RICS Level 2 Survey in Chichester PO19

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed assessment of the property's condition, focusing on the main structural elements and potential defects that could affect the value or safety of the property. We inspect the roof structure, walls, floors, windows, doors, damp proof courses, and the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems where visible. Each survey includes clear ratings from "good" to "urgent repair needed," helping you understand exactly what work may be required after completion. The report runs to approximately 10-15 pages and is designed to be accessible for buyers who may not have a technical background in building construction.

In Chichester's PO19 area, where a significant proportion of housing stock dates from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in older properties. These include rising damp in solid brick walls, deteriorating slate or clay tile roofs, outdated electrical wiring from the pre-1980s era, and the condition of original timber windows and doors. We also check for signs of structural movement, which can occur in properties built on clay soils, particularly where mature trees are located near foundations. Many properties in Chichester were constructed using traditional methods including solid brick walls with lime mortar pointing, which requires different assessment criteria compared to modern cavity wall construction.

The survey report includes practical advice on any urgent repairs, recommends further investigations where necessary, and provides an independent assessment of the property's overall condition. For properties in flood-risk areas near Chichester Harbour or the River Lavant, we include guidance on flood resilience and any existing flood defence measures. Our reports are written in clear, jargon-free language that you can use confidently when negotiating with sellers or planning renovation work. We also provide cost guidance for repairs, helping you budget for any work identified during the inspection.

Beyond the standard assessment, our surveyors will check accessible areas of the loft space, including insulation depth and condition, and note any visible signs of timber decay or infestation. We examine the condition of fascias, soffits, and gutters, which are common sources of penetrating damp in older properties. Our inspection also covers any outbuildings, garages, and boundary walls, ensuring you have a complete picture of the property's overall condition before you commit to the purchase.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, damp proof course, and insulation
• Floors, stairs, and joinery
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible conditions
• Drainage and gutters
• Fences, boundaries, and outbuildings

Chichester's property market presents unique challenges that make a RICS Level 2 Survey particularly valuable for buyers in the PO19 area. The city has a diverse housing stock ranging from medieval timber-framed buildings in the city centre to post-war estates and modern developments, each with their own specific defect profiles. With property prices showing a -2.31% adjustment over the past 12 months according to Rightmove data, buyers are increasingly looking to ensure they are not overpaying for properties that may require significant remedial work.

The age of properties in Chichester is a major factor. Over 40% of the housing stock in the Chichester district was built before 1945, meaning a substantial proportion of properties will have some age-related issues. Victorian and Edwardian properties, which make up much of the city centre's terraced housing, often lack modern damp proof courses or have ones that have failed over decades of use. The solid brick construction common in these properties requires different assessment approaches compared to modern cavity wall buildings, and our surveyors are experienced in identifying defects specific to traditional construction methods.

For buyers considering properties in one of Chichester's multiple conservation areas, a Level 2 Survey provides important information about the condition of historic fabric while flagging where more detailed investigation may be required. Properties in conservation areas often have restrictions on alterations and may require listed building consent even for minor works, so understanding the condition of original features such as windows, doors, and decorative brickwork is valuable for future planning. The Chichester conservation area, which encompasses much of the historic city centre, contains numerous listed buildings ranging from the Cathedral to Georgian townhouses, each requiring specialist knowledge during assessment.

Properties in the Chichester area present several common issues that our Level 2 Surveys frequently identify. The local geology, which includes chalk bedrock with overlying deposits of brickearth, sands, gravels, and clay in some areas, means that properties in certain locations may be at risk from shrink-swell movement in clay soils. This is particularly relevant where mature trees or hedgerows are located close to buildings, as tree roots can draw moisture from the soil, causing it to shrink and swell seasonally. Properties in the Whyke Road area and parts of Summersdale are particularly noted for clay-related ground conditions.

The age of much of the housing stock in PO19 means that damp is a frequent finding in our surveys. Victorian and Edwardian properties often lack modern damp proof courses or have ones that have failed over time. Penetrating damp can occur where roof lead flashing has deteriorated or where pointing has failed in the brickwork. Properties with solid walls are particularly susceptible to condensation issues, especially where ventilation is poor or where modern double glazing has been installed without adequate background ventilation. Our surveyors use moisture meters during the inspection to identify areas of damp and distinguish between different types of moisture ingress.

Many properties in the area also have outdated electrical systems that do not meet current regulations. Properties built before the 1980s often still have their original consumer units, wiring, and accessories, which may not only be inefficient but could also pose a safety risk. We visually inspect the electrical consumer unit and note the type of wiring visible, recommending a registered electrician for a fuller inspection if concerns are identified. Similarly, plumbing systems in older properties may include galvanised steel pipes that have corroded internally, lead pipework in the oldest properties, or outdated types of heating systems that are expensive to run and maintain.

Another significant issue we encounter in Chichester properties is the presence of asbestos-containing materials in buildings constructed before 2000. Asbestos was commonly used in insulation boards, floor tiles, roof sheeting, and pipe insulation until its use was banned in the UK. Our surveyors will note any suspected asbestos-containing materials and recommend a specialist asbestos survey for confirmation and safe removal if renovation work is planned. Additionally, we frequently find issues with original timber windows where paint layers have failed, allowing moisture ingress and subsequent wood decay in window frames and sills.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile slippage and felt deterioration
• Subsidence or structural movement
• Outdated electrical installations
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Blocked or damaged drains
• Missing or failed damp proof course
• Asbestos-containing materials (pre-2000 properties)

The PO19 area has seen significant new development in recent years, with Graylingwell Park (Linden Homes) near Chichester and Shopwyke Lakes (Cala Homes) providing new homes priced from £340,000 to £799,950. While new-build properties are generally covered by NHBC or similar structural warranties, a RICS Level 2 Survey remains valuable for identifying any construction defects, snagging issues, or problems that may not be immediately apparent to a buyer. The development at Graylingwell Park offers 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom homes, while Shopwyke Lakes provides a range of 3 to 5 bedroom properties in a lakeside setting.

Even in newly constructed properties, our surveyors have identified issues such as inadequate insulation in roof spaces, poorly fitted windows and doors, drainage problems caused by incorrect fall, and minor structural defects that builder snagging lists may have missed. A professional survey provides you with an independent assessment that is separate from any warranty inspections carried out by the developer, giving you additional leverage to request repairs before the warranty period expires. Many buyers are surprised to find defects in new properties that were not apparent during their viewing, making a Level 2 Survey a worthwhile investment even for brand-new homes.

For shared ownership or Help to Buy properties in these developments, we can also provide specific valuations required by housing associations and lenders. Our team understands the requirements of these schemes and can provide the necessary documentation alongside your survey report. We can also arrange valuation assessments for Help to Buy equity loan requirements, ensuring you meet all the financial conditions of your purchase. Linden Homes and Cala Homes both operate in the PO19 area, and we have experience surveying properties from both developers.

It is worth noting that while new-build properties benefit from structural warranties, these typically only cover major structural defects and may have exclusions for cosmetic issues or problems arising from homeowner alterations. A RICS Level 2 Survey provides by giving you an independent assessment of the property's condition before you take ownership, allowing you to request corrections from the developer while the property is still within the defects liability period.