RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Milstead

The property market in Milstead has experienced significant changes, with prices falling 19% over the last year and sitting 50% below the 2022 peak. Despite this adjustment, properties in this desirable Kent village still represent substantial investments, with detached properties regularly exceeding £500,000. The village has seen a mix of property types sell recently, including detached houses reaching £755,000, period bungalows at £520,000, and semi-detached properties ranging from £310,000 to £595,000. With these kinds of values at stake, understanding the true condition of any property before purchase is essential.

Many properties in the Milstead area fall into categories that particularly benefit from a Level 3 survey. Older cottages and historic buildings may have hidden structural issues that are not apparent during a casual viewing. The village's rural character means properties may have been subject to different maintenance standards compared to urban properties, and some buildings may have undergone alterations over the years that require professional assessment. Properties built before 1900 often contain traditional construction techniques that differ significantly from modern building methods, and our surveyors know exactly what to look for when assessing these older Kentish homes.

Our RICS Level 3 surveys are specifically designed to identify defects that could affect the value or safety of a property. The survey includes a thorough inspection of the structural elements, identification of any significant repairs that may be needed, and assessment of the property's overall condition. For properties in Milstead, our surveyors pay particular attention to the condition of roofs, the integrity of load-bearing walls, the state of damp proof courses, and the condition of any extensions or alterations. We also check for signs of movement or settlement that might indicate foundation issues, which can be particularly relevant in areas with clay soils.

• Complete structural assessment
• Detailed defect identification
• Market value implications
• Recommended repairs and priorities

Properties in the Milstead area reflect the traditional building methods that have been used throughout Kent for centuries. Many of the older cottages and period properties in this area were constructed using local materials that were readily available when the buildings were erected. Ragstone, a type of sandstone quarried locally in Kent, has been used in walls and foundations of properties dating back to the medieval period. Our surveyors understand these traditional construction methods and know how to identify issues that may affect these older buildings.

Traditional brickwork is also prevalent throughout the Milstead area, with many properties featuring hand-made bricks that were produced in local brickworks. These bricks often have different characteristics compared to modern machine-made bricks, including variations in colour, texture, and porosity. Understanding these differences is important when assessing the condition of walls and the effectiveness of existing damp proof courses. Some older properties may also feature timber framing, particularly those dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, which requires specialist assessment.

The rural nature of Milstead also means that some properties may have been built with different foundation techniques than those used in modern construction. Properties in Kent can be affected by clay soils, which expand and contract with moisture changes, potentially causing movement in foundations over time. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of this type of movement, including cracks in walls, doors that stick, and uneven floors. We assess the property's foundations and provide specific advice on any concerns found during the inspection.

Our experience surveying properties throughout the Swale area has given us insight into the types of defects that are commonly found in local homes. Roof defects are particularly prevalent in older properties, with issues ranging from missing or damaged tiles to more serious problems with the roof structure itself. Given the age of many properties in Milstead, roof coverings may be original or may have been replaced with materials that differ from the original construction. Our surveyors check the roof condition thoroughly and note any repairs that may be needed.

Damp issues are another common finding in properties throughout Kent, particularly in older buildings where damp proof courses may be missing, damaged, or ineffective. Rising damp can affect walls at ground level, while penetrating damp may occur where roof elements or pointing have deteriorated. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify the type and cause of any dampness found, providing specific recommendations for remediation. We also check for signs of previous damp treatment, which may affect the property.

Structural movement and settlement can affect properties in any area, and Milstead is no exception. Properties built on clay soils may experience movement as the ground shrinks and swells with seasonal moisture changes. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of structural movement, including cracking patterns in walls, doors and windows that don't close properly, and floors that are not level. We assess whether any movement appears to be ongoing or historic, and provide appropriate advice on the implications for the property.