RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Purdis Farm

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a detailed inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space, walls, floors, doors, windows, and permanent fixtures. Our chartered surveyor will assess the overall condition of the property and categorise any defects found as either urgent, serious, or minor. You will receive a comprehensive written report that includes clear ratings for each element of the property, helping you understand exactly what you are purchasing and what remedial work may be required. We take photographs of all significant defects and provide practical recommendations for addressing each issue identified.

Properties in Purdis Farm present a variety of construction types that our surveyors are well-versed in examining. The modern developments in the Warren Heath area typically feature conventional brick and block cavity wall construction with tiled roofs, while older properties in the area may have traditional timber-framed construction with plaster finishes and pantile roofs. Understanding these different construction methods is essential for identifying appropriate defects, as traditional Suffolk buildings often have specific issues related to their age and materials that differ from modern properties. Our surveyors have inspected properties on streets such as Essex Way, Penny Lane, and the roads surrounding Purdis Heath, giving us detailed knowledge of the various construction types found locally.

The Purdis Farm area sits within the Ipswich Borough Council boundary and includes areas of industrial development along the A1156. Our surveyors are familiar with the local geology, which can include clay-rich soils susceptible to shrink-swell movement, particularly in areas near Purdis Heath. This ground condition can lead to subsidence issues, especially where large trees are present or drainage is poor. We check for signs of structural movement, including diagonal cracking and distortion around door and window openings, which may indicate foundation problems. In our experience surveying properties in this area, we have identified properties with varying foundation conditions depending on the specific location and proximity to trees or clay strata.

The local drainage infrastructure is another factor our surveyors consider during inspections. Some residents on Bucklesham Road have reported sewerage system concerns, with the existing infrastructure reportedly struggling to cope with new developments in the area. This can lead to back-flow problems and unpleasant smells in some locations. Our surveyors will check for signs of drainage issues, including water staining, dampness, and evidence of previous flooding or water damage. We also inspect guttering and downpipes, as poor drainage from the property itself can lead to serious structural problems over time.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Assessment of construction type and condition
• Identification of damp, rot, and timber defects
• Evaluation of roof condition and drainage
• Checking for signs of subsidence or structural movement
• Evaluation of windows, doors, and joinery
• Review of plumbing and electrical fittings (visual only)
• Clear traffic light ratings for all elements

The Purdis Farm housing market has shown strong growth, with Rightmove reporting prices 22% up on the previous year and 10% above the 2023 peak of £296,626. This significant investment makes it essential to understand exactly what you are purchasing. A RICS Level 2 survey gives you the information needed to proceed with confidence or to renegotiate based on the property's actual condition. With average property values now exceeding £350,000, the cost of a survey represents excellent value for money when you consider the potential cost of unexpected repairs.

Price variations across different streets in Purdis Farm highlight the importance of property-specific surveys. While some roads like Purdis Avenue have seen 27% growth since the 2018 peak, other streets such as Bucklesham Road have experienced a 6% year-on-year decline and are 28% below the 2023 peak. Penny Lane has seen a 29% drop from its 2023 peak, and Essex Way is 15% below its 2021 peak. These variations reflect different property types, conditions, and developments in each street, making individual survey assessments essential.

Recent new build activity in Purdis Farm includes four new homes approved on Purdis Farm Lane near Ipswich Golf Club in July 2023, and six new homes on Purdis Avenue approved in May 2023. Whether you are purchasing a brand-new property or an established home, our surveyors provide the detailed assessment you need. New builds may appear to have fewer issues, but a survey can still identify snagging items and construction defects that may not be immediately obvious to the untrained eye. We have found various defects in newer properties, including incorrectly fitted windows, inadequate ventilation, and drainage issues that builders had not addressed.

The historical context of Purdis Farm also affects the properties you may be buying. Parts of the area were once part of the Broke Hall Estate, with land sold off around 1925, meaning some properties date from the pre-1919 and interwar periods. These older properties often have traditional timber-framed construction with plaster finishes and pantile roofs, which require specialist knowledge to assess properly. Our surveyors understand the specific issues affecting these older properties, including the potential for crown post roof defects, wattle and daub infill deterioration, and the absence of modern damp proof courses.

Our experience surveying properties throughout Purdis Farm and the surrounding IP3 area has identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Many properties in the area, particularly those built before modern building regulations, may have inadequate ventilation leading to damp and condensation problems. This is especially common in properties with solid walls, which were common in the pre-1970s housing stock. Our surveyors check for signs of penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation, providing clear guidance on the cause and recommended remediation. We have found that properties along Bucklesham Road and the older sections of Warren Heath are particularly prone to these issues.

Roof conditions are another frequent finding in our Purdis Farm surveys. Older properties may have deteriorating roof coverings, failed ridge mortar, or damaged flashing. Given the mix of traditional pantile roofs on older properties and modern tiled roofs on more recent developments, our surveyors pay particular attention to roof structure, gutter condition, and signs of leakage. Poor drainage and clogged gutters can lead to significant water damage if not addressed promptly. We inspect both the interior and exterior of the roof, accessing the loft space where safe and accessible.

Electrical safety is a key concern in older Purdis Farm properties. Homes built before modern electrical standards may have outdated wiring, including aluminium wiring or older consumer units that do not meet current regulations. While our survey is visual only and does not test electrical installations, we will note any obvious concerns and recommend a qualified electrician to conduct a more detailed Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). We have found older fuse boxes, missing grounding, and DIY electrical work in numerous properties throughout the IP3 area.

The local geology presents specific challenges that our surveyors address during every inspection. Some areas of Purdis Farm, particularly those near Purdis Heath and areas with clay-rich soils, can be susceptible to shrink-swell movement. This occurs when clay soils expand and contract with moisture changes, potentially causing subsidence or foundation movement. Our surveyors look for signs of this issue, including diagonal cracking, cracks passing through the damp proof course, and distortion around door and window openings. Properties with large trees nearby or those with poor drainage are particularly at risk.

• Damp and condensation in older properties
• Roof deterioration and gutter issues
• Outdated electrical installations
• Signs of subsidence or structural movement
• Timber defects including rot and woodworm
• Windows and doors not operating correctly
• Missing or damaged damp proof courses
• Inadequate insulation or ventilation