georgian and Victorian properties that make up much of the conservation areas. The mix of housing stock means that our surveyors must apply different expertise depending on the property type and age.

Our inspectors regularly identify issues specific to the older properties found throughout PO17. Properties with Victorian origins or those dating from the 1700s commonly present challenges such as rising damp, timber decay in roof structures, outdated electrical wiring that does not meet current regulations, and the gradual effects of settlement over decades. Many properties in Knowle Village and around Wickham are Grade II listed, which brings additional considerations around maintenance standards and permitted alterations that our surveyors understand intimately. The older housing stock in PO17 represents a significant proportion of properties, making the detailed assessment that a Level 2 survey provides particularly valuable.

The new build developments in PO17 also warrant professional inspection. Properties at the Powell Road development in Wickham, constructed as recently as 2023 by Bewley Homes, may appear pristine but can contain hidden defects in finishes, snagging issues, or problems with building regulations compliance that only an experienced eye will spot. At the Southwick Road development in North Boarhunt, where detached homes reach £1.3-1.6 million, our surveyors have identified issues with window seal failures and inadequate ventilation in recently constructed properties. Even newly constructed properties can have defects, and a RICS Level 2 survey ensures you receive the documentation needed to address these with the developer.

The current market conditions in PO17 make a survey particularly valuable. With prices having decreased by around £9,318 over the last 12 months and sales volumes down significantly, buyers need to be confident that any property they purchase represents genuine value. Our survey report provides the information you need to negotiate with confidence, whether that means requesting repairs, adjusting the purchase price, or identifying issues that might prompt you to reconsider the purchase entirely.

• Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties
• Grade II listed buildings in conservation areas
• New build properties at Welborne, Powell Road and Southwick Road
• Converted barns in North Boarhunt
• Semi-detached homes built between 1950-1980

Our experience surveying properties across Wickham, Knowle Village and North Boarhunt has given us insight into the typical issues that affect homes in this area. The older properties, particularly those with Victorian origins or dating from the 1700s, frequently present challenges with damp penetration. Solid walls without cavity insulation are particularly susceptible to rising damp, especially in properties where the original damp proof course has failed or was never installed. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify the extent of damp issues and advise on appropriate remediation. Properties in low-lying areas near the River Meon may also experience penetrating damp during periods of heavy rainfall.

Roof conditions are another common finding in PO17 properties. Many older homes feature traditional roof structures with natural slate or clay tiles that, while durable, can suffer from individual tile failures, damaged flashing around chimneys, and deterioration of mortar pointing. For properties with thatched roofs, which can be found in the surrounding Hampshire countryside, a specialist survey may be recommended as these require expert assessment beyond the standard Level 2 inspection. We also commonly identify issues with flat roof sections on extensions, where ponding water and failed membranes can lead to internal water damage.

Electrical systems in older properties often require attention. Rewiring was not standard practice until the 1960s and 1970s, meaning properties built before this period may still have fabric-covered cabling that has reached the end of its serviceable life. Our surveyors note the type and condition of visible electrical installations and recommend further investigation by a qualified electrician where necessary. Additionally, we commonly identify issues with windows in period properties, where rotten timber frames, failing double glazing seals, and poor-quality previous repairs can affect both the comfort and value of the property. In listed buildings, window replacement restrictions often mean original windows have been repaired multiple times rather than replaced, leading to ongoing maintenance requirements.

New build properties at developments like Welborne and Powell Road have their own set of common issues that our surveyors are trained to identify. These include snagging issues such as incomplete decorations, damaged fixtures, and minor строительные defects. We also check for proper ventilation installation, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens where extractor fans may be inadequate. Window seal failures and issues with door alignments are frequently found in newer properties, as the building settles and seals can deteriorate. Our detailed report ensures you have the documentation needed to request corrections from the developer.

Once your RICS Level 2 survey is complete, you will receive a comprehensive report that is structured to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase. The report uses a simple traffic light system to rate the condition of different elements, making it easy to identify which issues require urgent attention and which are minor matters for future maintenance. Each defect is described in clear language, explaining what the problem is, why it has occurred, and what the implications are for the property. We include photographs of all significant findings so you can see exactly what our surveyors have identified.

The report also includes a section on the property's energy efficiency, highlighting any obvious areas where improvements could be made to reduce running costs and increase comfort. For properties in PO17 with older heating systems or poor insulation, this can be particularly valuable information. Many period properties in Wickham and Knowle Village were constructed before modern energy efficiency standards were introduced, and even small improvements can make a significant difference to comfort and running costs. We provide practical recommendations that are appropriate for the property type.

Additionally, the report provides a market value assessment and a rebuild cost for insurance purposes, ensuring you have the documentation needed for your mortgage lender. The market value assessment reflects current conditions in the PO17 area, taking into account recent price trends and the specific characteristics of the property. The rebuild cost is calculated based on the property's size, construction type, and location, ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage. Both figures are included in the report at no additional cost.