RICS Level 2 Survey in Sutton Benger

We offer the RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, as the most popular survey option for properties in reasonable condition. This survey is particularly suitable for conventional properties built after 1900, which make up the majority of homes in Sutton Benger. Our inspection includes a thorough visual assessment of all accessible areas of the property, from the roof space to the foundations, identifying any defects that may affect the value or safety of your potential new home.

Our Level 2 survey in Sutton Benger follows the RICS strict standards, providing you with a clear red, amber, or green rating system for each element of the property. We use this traffic light system so you can easily understand which issues require urgent attention and which are minor matters. The report includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth and any potential costs you may face after completion. We also provide specific advice on any urgent defects and the likely cost of repairs, helping you budget for any work needed.

Properties in Sutton Benger present unique considerations that our surveyors understand well. The village's location near the River Avon means groundwater flooding is a genuine concern, particularly during the winter months. We specifically check for signs of past flooding, water damage, and the condition of drainage systems around the property. During the winter of 2023/24, the Sutton Benger catchment area experienced multiple flooding incidents due to inadequate hydraulic capacity, highlighting the importance of thorough drainage assessment. We also note the prevalence of Cotswold stone in local construction, which while beautiful, can present specific issues with regard to mortar condition and structural movement in older properties.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for key building elements
• Market valuation and rebuild cost estimates
• Advice on urgent defects and repairs
• Flood risk assessment for local areas

Sutton Benger has experienced considerable change over the past decades, with the village more than doubling in size during the 1970s through the addition of a large housing estate. Today, the village continues to expand with new developments bringing both opportunities and challenges for property buyers. The Garden Close development by Hills Homes offers 21 contemporary two, three, and four-bedroom homes surrounded by open countryside, with prices starting around £795,000 for larger properties like The Barbury. Meanwhile, the proposed development of up to 90 homes at Gate Farm and 60 homes off High Street will further reshape the village, with Charles Church acquiring the High Street site and Gleeson Land progressing the Gate Farm outline application.

The traditional housing stock in Sutton Benger consists largely of Cotswold stone properties, with the historic Manor house dating to around 1700 serving as an example of local building traditions. These period properties feature rubble stone construction with ashlar dressings and stone slate roofs, creating distinctive homes that require specialist knowledge to assess properly. Our surveyors understand these traditional construction methods and can identify issues specific to older stone buildings, such as mortar degradation, structural movement, and the condition of traditional roof coverings. We have experience assessing properties across all ages in the village, from historic cottages to the eight new homes at Arms Gardens completed by Stonewood Homes.

The local geology and flood risk profile add another layer of consideration for Sutton Benger property purchases. The village sits within the River Avon catchment area and has experienced groundwater flooding during winter periods, with particularly notable incidents in the winter of 2023/24 when groundwater reached critical levels across the catchment. All new developments are positioned within Flood Zone 1 (low risk) and are required to incorporate sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), but existing properties may have different flood histories. Our surveyors check for signs of previous water damage, assess the effectiveness of existing drainage around the property, and provide you with a clear understanding of any flood risk. We also examine the condition of soakaways and drainage infrastructure, which can be particularly important in this area where groundwater levels can rise significantly during wet periods.

• Recent price adjustments reflect current market conditions
• Multiple new developments under construction
• Traditional Cotswold stone construction common in older properties
• Groundwater flood risk in certain areas during winter months
• Mix of period and modern properties across the village