RICS Level 2 Survey in Streatham SW16

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed assessment of the property's visible and accessible condition. We examine all major elements including walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and joinery. The survey includes a systematic evaluation of the property's construction, condition, and any significant defects that may require attention. Our inspectors photograph and document all issues, providing you with a comprehensive record of the property's current state. We check the condition of chimney stacks, examine gutters and downpipes, and assess the состояние (condition) of any outbuildings or boundary walls.

For properties in SW16, our surveyors pay particular attention to the common issues affecting Victorian and Edwardian housing stock that dominates the area. This includes checking for rising damp in solid brick walls - a frequent problem given that most period properties were built without cavity insulation. We assess the condition of slate and clay tile roofs, which are prevalent on Victorian villas in Streatham Hill and Norbury, looking for cracked tiles, defective lead flashing, and deteriorated mortar pointing. We also evaluate timber joists and floorboards for signs of rot or woodworm, which commonly affects ground floor timber structures in older properties.

The survey result is an easy-to-read report with clear traffic light ratings that make understanding the property's condition straightforward. Red ratings indicate serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber highlights defects that should be investigated further, and green confirms areas in satisfactory condition. This straightforward system helps you understand exactly what you're purchasing and provides valuable leverage in price negotiations. Many buyers in the SW16 market use our reports to negotiate reductions that far exceed the survey cost.

Our survey also includes an assessment of any potential environmental risks specific to the area. Given that SW16 sits largely on London Clay, we examine properties for signs of subsidence or ground movement, particularly in areas with mature trees that can cause clay shrinkage. We also note any flood risk from the River Graveney tributaries that run through parts of Streatham.

• Wall condition and structural integrity
• Roof covering and flashing
• Damp and timber condition
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

With 79% of properties in SW16 built before 1980 and much of the area sitting on London Clay, issues like subsidence, damp, and aging roofs are common. A Level 2 Survey identifies these problems before completion, potentially saving you thousands in unexpected repair costs. The geological conditions beneath Streatham create specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to recognise. London Clay expands and contracts with moisture changes, meaning older properties with shallow foundations can experience movement that manifests as cracking in walls or uneven floors.

The age profile of housing in SW16 also means electrical wiring in many properties will be original or poorly updated from the Victorian or Edwardian era. Our surveyors inspect visible electrical fixtures and note any obvious concerns that should be investigated by a qualified electrician. Similarly, plumbing in period properties often consists of old galvanised pipes that may be corroded and prone to low water pressure - issues that can be expensive to resolve once you've moved in.

Many properties in SW16 also have original features that require careful assessment. Decorative cornices, ceiling roses, and period fireplaces add character but may have deteriorated over decades of use. Our reports document these features and advise on any restoration work that might be needed, helping you understand the full cost of maintaining a period property in Streatham.

SW16 contains several conservation areas including Streatham Hill, Leigham Court Estate, and parts of Norbury, all of which have specific planning controls to preserve their character. Properties within these areas often have unique architectural features that require specialist knowledge to assess properly. The Leigham Court Estate, for example, features distinctive Edwardian architecture with mock-Tudor detailing that demands understanding of traditional construction methods. Our surveyors understand the additional considerations needed when inspecting period properties in protected areas.

If you're purchasing a listed building in SW16, we generally recommend a RICS Level 3 Building Survey rather than a Level 2. Listed buildings often have unique construction methods and historical alterations that require more detailed analysis. Additionally, any defects identified may require specialist repair techniques using traditional materials to maintain the building's historical significance. Our team can advise on whether a Level 2 or Level 3 survey is more appropriate for your specific property. Properties listed at Grade II include several Victorian and Edwardian villas along Streatham Hill that have been converted into flats.

The new build developments in SW16 present different inspection considerations. At The Switch on Streatham Hill, London Square has created modern apartments with contemporary construction methods. The Printworks on Streatham High Road, developed by Notting Hill Genesis, offers one to three-bedroom apartments in a converted building. Streatham Place by Southern Housing provides another option for new-build buyers. While these modern properties typically have fewer structural issues, they can still have defects related to construction quality, snagging items, or issues with windows, doors, and waterproofing. Our surveyors apply the same rigorous standards to new builds, ensuring you receive a comprehensive assessment regardless of the property's age.

Even new build properties can benefit from a Level 2 Survey because builders are under pressure to complete on tight timelines, and quality control varies. We identify issues that developers may need to rectify under warranty, giving you before completing your purchase. Common issues in newer developments include inadequate soundproofing between flats, problems with window seals, and minor defects in finishing that should be addressed before the warranty period expires.