RICS Level 2 Survey in PO18

The PO18 postcode covers an attractive area of West Sussex characterised by a diverse housing stock. From modern detached family homes to older period properties in conservation villages, each property type carries its own set of potential issues. Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's condition, identifying defects that may not be visible during a standard viewing. With house prices in PO18 having decreased by 7% over the past year and sitting 16% below the 2023 peak of £751,101, buyers need assurance that their investment is sound.

The local area features a high proportion of detached properties at approximately 47% of the housing stock, with semi-detached homes making up around 31%. Many properties in villages like Bosham and Funtington date back several decades or more, meaning issues such as damp, outdated electrical systems, and roof deterioration are common concerns. Our surveyors inspect every accessible area of the property, from the roof space to the foundations, providing you with a detailed report that highlights both urgent repairs and future maintenance requirements.

Properties in coastal areas like Bosham face unique challenges due to their proximity to Chichester Harbour. Tidal flooding and coastal erosion represent real risks for some properties, while the marine environment can accelerate wear on external fabric and building materials. Our surveyors understand these local factors and include specific assessments relevant to the PO18 area in every report. We check for signs of salt corrosion on external joinery, assess the condition of flat roofs that may deteriorate faster in coastal environments, and note any evidence of previous flooding or water damage.

The mix of property ages in PO18 means that electrical systems vary significantly across the area. Properties built before modern electrical standards may have wiring that does not meet current regulations, potentially creating fire hazards. During our survey, we visually inspect the consumer unit, wiring condition where accessible, and socket outlets, flagging any obvious concerns that require further investigation by a qualified electrician. This is particularly important in older properties in villages like East Dean and Fishbourne, where original wiring may still be in place.

• Identify structural defects and movement
• Assess roof condition and insulation
• Check for damp and moisture penetration
• Evaluate electrical and plumbing systems
• Review windows, doors and joinery
• Flag potential flood risk concerns

Properties in the PO18 postcode area face several unique challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. The coastal location near Chichester Harbour means tidal flooding represents a potential risk for properties in low-lying areas, particularly those close to the water in Bosham and Fishbourne. Surface water flooding can also occur after heavy rainfall, especially in areas with poor drainage. Our surveyors note the general flood risk based on the property location and advise on appropriate investigations. We cannot carry out a detailed flood risk assessment, but we will note visible signs of previous flooding and advise if a specialist flood risk report is recommended.

The age of housing stock in many PO18 villages means that outdated electrical systems are a common finding. Properties built before modern electrical standards may have wiring that does not meet current regulations, potentially creating fire hazards. We visually inspect the consumer unit, wiring, and socket outlets where accessible, flagging any obvious concerns that require further investigation by a qualified electrician. In particular, we look for older fuse boxes, visible rewiring work, and the presence of modern earthing.

Roof condition is another critical area for PO18 properties. Many older homes feature traditional roof structures that may have undergone partial repairs over the years using mismatched materials. We assess the overall condition, check for missing or damaged tiles, evaluate flashing details, and inspect flat roof areas for signs of deterioration or ponding. In properties near the coast, we pay extra attention to flat roof conditions as these can deteriorate faster in salty air.

The local soil conditions in parts of PO18 can present subsidence risks, particularly in areas with clay soils that expand and contract with moisture changes. While the specific shrink-swell risk for PO18 requires a detailed geological survey, our visual inspection will check for signs of past or current movement, including crack patterns in walls, doors and windows that stick or do not close properly, and uneven floor levels. If we identify potential subsidence issues, we will recommend a structural engineer inspection.

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report uses a clear rating system to communicate the severity of issues found during the inspection. Properties are rated from 1 to 3, with 1 indicating no issues requiring attention, 2 denoting defects requiring repair or replacement but without urgent priority, and 3 highlighting serious defects that require urgent attention. This straightforward system helps you understand which issues need immediate action and which can be addressed over time. Each element of the property receives its own rating, making it easy to identify which areas need the most attention.

Each section of the report includes specific observations, photographs, and our professional assessment of the defect. We explain the likely cause, the potential consequences if left unaddressed, and our recommendation for remedial action. Where issues require specialist input, such as structural engineering assessment or electrical testing, we clearly flag these in the report with appropriate recommendations. For example, if we identify significant cracking that may indicate subsidence, we will recommend a structural engineer to investigate further.

The report also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild figure, which can be valuable for mortgage purposes and future financial planning. If our survey identifies significant defects that affect the property's value, you may be able to renegotiate the purchase price with the seller based on our findings. Many buyers in the PO18 area have successfully negotiated repairs or price reductions after survey findings revealed issues that were not apparent during viewings.

Our reports are written in clear, jargon-free language that anyone can understand. We avoid technical terms where possible, and when we do need to use them, we explain them in plain English. You will receive a comprehensive document that gives you a true picture of the property's condition, allowing you to make an informed decision about your purchase.