RICS Level 2 Survey Throwley, Kent

Our RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a comprehensive inspection of the property's condition. We examine all accessible areas of the home, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's construction and materials, which is particularly important in Throwley where many homes feature traditional Kentish brickwork and period features. Our team checks every accessible element and provides clear condition ratings using the RICS traffic light system.

Our inspectors check for signs of damp, which can be a common issue in older properties throughout Kent. We assess the condition of the roof and look for any evidence of structural movement or subsidence. Given the age of properties in the Throwley area, with some homes dating back to the 17th century, we pay particular attention to the condition of timber frames, load-bearing walls, and historic building materials that may require specialist maintenance. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging where appropriate to identify hidden damp issues that might not be visible during a basic viewing.

The Level 2 survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, giving you a complete picture of the property's true worth. We highlight any urgent defects that need immediate attention, as well as issues that may affect the value or require future maintenance. Our reports are clear, easy to understand, and include photographs so you can see exactly what we've found. The valuation element is particularly valuable in Throwley where property prices vary significantly between property types, from terraced cottages to detached homes exceeding £1 million.

We assess the condition of the property's drainage systems, which is especially important in Throwley where many rural properties rely on private septic tanks rather than mains drainage. Our surveyors check the condition of soakaways, inspection chambers, and any pumping stations that may be part of the system. We also examine the condition of private water supplies where properties are not connected to the mains water network, which is relatively common in this rural village.

• Roof and chimney inspection
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Wall and structural condition check
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical overview
• Market valuation and rebuild cost
• Drainage and septic tank assessment
• Private water supply evaluation

Properties in Throwley often present specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. The village has a high proportion of older properties, with many homes constructed using traditional methods that differ significantly from modern building standards. These period properties, while full of character, can harbour hidden issues that only an experienced surveyor would spot during a thorough inspection.

One of the most frequent issues we encounter in Throwley properties is damp penetration, particularly in properties with solid walls rather than cavity wall construction. The Kent climate, with its mix of wet winters and humid summers, can accelerate damp problems in older buildings. We frequently find rising damp in ground floor walls and penetrating damp in roofs and chimney stacks, especially where traditional lime mortar pointing has deteriorated over time.

Roof conditions are another significant concern in this area. Many Throwley properties feature traditional pitched roofs with traditional slate or clay tile coverings that may be original to the property. Our inspectors examine the roof structure for signs of rot in timber rafters, deterioration in felt underlay, and the condition of ridge tiles and Verges. Properties in Throwley Forstal particularly may have older roof structures that require careful assessment.

Electrical safety is increasingly important in older properties, and we routinely identify outdated fuse boards, insufficient earthing, and wiring that does not meet current regulations. While we don't carry out detailed electrical testing, our visual inspection highlights obvious concerns that should be investigated by a qualified electrician before completion. This is particularly relevant for properties that haven't been updated since the 1970s or earlier.

• Damp penetration in solid wall constructions
• Roof structural deterioration
• Outdated electrical installations
• Timber frame deterioration
• Foundation and subsidence movement
• Missing or damaged pointing to brickwork

The property market in Throwley shows considerable variation in prices, with detached properties reaching over £1 million and terraced homes typically selling between £247,000 and £358,000. Given the significant investment required to purchase property in this area, a RICS Level 2 Survey provides essential protection. The survey helps you identify any hidden defects before you commit to the purchase, potentially saving you thousands of pounds in unexpected repair costs. Our independent assessment gives you the ammunition you need to negotiate with confidence.

Throwley's rural location means many properties rely on private water supplies, septic tanks, or off-mains drainage systems. Our surveyors check the condition of these systems and highlight any potential issues that may not be covered by standard conveyancing searches. We assess the condition of private drainage systems, looking for signs of blockages, damage, or poor installation that could result in costly repairs after purchase. This is particularly important for properties on Throwley Road or in the more isolated parts of the village.

For properties in or near conservation areas, which are present throughout the Faversham ME13 area, a Level 2 survey can identify any works that may require planning permission or listed building consent. Our inspectors are familiar with the requirements for historic properties in Kent and can advise on the implications of any alterations or repairs you may be considering. Properties near Lees Court in nearby Sheldwich or along Bethel Row may have specific restrictions that affect what you can do after purchase.

The flood risk in Throwley is generally low as the village sits inland from the Kent coast, but we still assess the property's vulnerability to surface water flooding and check the condition of any drainage systems around the property. Our survey identifies any signs of previous flooding or water ingress that could indicate ongoing issues, particularly for properties with basements or cellars.

Once your survey is complete, you'll receive a comprehensive report that follows the RICS standardised format. The report uses a clear traffic light system to rate the condition of each element inspected, making it easy to quickly identify which areas require attention. Green indicates no issues requiring attention, amber signals defects that need attention but aren't urgent, and red highlights serious issues that require immediate action.

Each section of the report includes a clear summary of our findings, followed by detailed descriptions of any defects discovered. We include photographs throughout the report so you can visualise exactly what we've found. The report also includes our market valuation and rebuild cost estimate, which are particularly valuable given the significant price variation in Throwley between different property types.

If the survey reveals significant issues, you have several options for moving forward. You can request that the vendor carries out repairs before completion, negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to account for the cost of remedial work, or in some cases, withdraw from the purchase entirely if the issues are too severe. Our report gives you the evidence you need to renegotiate with confidence, and we can provide additional guidance on what reasonable concessions to request.