RICS Level 2 Survey in Sellindge

The Sellindge property market has seen considerable change recently, with Rightmove reporting prices 23% down on the previous year and 14% below the 2023 peak of £386,000. Despite this, the area continues to attract buyers seeking village life within reach of Folkestone and Ashford. The approval of major developments including 160 new homes by Gladman Developments and 105 homes at Elm Tree Farm demonstrates continued demand for properties in this location. Many buyers are attracted to the village because it offers a quieter lifestyle while still maintaining good transport links to larger towns and cities in Kent.

Our Level 2 surveys are particularly valuable in Sellindge given the high proportion of older properties. The village boasts numerous Grade II listed buildings, with examples including Rhodes House, Elm Tree Farm House, and Southenay Farm House all featuring traditional brick construction with plain tile roofs. These period properties, while full of character, often hide issues that only an experienced eye can spot. Our surveyors understand how to assess historic buildings while respecting their traditional construction methods. We have inspected numerous properties along Stone Hill and Main Road, where traditional Kentish brickwork and clay tile roofs are common features that require careful assessment.

For buyers considering new builds in developments like Grove Park, our surveys verify the quality of construction and highlight any snagging issues. Even modern properties with EPC 'A' ratings and features like air source heat pumps and EV charge points can have defects that need addressing before completion. We provide detailed reports that give you leverage with developers to rectify problems before you move in. The Grove Park development by Quinn Homes has shown that new homes can have issues ranging from minor cosmetic defects to more serious problems with damp proofing or ventilation that need immediate attention.

The geological conditions in parts of Kent can contribute to ground movement, with clay soils potentially causing shrink-swell issues that affect foundations over time. While Sellindge does not have a documented mining history, our surveyors remain alert to signs of structural movement during inspections. We examine walls for cracking patterns, check whether doors and windows open and close properly, and assess the ground conditions around properties. If we identify any concerns, we recommend further investigation by a structural engineer before you commit to the purchase.

• Detecting hidden damp and condensation issues
• Assessing roof condition and potential leaks
• Identifying structural movement or subsidence risks
• Evaluating electrical and plumbing systems
• Checking windows, doors, and joinery
• Reviewing insulation and energy efficiency

The construction activity in Sellindge is notable, with multiple developments bringing new homes to the area. Grove Park by Quinn Homes offers modern properties with EPC 'A' ratings incorporating solar panels, air source heat pumps, and EV charge points, while the larger Gladman and Elm Tree Farm developments will add hundreds of new properties to the local housing stock over the coming years. The Elm Tree Farm development on Main Road received outline planning consent in September 2025 for 105 new homes, with 22% allocated as affordable housing and provisions for self-build plots. This represents a significant expansion of the village.

Even new build properties benefit from a professional survey. While developers like Quinn Homes implement modern construction techniques with high-quality insulation and energy-efficient features, defects can still occur during the build process or through settling. Our surveyors identify issues that might not be apparent to the untrained eye, from minor cosmetic defects to more serious problems with damp proofing, ventilation, or structural elements. We have inspected properties in new developments where issues with window installations, roof tiling, and internal finishes have required attention from the developer.

For buyers purchasing off-plan in Sellindge's new developments, we recommend a snagging survey in addition to the standard Level 2 inspection. This focuses specifically on defects and quality issues that the developer should rectify before completion. Given the size of developments like the 160-home Gladman site, having independent verification of the build quality protects your significant investment. A snagging survey provides you with a comprehensive list of items that need addressing, giving you leverage to negotiate with the developer before you take on the property.

The new developments in Sellindge are changing the character of the village, with modern housing estates being built on land that was previously agricultural. Areas like Barrow Hill are seeing new applications for residential development, with a current consultation for 17 dwellings on land adjoining The Mount. This growth means that buyers have a choice between traditional village properties and new homes, each with their own considerations for surveys. Our team has experience with both property types and understands what to look for in each case.