RICS Level 2 Survey in St. Georges and Priorslee

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of a property up to two storeys in height. In St. Georges and Priorslee, where we see everything from early 19th-century worker cottages to Victorian-era homes and new-build properties, our surveyors examine the condition of walls, roofs, floors, windows, doors, and critical systems including plumbing and electrical installations. We inspect roofs from both inside and outside where safe access is available, checking the condition of slate or clay tiles, flashing, and any flat roof sections that may be prone to leaking.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of any urgent defects that require immediate attention, typically within categories marked as "urgent" or "serious." For properties in St. Georges and Priorslee, this is particularly relevant given the area's mining heritage. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of movement, cracking, or subsidence that may relate to historical coal extraction activities beneath properties in areas like Priorslee and near Woodhouse. We look for tell-tale indicators such as diagonal cracking patterns, doors that stick or bind, windows that no longer close properly, and uneven floor levels that could suggest ground instability from historic mining activity.

We also assess the general condition and expected maintenance costs for the next five years, giving you a realistic picture of what it will cost to keep the property in good order. This includes evaluation of building materials common to the area, such as the local brickwork, Lilleshall limestone dressings, and slate or tile roofing that characterise many homes in this part of Telford. Our reports include practical guidance on prioritising repairs and budgeting for future maintenance, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected expenses after moving in.

Every RICS Level 2 Survey includes our market valuation service as an optional add-on, which can be useful for mortgage purposes or simply to ensure you're paying a fair price for the property. We also provide an insurance reinstatement figure, which your mortgage lender may require. The survey report itself runs to approximately 20-30 pages, with clear colour-coded ratings that make it easy to identify which issues need urgent attention and which are minor cosmetic concerns.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof condition and coverings
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Drainage and gutters

The St. Georges and Priorslee area is experiencing significant development, with major projects including the Monkswood development by Avant Homes West Midlands, which is bringing 135 new homes to Priorslee, including 32 affordable units. The second phase of this development has received approval and work is set to start shortly, with the first residents expected to move in during autumn. Additionally, The Gower building on Gower Street is undergoing a sensitive conversion of a Grade II listed former hospital into three two-bedroom homes, with completion expected around Christmas 2025, while the north wing will become new community space and offices for St. George's & Priorslee Parish Council by summer 2026.

For buyers considering new-build properties in these developments, a Level 2 Survey remains valuable even though the property is new. Our surveyors can identify any construction defects, issues with workmanship, or problems with fittings and finishes that may not be apparent during a developer handover. Common issues we find in new-build properties include inadequate ventilation in roof spaces, thermal bridging around windows and doors, and minor defects in plasterwork or paint finishes that the developer should rectify before completion.

The recent approval of around 80 new dwellings at Greenways Farm Shop in St. Georges further highlights the ongoing growth in this area, although the parish council has raised concerns about the impact on local infrastructure including schools, doctors, and dentists. This development site is also adjacent to a historical Roman moat, adding archaeological considerations to the development. New builds in the area are typically constructed using modern methods with brick outer leaves and concrete tile roofs, but our surveyors still check for issues such as inadequate ventilation, thermal bridge problems, and the quality of window and door installations that commonly affect newer properties across the UK.

Properties in St. Georges and Priorslee showcase the area's rich building heritage. Many Victorian and Edwardian homes feature the distinctive local brickwork, with brown, pink, and red brick elevations often accented with stone dressings and quoins. Roofs are typically slate or clay tile, reflecting the materials available from local quarries and the area's industrial past. The quality of brickwork from the Victorian era is generally good, but pointing deterioration is a common issue we find in older properties, particularly where exposure to the elements has worn away mortar joints over time.

St. George's Church demonstrates the use of Lilleshall limestone with Grinshill sandstone dressings, a combination found on several period properties in the area. The historic worker cottages along Stable Row and Lodge Row, built by the Lilleshall Company in the early 19th century, represent traditional brick construction with slate roofs, common throughout Priorslee. These properties, some dating back to around 1820, often have solid walls without cavity insulation, which can lead to condensation issues and higher heating costs.

Understanding these local construction characteristics helps our surveyors identify appropriate repair methods and materials. For example, matching the local limestone or sandstone for any repairs to period properties requires specialist knowledge, and our reports include guidance on sourcing appropriate materials and craftsmen familiar with traditional building techniques. We also note any alterations that may have been made to original features, such as the removal of fireplaces or the installation of uPVC windows, which can affect both the character and value of historic properties.

For properties in the conservation area or listed buildings, we provide additional guidance on the implications for future alterations and any listed building consent requirements. This is particularly relevant for the nine Grade II listed properties in the parish, where any external changes or significant alterations may require formal approval from Telford and Wrekin Council.

The combination of historical mining activity, period properties, and ongoing new development makes St. Georges and Priorslee an area where a thorough RICS Level 2 Survey is particularly valuable. We regularly identify issues that buyers would otherwise discover only after completing their purchase, from structural movement related to historical coal extraction to damp problems in older solid-walled properties. The area's geology, with its faulted coal seams and complex underground structure, means that ground conditions can vary significantly even between neighbouring properties.

Flood risk is another consideration for buyers in this area. The Miner's Walk, a public lane near St. Georges Recreation Ground, is notably described as the only place in its field that does not flood in poor weather, highlighting the drainage challenges that affect other parts of the parish. Our surveyors assess drainage conditions and note any signs of past flooding or water damage that could affect your property. This is particularly relevant for properties near the River Tern or in low-lying areas that may be susceptible to surface water flooding.

The strong local employment history through the Lilleshall Company, which operated engineering works and brickworks in the area until the mid-1970s, left a legacy of quality housing built for workers alongside industrial heritage sites. Understanding this context helps our surveyors provide a more nuanced assessment of properties throughout St. Georges and Priorslee, identifying issues that are common to specific eras of construction and advising on appropriate maintenance strategies for the future.