RICS Level 2 Survey in Stirchley and Brookside

The Stirchley and Brookside area offers excellent value compared to the national average, with property prices reflecting the area's popularity among families and first-time buyers. However, the housing stock here includes a significant proportion of properties built during the mid-twentieth century, particularly the 1930s semi-detached houses that dominate many streets. These properties may appear in good condition on first viewing but often conceal underlying issues that only a trained eye will spot. Our inspectors regularly find problems with roofing, damp proof courses, and structural elements that would otherwise go unnoticed until they become expensive repairs.

The terraced properties common in Brookside, with an average price of £133,367, represent the most affordable entry point to the local market. While these homes offer excellent value, they often share walls with neighbouring properties, meaning issues in one property can affect another. Our Level 2 Survey includes assessment of shared structures and identifies any matters that may require negotiation with the seller. With 1,632 properties currently listed in Brookside and 962 in Stirchley, there is plenty of choice for buyers, but each property is unique and deserves individual attention.

Detached properties in both areas, averaging £288,250 in Stirchley and £264,923 in Brookside, represent significant investments. For these larger homes, the Level 2 Survey provides essential by thoroughly examining the condition of all accessible elements. Our surveyors check roofs, walls, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical installations, and damp levels. We also assess the general condition of outbuildings and boundaries, giving you a complete picture of the property's state.

First-time buyers particularly benefit from our Level 2 Survey in this area, as many properties have been rental investments and may have suffered from wear and tear that landlords were not motivated to address. Our reports give you the information needed to either factor repair costs into your budget or negotiate with sellers to have issues resolved before completion.

• Terraced properties in Brookside from £133,367
• Semi-detached homes averaging £150,375 in Stirchley
• Detached properties reaching £288,250
• Properties showing 4% price growth in Stirchley

The housing stock in Stirchley and Brookside reflects the broader patterns of residential development in Telford during the mid-twentieth century. Many properties here were built during the 1930s expansion period, when semi-detached houses became the dominant housing type for working-class families. These properties were typically constructed using traditional methods with solid walls, brick external elevations, and pitched roofs covered with tiles or slates. Understanding these construction methods helps our surveyors identify typical issues that affect properties of this age.

Red brick construction is prevalent throughout the area, with Victorian and Edwardian terraces featuring prominently in some streets. These older properties often have solid walls rather than cavity walls, which can be more susceptible to damp if the original damp proof course has failed or been breached. Our inspectors pay particular attention to these elements, using moisture meters and professional judgement to assess the condition of damp proofing. We also check for signs of past or present subsidence, which can affect properties on clay soils, and examine the condition of roof coverings, which may be original and nearing the end of their useful life.

The 1930s semis common throughout the area often feature characteristic design elements such as bay windows, enclosed porches, and garages that were added later. These properties were not built to modern thermal efficiency standards, so you may find single-glazed windows and limited insulation. Our Level 2 Survey will note these matters and flag any conditions that affect the habitability or energy efficiency of the property. We also check for any alterations or extensions that may not have the necessary planning permissions or building regulations approval.

Properties built on clay subsoils, which characterise much of the Telford area, can be susceptible to ground movement during periods of drought or heavy rainfall. While major subsidence is rare, our surveyors are trained to identify the subtle signs of minor movement, such as cracking to internal plasterwork or doors and windows that have become stiff to operate. These observations are included in your report with appropriate recommendations.

Based on our experience surveying properties throughout the Telford area, we regularly identify several recurring issues that affect homes in Stirchley and Brookside. Roof condition is a frequent finding, with many properties still featuring original coverings that have exceeded their expected lifespan. Tiles may be cracked, slipped, or missing, leading to water penetration and internal dampness. Our surveyors carefully examine roof pitches, flashings, and gutters to identify any areas of concern.

Damp proof course failures are another common issue, particularly in the older terraced properties. Rising damp can affect solid wall constructions if the original damp proof course has deteriorated or been bridged by external ground levels or internal alterations. We use professional moisture meters to assess damp levels and recommend appropriate remedies. Additionally, we often find that windows and doors in older properties are showing signs of wear, with rotting timber frames or failed seals in double-glazed units.

Electrical installations that do not meet current regulations are frequently identified in our surveys. Many properties in the area will have been rewired decades ago, and the electrical standards at that time were significantly different from today. We recommend that all electrical installations are tested by a qualified electrician before purchase. Similarly, plumbing systems in older properties may contain galvanised steel pipes that are corroded and prone to leaks. Our surveyors note these matters and provide recommendations for further investigation by specialists where appropriate.

Another issue we encounter regularly is inadequate insulation, particularly in properties that have not been updated since construction. While this may not be a defect in the strict sense, it is something our report will flag as it affects the energy efficiency and ongoing cost of running the property. Given rising energy costs, this information is valuable for budgeting purposes and may be useful when negotiating the purchase price.