RICS Level 2 Survey in Wallington

A RICS Level 2 survey provides a detailed inspection of the property's accessible areas, examining the condition of the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and key structural elements. The surveyor will assess both the interior and exterior of the building, looking for signs of decay, damage, or deterioration that might not be visible to the untrained eye. In Wallington, where properties range from period homes dating back to the early 1900s to brand new apartments in developments like Spinning Wheel Way and Vulcan House, this comprehensive inspection is invaluable for understanding the true condition of your potential purchase.

The survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element inspected. Red rating means the element requires urgent attention or significant repair, amber indicates defects that need negotiating with the seller, and green confirms everything is in satisfactory condition. This straightforward approach makes it easy for you to understand which issues require immediate action and which can be addressed over time. Our surveyors will also provide practical advice on any ongoing maintenance requirements specific to your property type.

For Wallington properties, the survey pays particular attention to issues common in the local area. The clay-rich soils in this part of south London mean that movement and subsidence are real concerns, with the British Geological Survey identifying the region as having significant shrink-swell risk. Our surveyors are trained to spot the early signs of such issues, including cracking patterns, door and window sticking, and signs of movement in walls and foundations. They will also check for any signs of previous flooding, though it is worth noting that Wallington in SM6 currently has very low flood risk from rivers, seas, and groundwater.

When inspecting the traditional Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses that make up much of Wallington's housing stock, our surveyors pay particular attention to the condition of lime mortar pointing, the state of original sash windows, and any signs of historic damp penetration. These period properties often have solid floors rather than modern concrete, which can affect dampness readings and ventilation assessments. For newer properties in developments like the 55-unit Crosspoint House conversion, we focus on build quality, window and door sealing, and the condition of any shared communal areas that might affect your enjoyment of the property.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, brickwork, and pointing
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Exterior finishes and drainage

Properties in Wallington predominantly feature clay brick construction, often laid in Flemish bond with lime mortar in older properties. The characteristic red brickwork, sometimes combined with vitrified blue-grey headers to create decorative patterns, is a defining feature of the area's architectural heritage. Many homes in the Wallington Green Conservation Area, which contains 14 listed buildings, showcase these traditional building methods. Our surveyors know exactly what to look for when assessing these period properties, including the condition of lime mortar pointing, which is crucial for the long-term health of brickwork.

The geological conditions in Wallington present specific challenges that our surveyors take into account during every inspection. The area sits on clay-rich soils derived from Weald Clay and Gault Clay formations, creating significant potential for shrink-swell ground movement. This means that our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of subsidence, structural movement, and drainage issues that can affect properties in this area. The changing weather patterns associated with climate change are increasing these risks, with projections suggesting that subsidence issues will become more common in the coming decades.

Roof coverings in Wallington typically consist of plain clay tiles or Welsh slate, with some properties featuring red pantiles. Our surveyors will inspect these roof materials carefully, checking for broken or missing tiles, signs of past repairs, and the condition of roof flashing and valleys. For properties in the conservation area, we also consider any heritage implications when identifying issues or recommending repairs. The age of properties in Wallington varies considerably, from the older terraced houses built in the early 20th century to brand new developments like the 55-unit Crosspoint House conversion that completed in Spring 2025.

One specific concern for Wallington buyers is the presence of large trees near properties, particularly in the older residential streets around the Green and along roads like Clifton Road and Belmont Road. Trees can exacerbate shrink-swell movement in clay soils, and our surveyors will note any trees within falling distance of the property and assess their potential impact on foundations. We also check for any evidence of past underpinning or foundation repairs, which can be more common in areas with significant clay movement.