RICS Level 2 Survey in Selborne

When our team inspects a property in Selborne, we examine every accessible element of the building from roof to foundation. This includes the condition of the roof covering and chimneys, the state of external walls and pointing, the integrity of windows and doors, and the condition of damp-proof courses and ventilation systems. We also assess the condition of any extensions or alterations that may have been carried out over the years, which is particularly relevant in a village where many properties have been expanded or converted to suit modern family needs.

Our inspectors pay particular attention to the signs of movement or structural stress that can affect properties across East Hampshire. Properties in this part of Hampshire can experience issues related to the local geology, including clay subsoils that expand and contract with moisture changes. We document any cracks, distortion, or signs of subsidence that might indicate underlying problems requiring further investigation by a structural engineer. This proactive approach helps you address issues before they become expensive surprises. In our experience surveying properties in the Selborne area, we've seen properties on Church Street and in the village centre where older brickwork has shown signs of movement related to tree roots and moisture changes in the clay soils that dominate this part of the South Downs.

The electrical and plumbing installations receive close attention as well. We visually inspect accessible wiring, consumer units, and pipework to identify obvious hazards, outdated systems, or work that appears to have been carried out without proper building regulations approval. This is especially important in older Selborne properties where original systems may still be in place or have been partially upgraded over the decades in a piecemeal fashion that may not meet current safety standards. We often find that consumer units in older village properties are located in inappropriate positions or use outdated fuse wire rather than modern circuit breakers, both of which we flag in our reports.

Our surveyors also examine the condition of outbuildings, garages, and boundary features, which can be particularly relevant in Selborne where many properties come with substantial gardens and rural boundaries. We check the condition of retaining walls that may be supporting raised garden areas, inspect drainage systems that may be discharging into septic tanks or soakaways rather than main sewers, and assess any trees that could be affecting the foundations through root action.

• Roof structure and covering condition
• Walls, pointing, and structural movement
• Damp and timber decay
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Electrical and gas safety
• Plumbing and drainage
• Extensions and alterations
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Our surveyors have extensive experience inspecting all property types across the Selborne area. From Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses that line the village centre streets to substantial detached family homes set in generous gardens on the rural outskirts, we understand the common issues affecting each style. The semi-detached properties in Selborne, averaging £425,000, often show particular patterns of wear and tear related to their shared construction, while detached homes may present different challenges associated with their larger roof areas and external envelope that must withstand the elements.

Many properties in Selborne benefit from large gardens and rural settings, which bring their own considerations for buyers. Our surveyors assess outbuildings, boundary walls, and drainage systems that may not be included in a basic mortgage valuation. We also note any trees close to the property that could affect the foundations or access, which is particularly relevant in this leafy part of East Hampshire where mature planting is common and root systems can interfere with structures over time. We've surveyed several properties along Selborne Road and in the surrounding countryside where trees planted decades ago are now close to buildings and causing structural movement.

If you're considering a new build property in the Selborne area, our RICS Level 2 Survey still provides valuable protection. Even recently constructed homes can contain defects that slipped through quality control, and our independent inspection gives you confidence in your purchase regardless of how modern the property is. We check that everything has been finished to an acceptable standard and flag any snagging issues that the developer should rectify. Our experience shows that even new builds can have issues with ventilation, insulation installation, and finishing details that won't be apparent to the untrained eye.

The age of properties in Selborne varies considerably, with many homes dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. These older properties bring character and charm but also require careful inspection for issues such as rotting timber in floors and roofs, outdated electrical installations, and the effects of years of settlement and movement. Our surveyors are experienced in assessing period properties and know what to look for in buildings that may have seen centuries of occupation and alteration.

Through our work surveying properties in the Selborne area, we've identified several issues that frequently appear in our reports. Understanding these common problems helps you know what to expect and what to look for when viewing properties. Many of the cottages and terraced houses in the village centre were built with solid walls rather than cavity walls, which can make them more susceptible to damp penetration if the external render or pointing has deteriorated. We always check the condition of external wall finishes and recommend appropriate remedial work where needed.

Roof conditions are another frequent finding in our Selborne surveys. Properties with original clay tile roofs, particularly those over 50 years old, often require re-roofing or significant repair work. We inspect the roof covering, flashings, and chimney stacks carefully, looking for broken or slipped tiles, degraded mortar, and signs of past or current leakage. In some of the older properties we've surveyed in the village, the original roof structure has been modified to create additional headroom in the loft space, and we check that these modifications have been properly carried out.

The electrical installations in older Selborne properties often require attention. We regularly find that the wiring in period cottages has not been updated for decades and may not meet current regulations. Consumer units may still use older fuse wire systems rather than modern circuit breakers, and earthing arrangements may be inadequate or absent entirely. These issues are flagged in our reports and we recommend that a qualified electrician carries out a full electrical inspection before completion.