RICS Level 2 Survey RG25 (Basingstoke Area)

A RICS Level 2 survey gives a close look at the property’s accessible areas, checking the overall condition and picking up defects that could affect value or safety. Our inspectors look over the roof structure, walls, floors, ceilings, doors and windows, along with damp-proof courses, insulation and ventilation. A traffic light rating system sets out the findings clearly, from "good" (green) through to "requires urgent attention" (red), so repairs and negotiations are easier to prioritise. It is a plain way to show which matters need action and which ones are only minor.

In RG25, where a large share of homes are over 50 years old, our surveyors keep a careful eye on the issues that turn up again and again in older buildings. That means checking for dampness, both rising and penetrating damp, looking at roof coverings and chimney stacks, and seeing whether original electrical and plumbing systems still meet modern standards. We also look for structural movement, which matters in Hampshire because clay soil can lead to subsidence. Villages such as North Waltham, with buildings going back to the 15th century, often need a particularly close reading of their historic fabric.

Valuation is part of the Level 2 survey too, so you get an independent view of the property’s current worth. In the RG25 market, where prices can vary from one postcode sector to the next, that matters. Some areas have seen values rise by up to 12% on their 2023 peak, while others have corrected by around 11%. A solid valuation helps show whether the asking price matches the home’s condition as well as its market position. Our valuers know the local picture, including schemes such as the former Portals Papermill in Overton, which is now being redeveloped.

We also comment on energy efficiency, with a specific section covering insulation and the scope for improvement. Many older RG25 homes, especially those built before modern building regulations, simply do not have enough insulation, and that often shows up in higher bills. The report points out these areas and sets out improvements that could lift the property’s energy efficiency and trim running costs.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, floors, and ceilings
• Damp and timber inspection
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Boundary and outbuilding assessment
• Energy efficiency commentary

One of the key area-specific issues in RG25 is the ground itself. Like much of Hampshire and the South East of England, the area sits on shrinkable clay soil, and that brings particular risks for property owners. The soil expands when it is wet and contracts in dry spells, and that movement can lead to ground movement and subsidence. In fact, clay-related subsidence makes up over 75% of all natural subsidence insurance claims in the UK, and climate change is pushing the risk higher through hotter, drier summers and wetter winters. It is a real concern where there are mature trees nearby, because the roots draw moisture out of the soil and speed up the shrinkage process.

When we inspect RG25 homes, we look closely for signs of subsidence or ground movement. That means checking for diagonal cracks in walls, especially above doors and windows, doors that no longer close properly, and floors that slope or feel uneven. Tree and shrub proximity is part of the assessment too, since roots can pull moisture from clay soil and worsen shrinkage. Properties with clay soil foundations, particularly those with mature trees close by, get extra scrutiny during the survey. If anything suggests a deeper problem, we will recommend a more detailed structural engineer’s report.

Watercourses also play a part in the local picture, including the River Test, which rises near Overton in the parish of Ashe. A detailed search is needed for precise flood risk data on any one property, but our survey does include a visual check of the site and any signs of previous water damage. We can point you towards the right authorities for flood-risk checks and say where further investigation may be sensible. Homes near watercourses or in low-lying spots may be at greater risk of groundwater flooding, especially in periods of heavy rainfall.

Parts of RG25 sit on chalky soils formed from chalk or limestone bedrock. They are generally more stable than clay, though they have their own quirks for property owners. Chalky ground drains well, which can create different problems, including solution features or sinkholes in some cases. Our surveyors know the local geology and understand how to spot concerns linked to both soil types.