RICS Level 2 Survey in St Mary in the Marsh

A RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is designed specifically for properties in conventional condition - which describes the majority of homes in the St Mary in the Marsh area. During our inspection, our surveyor will visually assess all accessible parts of the property, from the roof down to the foundations. We check the condition of walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, and we examine the services like plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems. The survey covers the main building plus any garages, outbuildings, or other permanent structures included in the sale.

For properties in St Mary in the Marsh, our surveyors pay particular attention to issues that commonly affect homes on the Romney Marsh. The low-lying nature of the marshland means that damp penetration can be a concern in some properties, particularly those with solid walls or older construction methods. We look carefully for signs of past or present water ingress, ventilation issues, and the condition of any damp-proof courses or tanking systems that may have been installed. Our team has inspected numerous properties in the TN29 area and we know exactly what to look for when assessing a home on the marsh.

The Level 2 survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost figure for your property. Based on current market conditions in the TN29 area and recent sales data from nearby Dymchurch and Newchurch, we can provide you with an accurate assessment of what the property is worth and what it would cost to rebuild from scratch. This information proves invaluable when arranging your mortgage and buildings insurance. With the current market showing properties at prices last seen several years ago, having an accurate valuation from an independent RICS surveyor protects both you and your lender.

We also check for any potential issues with the property's boundaries, drains, and access rights. In a rural village like St Mary in the Marsh, boundary disputes can be particularly problematic, and our surveyors will note any concerns about shared drives, rights of way, or unclear boundary lines that your solicitor should investigate further.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Damp and timber condition assessment
• Market valuation and rebuild cost
• Electrical and heating system condition check
• Roof, chimney, and gutter inspection
• Boundary and grounds assessment

The Romney Marsh area, including St Mary in the Marsh, presents some unique considerations for homebuyers that our surveyors understand intimately. The geological makeup of the marsh means that properties here can be more susceptible to moisture-related issues than homes on higher ground in Kent. Many properties in the village were built using traditional methods that predate modern building regulations, meaning they may lack cavity walls, effective damp-proof courses, or modern ventilation systems.

The age profile of housing in the TN29 postcode area means that a significant proportion of homes were constructed before 1970. These older properties often feature solid brick walls, original timber windows, and older electrical and plumbing systems that may not meet current standards. Our RICS Level 2 survey specifically addresses these concerns, flagging any outdated systems that might require updating and providing cost estimates for necessary improvements. We've found that many Victorian and Edwardian properties in the area still have their original wiring, which can be a serious safety concern.

We also note that while St Mary in the Marsh itself may not have extensive conservation area restrictions, the wider Romney Marsh contains numerous listed buildings and properties of historical interest. If you're considering a period property, our surveyor will identify any age-related issues typical of historic homes, from structural movement in older buildings to the condition of original features like thatched roofs or exposed timber beams. Properties near the historic Royal Military Canal or within the older parts of the village may have specific considerations that a general surveyor would overlook.

The recent price adjustments in the local market mean that properties are more affordable than they were a few years ago, but buyers still need to be careful. We've seen properties sell for significantly less than their 2022 peak, which can sometimes indicate underlying issues or simply reflect broader market conditions. Our independent valuation gives you confidence that you're paying a fair price for the property's current condition, not just its theoretical market value.