RICS Level 2 Survey in Sileby

A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey, formerly known as the Homebuyer Survey and Valuation, is designed specifically for properties in conventional condition. Our chartered surveyors in Sileby will conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space (where safe and accessible), walls, floors, windows, doors, and key structural elements. The survey covers the main services such as electricity, gas, water, and drainage, testing where possible and identifying any obvious defects or areas requiring specialist attention. We examine the property from top to bottom, inside and out, providing you with a complete picture of its current condition.

Given Sileby's varied housing stock, which ranges from older properties built during the Victorian industrial period to brand new homes on recent developments, our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues specific to each property type. For older properties in areas like Barrow Road and the conservation area, we pay particular attention to signs of damp, roof condition, and the integrity of traditional brickwork. Many of these Victorian cottages were largely rebuilt in the mid-19th century and feature the distinctive brick facades that characterise much of the village's historic housing. Our surveyors know to look for the specific defects that affect these older constructions, including deteriorating lime mortar pointing, aging roof structures, and outdated electrical installations that may not meet current safety standards.

The Level 2 survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, which can be valuable when arranging your mortgage and buildings insurance. Our surveyor will provide a clear condition rating system (Condition Rating 1, 2, or 3) for each element of the property, making it easy to understand which issues require urgent attention and which are minor matters that can be addressed over time. This valuation is particularly useful in the current Sileby market, where property prices have seen fluctuations, with Rightmove data showing prices were 6% down on the previous year and 9% down on the 2022 peak of £275,391. Having an up-to-date, independent valuation helps ensure you are paying a fair price for the property.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Roof space and loft insulation assessment
• Damp and timber decay testing
• Electrical and gas service checks
• Market valuation and rebuild cost estimate
• Clear condition rating system

Sileby's unique combination of older housing stock and new developments means that buyers need professional survey advice tailored to the local area. The village grew significantly during the Victorian industrial era, with many former factory sites now redeveloped into residential areas. Properties from this period, while full of character, often have hidden issues that only a trained eye will spot, including aging roof structures, outdated electrical systems, and potential damp problems in solid wall constructions. Many of these Victorian-era homes were originally built as workers' cottages for the local hosiery and shoe factories that once dominated the local economy, and while they have been well-maintained over the years, they still present the typical challenges associated with properties of this age.

The geology of the Sileby area adds another important consideration for buyers. The village sits on boulder clay uplands, which can be associated with shrink-swell ground movement due to the clay content in the soil. This can lead to subsidence issues, particularly in older properties with shallower foundations that were common when these homes were originally built. Our surveyors are trained to look for signs of structural movement, cracking patterns, and other indicators that may suggest foundation problems requiring further investigation. Properties in areas with mature trees may be particularly susceptible to clay shrinkage as tree roots extract moisture from the soil during dry periods.

For buyers considering the new developments in Sileby, such as the upcoming Sileby Green development by David Wilson Homes on Cossington Road or the Vistry Group site on Barnards Drive where 228 family homes are being constructed using modern timber frame methods, a Level 2 survey can still provide valuable . While new build properties are generally in better condition than older homes, even modern homes can have snagging issues that builders may be reluctant to address without pressure. Our independent survey gives you the information you need to negotiate with developers if issues are found, whether it's a poorly fitted window, inadequate insulation, or a defect in the timber frame construction that may not be immediately visible.

Sileby's conservation area, designated by Charnwood Borough Council in 1988, covers a small area to the west of the railway and includes several notable listed buildings such as the Church of St Mary (Grade II*), the Free Trade Inn Public House, and various properties on Barrow Road, Cossington Road, and Little Church Lane. If you are considering purchasing a listed building or a property within the conservation area, our team can advise you on whether a more comprehensive RICS Level 3 Building Survey might be more appropriate, as these older properties often require more detailed assessment due to their historic construction methods and the specific requirements for maintaining their character.