RICS Level 2 Survey in Rowley Regis

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible elements. We examine the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and permanent fixtures, identifying any defects, wear and tear, or potential problems that could affect the property's value or safety. Our chartered surveyors use their training and experience to spot issues that an untrained eye would easily miss.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's condition rated using traffic light indicators - red for serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber for defects that should be noted and monitored, and green for satisfactory condition. We also check for any potential legal issues that may need to be investigated further, such as missing building regulations approvals or planning permissions. This systematic approach ensures nothing is overlooked during the inspection.

For properties in Rowley Regis, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in local housing stock. The area features a mix of property ages and construction types, from older Victorian and Edwardian homes to more recent builds. We check for signs of damp, structural movement, roofing condition, and the state of windows and doors, which are particularly important in properties that may have original features. The local geology can also affect foundations, so we examine the ground conditions and any signs of subsidence or movement.

• Structural assessment
• Damp and moisture detection
• Roof and gutter inspection
• Wall condition analysis
• Window and door evaluation
• Electrical and heating checks
• Grounds and drainage assessment
• Building regulations compliance verification

Rowley Regis features a diverse range of property types that our surveyors regularly inspect. The terraced houses along routes like St. Lane and Warrens Hall Road were typically built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries using traditional brick construction with slate or tile roofs. These properties often have solid floors rather than suspended timber, and our surveyors check for signs of settlement or movement that can occur in older properties. Many of these homes still have original features like cast iron fireplaces and timber sash windows that require specialist assessment.

The semi-detached properties prevalent in areas like Crossley Heath and along the B4187 corridor represent post-war construction through to more recent builds. These properties may have a mix of original features and modern updates. Our inspection covers the condition of extensions, conservatories, and any modifications made to the original structure, ensuring all additions meet building regulations. We also check the quality of any loft conversions, which are common in this area.

Newer developments in Rowley Regis, including the affordable housing project at Hawes Lane and the proposed 278-home development at the former Edwin Richards Quarry site, represent modern construction methods. The Hawes Lane development, delivered by Sandwell Council with Tricas Construction, includes fifteen affordable units with Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV panels. While these newer properties typically have fewer defects, our survey still checks for common new build issues such as snagging items, heat pump installation quality, and the proper installation of modern fixtures and fittings. We've seen issues with heat pump installations in new builds that aren't immediately obvious but can cause problems later.

Another recent development worth noting is the six new four-bedroom council houses completed in November 2025 at Higham's Close and Pennant Road. These properties include photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging points, representing the latest in energy efficiency technology. Our surveyors are familiar with these modern installations and can assess their condition and compliance with relevant standards. Even new builds can have defects, and our thorough inspection ensures you know exactly what you're purchasing.

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report uses a clear traffic light system to indicate the condition of different elements. Red ratings mean urgent repairs or serious defects are present that require immediate attention. Amber ratings indicate defects that should be addressed but are not immediately critical. Green ratings signify satisfactory condition. This straightforward system makes it easy to prioritise which issues need the most urgent attention when you come to negotiate or plan renovations.

The report also includes a Market Value assessment and an Estimated Rebuild Cost, which can be useful for insurance purposes and mortgage requirements. We provide clear guidance on each issue found, explaining what the defect means, why it occurred, and what action should be taken. For properties in Rowley Regis, this includes addressing issues related to the local clay soil conditions that can affect foundations, or checking the condition of older drainage systems. The underlying geology in this area can cause foundation movement in properties built on clay, so we pay particular attention to signs of subsidence or cracking.

We believe in transparency and practicality. Our reports avoid unnecessary technical jargon while still providing the detailed information you need. If you have any questions about your report after receiving it, our team is available to discuss the findings and provide additional clarification. We've found that many buyers appreciate walking through the report with one of our surveyors to fully understand the implications of the findings.

One thing to note is that the Rowley Regis area has seen some changes in property sales volumes, with 227 sales in the last year representing an 18.5% decrease compared to the previous year. This context matters because in a quieter market, buyers have more leverage to negotiate on price based on survey findings. Your report gives you the evidence you need to renegotiate if issues are found.

Our surveyors have extensive knowledge of Rowley Regis and the surrounding Sandwell area. We understand how the local geography and history affect property conditions. The area sits on underlying geology that can influence foundation conditions, and our surveyors know to check for signs of movement or subsidence that may be related to local soil types. The clay soils prevalent in this part of the West Midlands can cause foundations to shift over time, particularly in properties with shallow foundations.

Rowley Regis has seen significant development in recent years, with major projects including the fifteen affordable units at Hawes Lane and the larger 278-home development at the former Edwin Richards Quarry. As these new developments are built out, our surveyors are familiar with the construction methods being used and the standards required. This local insight allows us to provide more accurate assessments and relevant advice for buyers in the area. We're currently seeing a lot of interest in the quarry development site off Portway Road, which will transform that area over the coming years.

The village centre features traditional commercial premises alongside residential properties, and we understand how these mixed-use aspects might affect a property. purchasing a family home near Rowley Regis railway station or a property close to the local schools, our surveyors understand the local market dynamics and property characteristics that matter to buyers in this area. There's also the proposed development at Rowley Regis Golf Course, which could bring around 250 new homes to the area if approved - something to consider for future property values.

We stay up to date with local planning applications and developments that could affect property values and conditions in Rowley Regis. This means when we survey a property, we can advise you not just on its current condition but on factors that might affect it in the future. Whether it's the impact of new construction nearby or changes to the local infrastructure, our local knowledge adds value beyond just the physical inspection.