RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey in Waverley

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey gives you a clear, practical assessment of a property's condition and is intended for homes in conventional condition. We inspect all accessible parts of the property, including the roof space where it is safe to get in, the external walls, windows and doors, plumbing and electrical systems, and damp levels across the building. Every inspection is carried out in line with RICS guidelines, so the reporting stays consistent and professional whichever of our surveyors attends. We also take photographs of any significant findings and include them in the final report, so you can see exactly what we have identified.

Property values in Waverley leave little room for guesswork. With detached homes averaging £925,000 and flats still at £281,000, we look closely at everything from the state of the roof to the integrity of the foundations. We pay particular attention to issues often seen in Surrey homes, such as ageing traditional brickwork, timber-framed windows in period properties, and damp in older conversions in places like Godalming. Our surveyors know the quieter warning signs that less experienced inspectors can miss, which helps us build a fuller picture of the property's condition.

Your report sets out straightforward condition ratings for each element, R1 for no repair needed, R2 for repair or replacement required, and R3 for urgent repair or replacement required. We also include a market valuation based on current Waverley data, which can be extremely useful if defects come to light and the price needs discussing. Where a property sits in a conservation area, we flag concerns that may relate to listed building regulations. That valuation is grounded in the Waverley market, using comparable evidence from recent local sales.

Buying in Waverley is a major commitment, and we treat the survey with that in mind. Whether you are purchasing a period property on one of Godalming's historic streets or a modern home in a Farnham development, we give you a detailed assessment that supports an informed decision. Our report is written to be clear, useful and practical, with recommendations you can act on where we identify problems.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, chimneys, and damp proof course
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical installations
• Floors, stairs, and ceilings
• Garages and outbuildings
• External areas and boundaries

Across Waverley, the housing stock is mixed, from Victorian and Edwardian homes in Godalming's conservation areas to newer family houses on developments in Farnham. That range brings different surveying challenges with it. Detached homes account for over 36% of sales locally, and they often come with more complicated roof forms and larger floor areas that need careful inspection. Because we have surveyed hundreds of properties across Waverley, we know how local homes tend to age in the climate here and which defects are most likely to appear depending on construction type and period.

Traditional Surrey construction is common in Waverley, especially brick external walls and timber-framed windows that can show decades of wear. Because the area remains popular with commuters, homes change hands regularly, and we often come across issues linked to earlier DIY jobs or renovation work that did not meet current building regulations. Older houses have often been altered more than once over the years, so we check whether those changes were properly approved and completed to a satisfactory standard. That matters even more in conservation areas, where restrictions apply.

There has been a recent 0.7% price adjustment in Waverley's market, which points to a stable but selective buying climate. Over the past year, 1,534 properties sold, and although demand is still strong, transaction volume is down by 19.85% compared with earlier periods. In a market like that, a detailed survey can strengthen your position. If we uncover serious defects, you may be able to renegotiate the price or ask for remedial works before completion, and our Waverley-specific market valuation gives you reliable evidence to back that up.

Waverley is not a one-style borough. Historic market towns sit alongside newer residential schemes, so the housing landscape is broad and the surveying approach has to reflect that. Our surveyors work with properties from different construction periods and know the building styles found across the area, from timber-framed period homes in Godalming to more recent development around Farnham. Because of that local familiarity, we know what deserves closer attention and can give advice that is specific to the property you are thinking of buying.

• Properties over 30 years old showing signs of wear
• Period homes with original features requiring assessment
• Modern properties where building control compliance matters
• Properties near conservation areas with specific requirements

After surveying properties throughout Waverley and the wider Surrey area for years, we have seen certain faults come up again and again in our reports. Knowing about these common issues helps set expectations before you buy and gives you a better sense of what to look out for in a prospective home. Because we deal with them first-hand, we know how to assess their seriousness properly and what sort of repair costs they are likely to involve.

Roofs are one of the areas where we most often find trouble. This is especially true in older detached houses, where more complex roof structures can deteriorate through weathering and age. On many period homes in Godalming and Farnham, the traditional tile and slate coverings can suffer from leaks, slipped or broken tiles, and decay in the supporting timbers beneath. Our survey looks closely at the roof structure for signs of earlier water ingress, rot in rafters and purlins, and the condition of flashings around chimneys and dormer windows. Where repairs are needed, we can comment on feasibility and give cost guidance as well.

Damp penetration is another issue we see across Waverley, particularly in older buildings with solid walls and no modern damp proof course. In period homes, rising damp appears regularly, while in newer properties poor ventilation can lead to condensation problems. We use professional moisture meters during the survey to measure damp levels across the property and to help identify where the moisture is coming from. Our report then sets out targeted recommendations, whether that means improving ventilation, carrying out damp proofing treatment, or repairing defective gutters and rainwater goods.

Electrical installations that have not been updated for 20 years or more are common in Waverley properties. We check the condition of the consumer unit, wiring, sockets and switches, and we flag anything that raises concerns over safety or compliance with current regulations. Of all the issues we report on, electrical faults can be among the most serious because the safety risk is real. If work is needed, we make that clear in the report and highlight anything that should be dealt with by a qualified electrician before completion.

• Roof defects and weathering
• Damp penetration in solid walls
• Outdated electrical systems
• Window and joinery deterioration
• Foundation movement and subsidence
• Missing or defective damp proof courses