RICS Level 2 Survey in South Tyneside

A RICS Level 2 survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, is specifically designed for properties in conventional construction that are in reasonable condition. Our inspectors thoroughly inspect the accessible parts of the property, including the roof space where safe and accessible, walls, floors, doors, windows, and permanent outbuildings. We examine the condition of services such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems, noting any obvious defects or areas requiring immediate attention. This visual inspection covers all major structural elements and building systems to give you a complete picture of the property's condition.

In South Tyneside, properties range from historic Victorian and Edwardian homes in areas like Westoe Village and Cleadon Village to more modern developments built during post-war reconstruction and recent decades. We understand the common issues affecting each property type in this borough. For instance, older properties in the area may have solid brick walls rather than cavity walls, which can lead to damp penetration if not properly maintained. Meanwhile, properties in flood-risk areas near the River Tyne or coastal zones require particular attention to drainage and damp-proof courses. Our team has surveyed hundreds of properties across South Shields, Jarrow, Hebburn, and the surrounding villages, giving us first-hand knowledge of the issues that commonly affect homes in this area.

The Level 2 survey provides a clear condition rating system, using traffic-light indicators to show which issues are serious and require urgent attention, which need attention soon, and which are minor matters for your information. We also provide a market value assessment and an insurance reinstatement figure, which can be valuable for mortgage purposes and comparing properties in the local market. With house prices in South Tyneside averaging £166,000 and rising by 8.3% in the last year, having an accurate assessment of a property's condition is essential for making a sound investment.

• Thorough inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for every element
• Market value assessment
• Reinstatement value for insurance
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Clear summary for easy understanding

South Tyneside presents a diverse housing landscape that reflects its industrial heritage and modern regeneration efforts across the borough. The area saw significant housing development during the Victorian and Edwardian periods, particularly in South Shields town centre, Westoe, and Jarrow, creating a rich mix of period properties that remain popular today. These older properties often feature traditional solid brick construction, which can present challenges including rising damp, deteriorating pointing, and subsidence risk in areas with clay soils. We regularly encounter these issues when surveying properties in these established neighbourhoods, and we know exactly what to look for.

The geology of South Tyneside includes Coal Measures with sandstone and mudstone, overlain by glacial till in many areas. This glacial till, or boulder clay, has a moderate to high shrink-swell potential, meaning properties in affected areas may experience movement during periods of extreme weather. Following the hot summer of 2022 and subsequent wet winters, we have seen increased signs of subsidence and ground movement in properties across the borough, particularly those built on the clay-rich soils found in parts of Jarrow and Hebburn. Our surveyors are trained to identify the subtle signs of this movement, including cracking patterns, sticking doors, and uneven floor levels that might indicate underlying instability.

The borough also includes several conservation areas, including South Shields Town Centre, Westoe Village, Jarrow Town Centre, Cleadon Village, and East Boldon. Properties in these designated areas may have specific maintenance requirements or restrictions under planning legislation, and our surveyors understand what to look for when assessing historic buildings. With 1,339 property sales in 2025 and prices rising by 8.3%, the South Tyneside market is active, making it essential to understand exactly what you are buying before you commit your hard-earned money to a purchase.

• Victorian and Edwardian construction concerns
• Signs of subsidence in clay soil areas
• Flood risk near River Tyne and coast
• Conservation area requirements
• Historic building preservation issues
• Modern development quality

Our surveyors regularly encounter specific issues when inspecting properties across South Tyneside, and we have built up extensive experience identifying the most common problems. One of the most frequent problems in older properties is rising damp, particularly in solid brick walls where the damp-proof course may be missing, damaged, or bridged by external ground levels. With many Victorian and Edwardian properties in the borough still occupied, damp issues are frequently identified during our surveys. We commonly see this in properties alongWestoeSouth Shields.

Roof conditions are another frequent finding, especially in older properties where original roof coverings may be reaching the end of their lifespan. Tiles and slates can become cracked, slipped, or deteriorated, leading to water penetration and internal damage. Our surveyors inspect roofs from ground level and within accessible loft spaces, noting any signs of damage, previous repairs, or inadequate insulation. In South Tyneside, we frequently find that loft insulation levels are below current standards, particularly in older properties that have not been updated since construction.

Given the local geology and climate, we also commonly identify issues related to subsidence and movement in properties across the borough. Properties built on clay soils can experience heave and shrinkage with seasonal weather changes, a particular concern following the extreme weather events of recent years. Our surveyors look for signs of cracking in walls, doors and windows that stick, and uneven floor levels, which may indicate structural movement requiring further investigation. We have seen properties across Jarrow, Hebburn, and South Shields affected by this issue, particularly those with shallow foundations on reactive clay soils.

• Rising damp in solid wall properties
• Roof deterioration and missing tiles
• Subsidence cracks in walls
• Defective windows and doors
• Outdated electrical installations
• Poor drainage and guttering

Once your survey is complete, you will receive a comprehensive RICS Level 2 report that follows the recognised format used by chartered surveyors across the UK. The report begins with a clear summary of the overall condition of the property, followed by detailed sections covering each major element from roof to foundation. Each section uses the traffic light system: red for serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber for matters that need attention soon, and green for minor issues. This system makes it easy to prioritise any necessary work following your purchase.

The report also includes a market valuation, which is based on our knowledge of the South Tyneside property market and comparable sales data. With the average property price in South Tyneside at £166,000 and semi-detached properties averaging £195,000, this valuation can be useful for mortgage purposes and for comparing the property against others you may be considering. Additionally, we provide a reinstatement value for insurance purposes, which tells you how much it would cost to rebuild the property from scratch if it were destroyed. This figure is essential for ensuring you have adequate building insurance cover.

At the end of the report, you will find a clear summary of the most important issues, making it easy to understand the key findings even if you are not familiar with technical property terminology. This summary is particularly useful when discussing the property with sellers, estate agents, or mortgage providers. Whether you are buying in South Shields, Jarrow, or one of the surrounding villages, the report gives you the information you need to proceed with confidence or negotiate effectively if issues are identified.