RICS Level 2 Survey in South Yorkshire

The RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying any significant issues that might affect the value or safety of the property. Our surveyors examine the main elements of the construction, including the roof structure and covering, walls, foundations and damp proofing, floors, stairs and ceilings, windows and doors. We also assess the property's services such as electrics, plumbing, and heating with a visual check, though we do not test these systems in the same depth as a specialist would. The inspection covers garage and outbuildings where applicable and includes a thermal efficiency assessment to help you understand the property's energy performance.

In South Yorkshire, where a significant portion of the housing stock dates from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in older properties. These include damp penetration, particularly in solid-wall constructions common across the region, roof condition given the harsh Yorkshire weather, the integrity of chimney stacks on period properties, and the condition of original joinery and windows. Many properties in Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley have traditional brickwork that may show signs of weathering or structural movement over time, and our surveyors know exactly what to look for.

The survey uses a simple traffic light rating system to indicate the condition of each element, making it easy to understand which issues require immediate attention versus those that can be monitored over time. Red-rated items require urgent attention, amber-rated items are defects that need repairing, and green-rated items are in satisfactory condition. This clear system helps you prioritize any remediation work needed after the survey. The Level 2 Survey is suitable for conventional properties including houses, bungalows, and flats, particularly those built after 1850 that are in reasonable condition.

For properties in South Yorkshire's numerous conservation areas, including the 38 areas in Sheffield alone, our surveyors will note any visible issues that may affect the property's character or any works that may require listed building consent. Sheffield recently expanded its conservation area protection, with the City Centre and Kelham Island Industrial Conservation Areas enlarged in October 2025, and new areas including Castlegate, Devonshire Green, and Neepsend gaining statutory protection.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, foundations and damp proofing
• Floors, stairs and ceilings
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical installations (visual check)
• Garage and outbuildings
• Thermal efficiency assessment

South Yorkshire's housing market reflects its industrial heritage, with substantial numbers of Victorian and Edwardian properties in towns and cities across the region. Sheffield alone contains 38 conservation areas, many protecting Victorian and Georgian architecture, while Rotherham and Doncaster also have significant historic housing stock. This means our surveyors regularly encounter properties with original features that may require ongoing maintenance or have hidden defects. The region has a rich architectural history, from the steel magnates' mansions in Fulwood and Ranmoor to the humble terraces built for factory workers in Brightside and Attercliffe.

The region has seen considerable new-build development in recent years, with major developers including Barratt Homes, Persimmon Homes, Keepmoat, Avant Homes, and Redrow active across South Yorkshire. New-build properties at developments such as Montgomery Court in Wath Upon Dearne (offering 2 and 3 bedroom homes from £235,000 to £331,000), Sorby Park in Rotherham (from Avant Homes), Poppy Fields near Rotherham (from Redrow, offering homes from £245,000 to £548,000), and numerous Keepmoat developments including Moorgate Boulevard in Rotherham and Willow Heights in Thurnscoe offer modern living but still benefit from a Level 2 Survey to identify any snagging issues or construction defects that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. Even new properties can have defects that builder's warranties do not always cover.

Properties in areas with former mining activity may show signs of ground movement or subsidence, and our surveyors are trained to identify the tell-taleale signs of structural issues. In South Yorkshire, this is particularly relevant in areas around Rotherham, Barnsley, and Doncaster where coal mining was once prevalent. Additionally, the clay soils common in parts of South Yorkshire can lead to shrink-swell movement affecting foundations, particularly in areas where trees are present near properties. Properties near the River Don and other waterways may also have specific flood risk considerations that our surveyors will note. These are all factors that a RICS Level 2 Survey will assess, giving you before completing your purchase.

The predominant housing stock in South Yorkshire includes a high proportion of semi-detached and terraced properties, with detached homes commanding premium prices averaging around £355,000. Terraced properties average around £170,000, making them popular first-time buyer options, while flats average around £128,000. Understanding the local market helps our surveyors tailor their inspections to the most relevant issues for each property type, whether it's the thermal efficiency of a modern flat or the structural integrity of a Victorian terrace.

• Victorian and Edwardian terrace properties
• 1960s-1970s housing estates
• Modern new-build developments
• Properties in conservation areas
• Former mining area properties
• Flood risk areas near rivers

All surveyors providing RICS Level 2 Surveys through Homemove are RICS registered chartered surveyors with extensive experience in the South Yorkshire property market. Our network includes surveyors who operate across Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham, Barnsley and the surrounding areas, ensuring you receive a local surveyor who understands the specific characteristics of properties in your area. Each surveyor has worked extensively in their local region and understands the unique challenges presented by different property types and locations across South Yorkshire.

Our surveyors are familiar with the various development types across the region, from new-build sites such as Montgomery Court, Sorby Park, and Poppy Fields to historic properties in Sheffield's conservation areas like Broomhill, Nether Edge, and Kelham Island. They understand how the local geology, including areas of former mining activity around Rotherham and Barnsley, can affect property condition and can provide advice based on their knowledge of the local area. This local expertise means they know exactly what to look for when inspecting properties in each specific location.

When you book through Homemove, you receive a guaranteed RICS Level 2 Survey report that meets the strict standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The report includes clear, jargon-free explanations of any issues found, with photographs and recommendations to help you understand the property's condition before you complete your purchase. Our surveyors can also provide additional context about the local area, including recent property price trends, local development plans, and any environmental factors that might affect the property's value or livability.

We understand that buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, and our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make that decision with confidence. a first-time buyer looking at a flat in Sheffield city centre or a family moving to a detached home in Wath Upon Dearne, our surveyors treat every property with the same level of thoroughness and attention to detail.