RICS Level 2 Survey in Stretton

The Stretton property market has experienced notable changes in recent years, with house prices sitting 5% below previous year levels and 32% down from the 2023 peak of £390,758. Despite these adjustments, properties in this desirable village north of Burton upon Trent remain significant investments, making a RICS Level 2 Survey essential for any purchaser. The average property price of £266,250 represents a substantial financial commitment that warrants thorough investigation before completion. Many buyers in Stretton are particularly motivated by the village's excellent transport links via the A38, making it popular with commuters to Burton and beyond.

Stretton's housing stock is predominantly made up of detached properties, which accounted for the majority of sales in the last year. These homes, particularly those built during the extensive development periods of the 1980s and 1990s in areas like Guinevere Drive, Lancelot Drive, Athelstan Way, and Britannia Way, may have construction characteristics that differ from older traditional properties. Our Level 2 surveys identify issues specific to these property types, including potential problems with modern construction methods and materials used during those building phases. The Western Park estate from the early 1990s and the Stretton Park estate from the late 1990s represent some of the more recent additions to the village's housing stock.

The village's position beside the River Dove and River Trent, combined with the Trent and Mersey Canal running through the area, means that flood risk is a consideration for certain properties in Stretton. Our surveyors assess drainage, flood mitigation measures, and any signs of previous water damage during every inspection, providing you with a complete picture of environmental risks that could affect your investment. Properties in lower-lying areas near the river corridors require particular attention, and our local knowledge helps us identify which properties may be more susceptible to flooding issues.

• Detection of structural issues in modern construction
• Identification of damp and condensation problems
• Assessment of roof condition and age
• Evaluation of heating and electrical systems
• Flood risk and drainage analysis
• Compliance with current building regulations

Stretton transformed from a small village into a substantial residential area through extensive development in the second half of the 20th century. The 1980s saw considerable private house building across the village, creating the familiar residential areas around Guinevere Drive, Lancelot Drive, Athelstan Way, and Britannia Way that many families call home today. The Western Park estate followed in the early 1990s, with the Stretton Park estate being laid out in the late 1990s, continuing the village's expansion. This development history has shaped the character of Stretton into the thriving suburb it is today, with excellent local amenities and good transport connections to Burton upon Trent and the wider region via the A38.

This development history means that a significant proportion of properties in Stretton are now between 30 and 40 years old, an age where common building defects begin to emerge. Modern construction methods of those decades sometimes differ from traditional approaches, and our surveyors are trained to identify issues specific to these building periods. From window seal deterioration in 1990s properties to potential issues with concrete tile hangars on 1980s builds, we provide detailed assessments of condition. We have found that properties in this age range commonly present issues with deteriorating building fabrics that were not apparent at the time of construction.

While the majority of Stretton's housing stock dates from the latter half of the 20th century, the village does contain older properties including listed buildings such as Dovecliff Hall Hotel, a Grade II listed country house to the north of the village, and St John's Church, which features a 12th-century chancel. These older properties require particular attention during survey, as they may have different maintenance requirements and potential issues compared to more modern homes. Properties of this age often require the more detailed assessment provided by our RICS Level 3 Building Survey, and we can advise on the most appropriate survey type for your specific property.

Properties built during Stretton's major development phases in the 1980s and 1990s often present specific issues that our surveyors frequently identify. These include deteriorating concrete foundations or lintels that were common building practices during those decades, roof tile degradation on properties now approaching 40 years old, and window seal failures that can lead to condensation and damp problems. Our Level 2 surveys provide detailed assessments of these potential defects, giving you the information needed to either negotiate repairs with the seller or budget for remedial work yourself.

The clay-rich soil that underlies much of Stretton creates potential for subsidence and ground movement, particularly for properties with shallower foundations common in modern construction. Our surveyors carefully examine walls, ceilings, and external elevations for signs of cracking or movement that might indicate foundation issues. Properties near the river corridors may have additional considerations related to ground conditions and drainage. We have found that properties in certain areas of Stretton, particularly those on the more clay-prone soils to the west of the village, require careful assessment for movement-related issues.

For the older properties that do exist in Stretton, typical issues include outdated electrical wiring that may not meet current regulations, aging plumbing systems, and general wear and tear on traditional building materials. Rising damp, penetrating damp, and roof condition are particularly relevant for any property over 50 years old. Our surveyors provide comprehensive assessments that flag these issues and advise on necessary remedial work. Properties with original features may also have hidden defects that only an experienced surveyor would identify during a thorough visual inspection.