RICS Level 2 Survey Romsey

Our RICS Level 2 survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, assessing the overall condition and identifying any defects that could impact the value or safety of the home. The survey includes a detailed analysis of the main structural elements, including the walls, roof, floors, and foundations. Our inspectors examine the condition of windows, doors, and joinery, as well as the property's damp proofing, insulation, and ventilation systems. For properties in Romsey, this is particularly important given the age of much of the housing stock, with many Victorian and Edwardian homes in the town centre dating back to the 1880s.

The survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost, which can be invaluable when arranging your mortgage and buildings insurance. If your chosen property is located in a flood risk area near the River Test, our report will flag any flood-related concerns and advise on the property's resilience. We check for signs of past flooding and assess the effectiveness of any existing flood mitigation measures, which is especially relevant for homes near Fishlake Meadows or the Tadburn Lake Stream. The 2022 completion of the £9.5 million Romsey Flood Alleviation Scheme, which included a tilting weir, earth embankments, and drainage improvements, provides important context for properties in these areas.

One of the key benefits of a Level 2 survey is the traffic light rating system, which clearly indicates the condition of each element inspected. Green for satisfactory condition, amber for repairs needed, and red for urgent issues that require immediate attention. This makes it easy to understand which areas of the property need attention and allows you to plan for any necessary repairs or negotiations with the seller. Our surveyors provide clear, jargon-free explanations so you can make an informed decision about your purchase.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof coverings and chimneys
• Dampness and timber decay
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Energy performance rating

While Romsey has a rich heritage of period properties, the town is also seeing significant new development activity. At Wisteria Gate on Braishfield Road, Croudace Homes is completing the final phases of this popular development featuring 5-bedroom detached homes priced from around £760,000. These new build properties, while less likely to have significant structural issues, can still benefit from a Level 2 survey to identify any build quality concerns or finishing defects before you commit.

For those considering retirement living, Glebe Court on Abbotswood Common Road offers 1-bedroom properties from £299,000 through McCarthy Stone. Newer properties like these may have different defect profiles compared to older homes, including issues with waterproofing, ventilation systems, and the performance of modern building materials. Our surveyors understand what to look for in both traditional and contemporary construction methods.

Looking ahead, major developments are planned for the Romsey area including the Whitenap scheme on Luzborough Lane, whichOutline planning permission exists for around 920 new homes. The Land South of Bypass Road, adjacent to Romsey Town football ground, has an approved application for up to 109 dwellings. These new developments will shape the future of the Romsey property market, and our surveyors stay current with local construction trends and common issues in new build properties.

Our experience surveying properties across Romsey and Test Valley has identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Dampness is perhaps the most common problem, particularly in solid-walled Victorian and Edwardian homes that were built before modern damp proof courses were standard. Rising damp can affect ground floor walls, while penetrating damp often appears in roofs, walls around windows, and chimneys. Condensation is also prevalent in older properties with poor ventilation, leading to black mould on walls and windows. The clay soil prevalent in the Romsey area can also contribute to moisture-related issues in properties with inadequate damp proofing.

Roof defects are another frequent finding in Romsey surveys. Many period properties still have their original roof coverings, which may be past their expected lifespan. Missing or broken tiles, deteriorating ridge mortar, and failing flashings are common issues that can lead to water ingress and timber decay if not addressed promptly. Chimney stacks on older properties also require careful inspection, as movement and weathering can cause loose bricks or crumbling mortar. Our surveyors pay particular attention to these elements given the age of much of Romsey's housing stock.

Electrical and plumbing systems in older homes often fall well below current safety standards. Original wiring may be cloth-covered rather than modern PVC, and lead pipework is still found in some properties. These issues not only represent a safety hazard but will likely need upgrading before you can sell the property in the future. Our surveyors will note any visible electrical or plumbing concerns and recommend further investigation by qualified contractors. In properties built before 1950, we often find outdated consumer units and a lack of earth bonding that would need addressing.

• Rising and penetrating damp
• Roof tile damage and leaks
• Structural movement and subsidence
• Outdated electrical systems
• Lead water pipework
• Chimney deterioration

Flood risk is an important consideration for property buyers in Romsey, given the town's location on the River Test and its tributaries. The area has a documented history of flooding events, including significant incidents in the 1960s, 1995, 2000, 2001, and the major winter flooding of 2013/2014. Properties in areas such as Fishlake Meadows and fields to the west of the town, which act as a natural flood plain, face particular risk during periods of high rainfall.

The Tadburn Lake Stream, running east to west through the town before converging with the River Test south of the A27, also poses a flood risk to properties in the eastern parts of Romsey. Surface water flooding can occur when the drainage network is overwhelmed, and properties near Jenner Way and Sewards Rise may be affected, especially when high river levels prevent normal drainage. Our surveyors will assess the property's flood history and location relative to known flood zones, providing you with crucial information for insurance and mortgage purposes.

Following the devastating floods of 2013/2014, a significant £9.5 million Romsey Flood Alleviation Scheme was completed in 2022. This scheme includes a tilting weir, earth embankments, a new bridge, a spillway, and drainage improvements designed to protect 127 properties from future flooding events. While this scheme provides enhanced protection, buyers should still consider flood risk when purchasing property in affected areas, and our survey report will flag any relevant concerns.