RICS Level 3 Building Survey in CV13

The CV13 area presents a diverse mix of property types that each require careful structural assessment. From the historic market town of Market Bosworth with its period properties to newer developments such as those along Oakwood in Stoke Golding, the housing stock varies significantly in age, construction method and potential defect profile. With 114 residential sales in the last year and properties ranging from £239,979 terraced houses to £511,071 detached homes, the market here reflects Leicestershire's rural charm mixed with modern development pressure. The average property price sits at around £355,653, with most sales occurring in the £262,000 to £344,000 range.

Many properties in CV13 villages were constructed using traditional methods that predate modern building regulations. These older homes often feature solid walls rather than cavity construction, older roof structures, and original fixtures that may require specialist assessment. Our Level 3 survey examines these elements in detail, identifying any structural concerns, deterioration or areas requiring future maintenance attention. The solid brick walls common in Victorian and Edwardian properties, while generally durable, can conceal issues such as rising damp or deteriorating mortar joints that only become apparent during a thorough inspection.

The presence of historic properties, including listed buildings such as The Hall in Sutton Cheney, highlights the importance of thorough pre-purchase investigation. Properties with heritage status or those constructed before 1900 typically benefit most from the comprehensive nature of a Level 3 survey, as standard mortgage valuations may not identify hidden structural issues that could affect the building's long-term integrity. Our surveyors understand the specific challenges of older properties, including the need to assess timber frame elements, thatched roofs where applicable, and traditional building techniques that differ significantly from modern construction methods.

The geology of Leicestershire, which includes clay soils in various areas, can present specific challenges for property owners. Clay soils are prone to shrink-swell movement depending on moisture levels, which can affect foundations over time. Our inspectors are trained to identify signs of movement, cracking patterns that may indicate subsidence or heave, and other issues related to ground conditions. While not all properties in CV13 will be affected, properties showing any signs of movement benefit significantly from the detailed assessment that a Level 3 survey provides.

• Pre-1900 period properties
• Listed buildings and historic homes
• Non-traditional construction
• Properties with significant extension or alteration
• Large detached homes
• Properties near water courses or clay soils

The CV13 area has seen new housing development activity in recent years, with developments such as Lindley Walk in Higham-on-the-Hill offering new build properties with guide prices starting from £295,000 for semi-detached homes and reaching over £350,000 for larger detached properties. This development, located at Wood Lane in Higham-on-the-Hill (CV13 6AA), features properties built by Owl Homes with various incentives including contributions towards upgrade costs. While these new builds come with the protection of NHBC or similar structural warranties, a RICS Level 3 survey can still identify snagging issues, construction defects not covered by warranties, and any problems arising from building defects that may only become apparent over time.

Other recent developments in the area include properties along Oakwood in Stoke Golding, where homes have been marketed at prices around £269,000 for two-bedroom properties. The Elford development in Stoke Golding represents another recent addition to the housing stock in this postcode area. Even for relatively new properties, our detailed survey provides valuable and ensures you are fully aware of the property condition before completing your purchase. Our inspectors can identify issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye, such as inadequate ventilation, poor workmanship in hidden areas, or defects in materials that may only become visible over time.

For new builds in developments across the CV13 area, a thorough survey ensures you understand the full condition of your investment before completion. While the structural warranty provides protection against major defects, it does not cover every issue that might affect your enjoyment of the property. Our survey can identify items that require attention by the developer before the warranty period expires, ensuring you get the full benefit of your new home purchase. Many buyers find that a Level 3 survey on a new build reveals issues that can be resolved by the developer at no additional cost.

Our experience surveying properties across the CV13 area has revealed several recurring themes that buyers should be aware of. Many Victorian and Edwardian properties in villages like Market Bosworth and Stoke Golding were constructed with solid brick walls that, while generally sound, can suffer from rising damp particularly where original damp proof courses are missing or have failed over time. Our surveyors check for signs of damp at low levels on external walls and recommend appropriate remediation measures where necessary.

Roof conditions are another common area of concern, especially on older properties where original roof coverings may be approaching the end of their service life. We frequently identify slipped or missing tiles, deteriorating ridge tiles, and issues with lead flashings that require attention. In some cases, we find that roof structures have been modified to create additional accommodation, and our surveyors assess whether these modifications were carried out properly and whether the structure can support the changes.

Extensions and alterations are common in the CV13 area, with many properties having been expanded over the years to accommodate growing families or changing needs. Our surveyors carefully examine how these extensions connect to the original structure, checking for proper foundations, adequate tying to the main building, and appropriate weatherproofing. Poorly executed extensions can lead to problems including water penetration, structural movement, and thermal inefficiency that may not be immediately obvious to buyers.