RICS Level 2 Survey in St Mary's Southampton

Our RICS Level 2 Survey in St Mary's provides a detailed assessment of the property's condition, covering all major visible elements from the roof to the foundations. The inspection includes a thorough examination of the walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, as well as the condition of plumbing, electrical systems, and any exposed timber. Our surveyors check for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and defect that could impact the property's integrity or require costly repairs in the future.

Given the variety of property types in St Mary's Southampton, from modern flats near St Mary's Stadium to older terraced houses along St Marys Road, our inspections are tailored to the specific construction and age of each building. The area has seen significant development in recent years, including the Britannia Road development proposing 384 build-to-rent flats and the St Mary Street redevelopment with 74 new flats, meaning we regularly inspect both established properties and newer constructions. Our surveyors understand the local building materials, which often reflect the warehouse building types evident in the docks area of Southampton.

The Level 2 survey uses a simple traffic light rating system to indicate the condition of each element: red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention, amber for defects that need attention but are not urgent, and green for satisfactory condition. This clear presentation helps you prioritises repairs and understand which issues might be deal-breakers or negotiating points. We also provide market valuation and insurance rebuild costs as part of the standard Level 2 package, giving you a complete picture of your potential investment.

Our surveyors pay particular attention to issues commonly found in the local housing stock. With around 38% of UK homes built before 1946, many properties in St Mary's will have traditional construction methods that require specialist assessment. We check for structural movement that may have occurred over decades of settlement, timber decay in floor joists and roof structures, and damp penetration that is particularly relevant given the proximity to the River Itchen. Our detailed inspection ensures you are aware of any issues before completing your purchase.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof, chimneys, and gutters
• Damp and moisture detection
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Exterior finishes and decorations

The St Mary's area of Southampton is undergoing significant transformation, with several major developments bringing new properties to the market. The Britannia Road development, approved by Southampton City Council in June 2024, will deliver 384 build-to-rent flats across four blocks ranging from eight to 17 storeys. The St Mary Street development proposes 74 new flats, while the St Mary's Waterfront partnership between Southampton Football Club and the council aims to create a mixed-use district with new homes and businesses.

If you are purchasing a new build property in one of these developments, a RICS Level 2 Survey is still valuable. While new properties benefit from warranties, our independent inspection can identify snagging issues, defects in finishes, and any problems that may not be covered by builder warranties. Our surveyors understand the construction methods used in modern apartment blocks, including the materials and systems specific to high-rise developments. Even brand-new properties can have hidden defects that only an experienced eye will spot.

For those considering properties in the older sections of St Mary's, such as those along St Marys Road or near St Mary's College, the survey becomes even more important. With many properties built before modern building regulations, issues such as inadequate insulation, outdated electrical systems, and historical structural movement are common. The area's proximity to the River Itchen also means flood risk should be considered, particularly for properties at lower elevations or in the waterfront districts.

The St Mary's College redevelopment on Midanbury Lane, although slightly outside the SO14 postcode, is creating 84 new dwellings including houses and apartments. This development, granted planning permission in February 2025, will add to the housing stock in the wider St Mary's area. Whether you are considering one of these new properties or an established home, our survey provides the assurance you need before committing to your purchase.

The St Mary's area features a diverse range of construction types that reflect its development history. Many of the older terraced properties along St Marys Road were built using traditional brick cavity wall construction, while some Victorian properties may have solid brick walls that require different assessment approaches. The warehouse-style buildings near the docks area, referenced in recent planning applications for St Mary Street, showcase the industrial heritage of the area and often feature larger open-plan layouts that can present unique considerations during a survey.

Our surveyors frequently identify several common defect types in St Mary's properties. Structural movement, manifested as cracks in walls or doors that stick, is often found in older properties that have settled over many years. Damp penetration is another frequent issue, particularly in properties with solid walls or those lacking adequate ventilation, and can lead to timber decay if left untreated. In flats and apartments, we often find issues with communal areas, shared drainage, and cladding systems that require careful assessment.

Given that the St Mary's area is ranked among the more deprived parishes in the country (1274 out of 12178), some properties may have been subject to less maintenance or renovation than in more affluent areas. This makes a thorough survey even more critical, as hidden defects may not be apparent during a casual viewing. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying properties that may require significant investment in repairs, allowing you to factor this into your purchasing decision.

The flood risk along the Itchen Riverside is a consideration for properties in the lower-lying parts of St Mary's. While the area benefits from modern flood defences, our surveyors will note any evidence of previous flooding or water damage and advise on the adequacy of existing protections. For properties in the waterfront districts, we recommend paying particular attention to the condition of basement or ground-floor areas, where water ingress is most likely to occur.