RICS Level 2 Survey in Sturry

Sturry, with a population of 4,791 across 1,935 households, offers a unique mix of housing that reflects its position as a village with strong links to Canterbury while maintaining its own distinct character. The village has seen significant development in recent years, particularly with new-build projects at Sturry Gate, Sturry Gardens, and The Alders, where Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, and Charles Church have created modern housing developments with prices ranging from £334,995 to £649,995. However, the village also retains a rich heritage, with properties dating back centuries around Sturry Court, the Church of St Nicholas, and along the historic High Street and Mill Road.

Our RICS Level 2 Survey is specifically valuable in Sturry due to the diverse range of property types and ages found throughout the village. The area sits on chalk bedrock of the Seaford Chalk Formation and Newhaven Chalk Formation, with superficial deposits including clay-rich Head deposits and River Terrace Deposits along the Stour valley. These geological conditions can influence foundation performance, particularly where mature trees are present close to buildings. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of movement or subsidence that may relate to these local ground conditions, especially in properties with shallow foundations.

Properties in Sturry face specific environmental considerations that our surveyors address during every inspection. The River Stour poses a flood risk to properties in close proximity to the river and its flood plain, and the Environment Agency's flood maps indicate areas of both river and surface water flood risk within the village. Our inspectors check for evidence of previous flooding, water staining, damp penetration, and flood resilience measures. Additionally, we assess properties for issues common to the local area, including damp in properties near the river, timber defects in older Kentish homes, and any signs of structural movement related to local ground conditions.

The RICS Level 2 Survey is specifically designed for properties in reasonable condition that are built using conventional methods. Our surveyors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space (where safe access is available), the exterior walls, windows and doors, the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems, and the overall structural integrity of the building. The survey provides a clear traffic light rating system that immediately highlights areas of concern, from urgent defects requiring immediate attention to issues that may need monitoring over time.

In Sturry, where we frequently encounter properties built with traditional Kentish brickwork and timber framing, our inspectors pay particular attention to common issues found in older properties. These include rising damp in solid-wall constructions, timber defects such as rot or woodworm affecting roof timbers and floorboards, and the condition of traditional slate or clay tile roofs that may have deteriorated over decades. For properties in the Sturry Conservation Area, our surveyors also note any visible issues that may relate to the property's listed status or conservation requirements. Properties like Sturry Court, various historic cottages along Mill Road, and the Church of St Nicholas all have protected status that may affect what alterations are permitted.

Our RICS Level 2 Survey also includes a market valuation and rebuild cost assessment, which is particularly useful for insurance purposes and for ensuring you are paying a fair price for the property. In the current Sturry market, where detached properties average £508,000 and terraced properties average £280,000, having an independent valuation helps ensure your investment is sound. The report also includes an energy efficiency assessment, highlighting areas where improvements could be made to reduce running costs and improve the environmental performance of your new home.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Identification of defects and maintenance issues
• Traffic light rating system for priorities
• Market value assessment and rebuild cost
• Advice on legal issues and energy efficiency
• Clear summary with next step recommendations

Properties in Sturry span a wide range of ages and construction types, each presenting their own set of potential issues. Older properties, particularly those constructed before 1919, often feature solid brick walls without cavity insulation, which can be susceptible to rising damp if original damp-proof courses have failed or were never installed. These properties may also have outdated electrical wiring systems that do not meet current regulations, and original plumbing that has corroded over decades of use. Our surveyors inspect these elements carefully and flag any concerns that may require updating before or shortly after you move in.

The location of many Sturry properties near the River Stour means that flood risk is a consideration for some homes in the area. While not all properties are affected, those in low-lying areas or those that have experienced previous flooding may show signs of damp, water staining, or flood damage that our surveyors will identify. Additionally, the clay-rich superficial deposits that exist in parts of the Sturry area can present a moderate shrink-swell risk, particularly for properties with shallow foundations in areas with mature trees. Our inspectors look for evidence of movement, cracking, or subsidence that may indicate ground instability. Properties along the Stour valley and near the flood plain require particularly careful assessment.

For properties within the Sturry Conservation Area or those that are listed buildings, the RICS Level 2 Survey provides valuable information, though we always recommend considering a RICS Level 3 Building Survey for such properties due to their age, complexity, and the special considerations required for historic buildings. Properties like Sturry Court or various historic cottages along the High Street may have construction features that require specialist knowledge to assess properly. A Level 3 survey provides a more detailed analysis of structural issues, includes invasive testing where necessary, and offers comprehensive guidance on repairs and maintenance specific to historic properties.