Comprehensive structural surveys for properties across Birmingham. Get a detailed report on any property.
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Our team provides RICS Level 3 Building Surveys throughout New Frankley and the wider Birmingham area. Formerly known as a Full Structural Survey, this is the most comprehensive inspection available for residential properties. Whether you are purchasing a modern semi-detached home or a larger detached property, our detailed assessment gives you the information you need before committing to your purchase. We have surveyed hundreds of properties across the B45 postcode area and understand the specific challenges that affect homes in this part of the West Midlands.
New Frankley is a growing suburban area on Birmingham's western edge, with recent developments like Frankley Green by Persimmon Homes and Bellway bringing new properties to the B45 postcode. Our local surveyors understand the specific construction methods used in this area, from the traditional red brick cavity wall builds of the 1980s and 1990s to the newer timber frame constructions. We tailor each inspection to the property type, age, and local geological conditions that can affect properties in this part of the West Midlands. The area sits on Mercia Mudstone geology, which presents unique considerations for foundation assessment that our surveyors are specifically trained to identify.
With an average property price of £237,500 and steady year-on-year growth of 1% (19% over five years), the New Frankley market remains active with around 12 properties selling in the last 12 months. Whether you are buying a terraced starter home or a detached family property, our thorough survey gives you confidence in your investment and valuable negotiating power if issues are identified.
£237,500
Average House Price
+1%
12-Month Price Change
+19%
5-Year Price Change
12
Properties Sold (12 months)
A RICS Level 3 Survey is the gold standard for property inspections in the UK. Unlike basic valuations, this thorough examination assesses the entire structure of the property, from the roof down to the foundations. Our inspectors examine walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, and all accessible areas to identify defects, potential problems, and areas requiring future maintenance. We provide clear, jargon-free explanations of any issues found, photographs for reference, and practical recommendations for addressing any defects identified.
In New Frankley, where properties sit on Mercia Mudstone geology with its associated shrink-swell risks, having a detailed structural assessment is particularly valuable. Our surveyors know exactly what to look for in local properties, including signs of movement that may indicate foundation issues common in clay soil areas. We have identified numerous properties with foundation concerns related to tree proximity and clay shrinkage, issues that would not be apparent to a buyer conducting a standard viewing. The detailed report we provide gives you confidence in your property decision and valuable leverage for negotiations.
The Level 3 Survey is especially important in this area given the mix of property types and ages. From the 1980s-era semi-detached properties that make up approximately 45% of the housing stock to the newer Bellway and Persimmon Homes developments, each requires a tailored inspection approach. Our experience in New Frankley means we know which defects are most common in each construction era and can provide specifically relevant advice about your potential purchase.
Source: Rightmove, Zoopla 2024
Properties in New Frankley built on Mercia Mudstone can be affected by clay shrink-swell movement, particularly where trees are near foundations. Our surveyors specifically check for signs of this type of movement, including diagonal cracks around windows and doors, and uneven floor levels. This is especially relevant for the semi-detached and detached properties that make up the majority of housing in this area.
New Frankley consists predominantly of semi-detached properties (approximately 45% of housing stock) and detached homes (around 30%), with terraced properties making up roughly 15% and flats around 10%. The majority of properties were built post-1980, with significant development occurring through the 1990s and 2000s as Birmingham expanded westward. This relatively modern housing stock generally means properties are in good condition, but age-related defects can still occur. We regularly survey properties showing typical wear patterns for their age, including deteriorating roof coverings, worn bathroom seals, and aging window frames that may need attention within the next few years.
The area has seen recent new-build activity with developments like Frankley Green (Persimmon Homes) and Frankley Green Phase 2 (Bellway) bringing properties priced from £265,000 to £410,000 to the market. These modern homes may appear to be in pristine condition, but a Level 3 Survey can still identify construction defects, issues with snagging, or problems that may not be immediately visible to the untrained eye. Our inspectors are experienced in assessing both traditional brick construction and modern timber frame builds, understanding the specific defects that can occur with each method. We have found issues ranging from inadequate insulation in cavity walls to improperly installed damp proof courses in newer properties.
Local geology plays a significant role in property condition. The Mercia Mudstone underlying New Frankley (formerly known as Keuper Marl) contains clay minerals that expand when wet and contract during dry periods. This shrink-swell activity can cause foundation movement, particularly if properties have nearby trees or drains with leaks. Our surveyors examine properties for evidence of such movement, including crack patterns, door and window sticking, and floor level variations that might indicate ongoing structural issues. Properties with large trees within falling distance of the property or within root influence zone are particularly carefully assessed.
The local population of approximately 11,000 across roughly 4,500 households makes New Frankley a thriving suburban community. Many residents commute to Birmingham city centre or other employment hubs, with the M5 motorway and A38 trunk road providing excellent road connections. This commuter appeal contributes to steady housing demand and supports the property values in the area. Understanding this local context helps our surveyors advise on factors that might affect long-term value, such as proximity to busy roads or future development potential.
Our experience surveying properties throughout New Frankley has identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Given the area's predominantly post-1980 housing stock, we commonly find general wear and tear items such as roof tile damage, deteriorated pointing, and guttering problems. Sealant failures around windows and doors are frequently observed, which can lead to penetrating damp if not addressed. These issues are particularly common on the south and west-facing elevations where weather exposure is greatest, and we specifically examine these areas during every survey.
Damp issues represent another common finding in local properties. While properties in this area are generally well-built, we often identify penetrating damp in walls, condensation in bathrooms and kitchens, and occasionally rising damp in older extensions. These issues may be related to inadequate ventilation, blocked cavity walls, or simple age-related deterioration of building fabrics. In some properties, we have found blocked sub-floor vents that create poor ventilation, leading to timber decay and damp problems. Our Level 3 Survey provides detailed recommendations for addressing any damp problems discovered, including specific repair solutions and estimated costs.
Properties near the Frankley Green developments and along lower-lying roads may be affected by surface water flooding during heavy rainfall. While flood risk from rivers is low, the medium to high surface water flood risk means we pay particular attention to drainage, hardstanding areas, and any signs of previous water ingress. We have surveyed properties where previous surface water flooding has caused damp evidence that sellers may have attempted to conceal. Understanding these local factors helps our surveyors provide you with a truly comprehensive assessment of your potential new home.
One issue we specifically check for in New Frankley is the condition of foundations in relation to the clay geology. Properties built on Mercia Mudstone can experience foundation movement if trees (particularly those with high water demand like oak, poplar, or willow) are planted too close to the property. We have identified properties where foundation underpinning has been carried out, sometimes incorrectly, and properties showing active signs of movement that require structural engineering input. Our detailed assessment provides you with the information needed to make an informed decision about any property in this area.
Contact us online or by phone to arrange your RICS Level 3 Survey in New Frankley. We offer flexible appointment times to suit your schedule, often with availability within a few days of your request. Simply provide your property address and preferred dates, and our team will confirm your booking within 24 hours.
Our qualified RICS surveyor visits your property to conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas. They examine the roof space, sub-floor areas, outbuildings, and all main structural elements. In New Frankley properties, we pay particular attention to foundation conditions, crack patterns, and any signs of movement related to the local clay geology. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours depending on property size and complexity.
Within 5-7 working days of the inspection, you receive your comprehensive RICS Level 3 Survey report. This includes our detailed findings, annotated photographs, and clear recommendations for any repairs or further investigations needed. Our reports are written in plain English, avoiding technical jargon where possible, so you can clearly understand your property's condition.
If you have any questions about your report or need clarification on any findings, our team is here to help. We want you to fully understand your property's condition before you proceed with your purchase. We can arrange a call with your surveyor to discuss any concerns directly if required.
The Frankley Green development by Persimmon Homes represents one of the newer residential areas in New Frankley, offering 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes with prices starting from £265,000 up to £395,000. This development, located off Frankley Green in the B45 0LD postcode area, represents the newer end of the local housing stock. Even though these properties are relatively new, a RICS Level 3 Survey can identify any construction defects, snagging issues, or problems that may not be apparent during a visual viewing. We have surveyed numerous properties on this development and commonly identify issues such as sealant failures, inadequate insulation in roof spaces, and minor building regulation compliance matters.
Bellway's Frankley Green Phase 2 adds additional new homes to the area with 3 and 4-bedroom houses priced from £280,000 to £410,000. These modern properties utilise contemporary construction methods, including potentially timber frame elements. Our surveyors understand modern building techniques and can assess whether the property has been constructed in accordance with building regulations and industry standards. We check everything from window installation quality to the adequacy of ventilation systems, providing you with a comprehensive assessment of your new build property.
The proximity of these new developments to the M5 motorway and A38 trunk road makes New Frankley particularly attractive for commuters. The area's road connections support strong housing demand, which is reflected in the steady 1% year-on-year price growth and impressive 19% increase over the past five years. Understanding this local market context helps our surveyors provide relevant advice about properties in this area, including any factors that might affect long-term value or livability. We can advise on matters such as noise from major roads, potential for future development nearby, and the long-term maintenance requirements of different property types.
For new build properties, we recommend scheduling your survey as close to completion as possible to identify any issues that arise during the final stages of construction. This allows you to request corrections from the developer before completion rather than dealing with problems after you have moved in. Our surveyors are experienced in working with new build timelines and can often arrange inspections at short notice to fit with your purchase timeline.
A RICS Level 3 Survey provides a comprehensive inspection of all accessible parts of a property including the structure, fabric, and condition. Our report includes a detailed analysis of the property's construction, identifies defects and their cause, provides repair recommendations, and advises on urgent issues. It covers roofs, walls, floors, foundations, dampness, timber defects, and more. In New Frankley specifically, we assess foundations for signs of clay-related movement, check for surface water flooding risks, and evaluate the condition of modern construction methods used in local properties. The survey is tailored to the specific property type and age, ensuring you receive relevant, actionable information.
In New Frankley, prices typically range from £600 to £900 for a standard 3-bedroom semi-detached property. Larger detached properties cost between £800 and £1,200 or more, depending on size and complexity. Terraced properties and flats are generally at the lower end of the scale, while very large or complex properties may cost more. The price reflects the time required for inspection (typically 2-4 hours on site) and the detailed report production. We provide competitive pricing with no hidden fees, and you will always know the exact cost before booking.
Even new build properties benefit from a RICS Level 3 Survey. While the property is new, construction defects can still occur, and a survey can identify snagging issues that the developer should rectify before completion. Our inspectors check everything from window seals to roof tiles, giving you a comprehensive record of the property's condition at handover. For the Persimmon Homes and Bellway properties in the Frankley Green developments, we have identified numerous issues including inadequate damp proof courses, missing insulation, and sealant failures that were subsequently corrected by the developers.
The on-site inspection typically takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on the size and complexity of the property. A small flat may take around 90 minutes, while a large detached house could require 4 hours or more. Our surveyors are thorough and will not rush the inspection - we examine all accessible areas including roof spaces, sub-floor voids, and outbuildings. You will receive your written report within 5-7 working days of the inspection, with urgent reports available on request if your purchase timeline requires faster delivery.
Yes, our surveyors specifically assess subsidence risk. Given that New Frankley sits on Mercia Mudstone with its moderate to high shrink-swell potential, we pay close attention to foundation movement, crack patterns, and trees or vegetation near the property that could affect foundations. We examine internal walls for diagonal cracks, check window and door operation for sticking that indicates movement, and assess external brickwork for signs of structural stress. We provide specific advice on any concerns identified during the inspection, including recommendations for further structural engineering assessment if necessary.
If our survey identifies significant defects, we provide detailed recommendations for repairs or further investigations. You can use this information to negotiate a price reduction with the seller, request that repairs be completed before completion, or in some cases, decide not to proceed with the purchase. Our report gives you the information needed to make an informed decision. In New Frankley, where we commonly identify foundation concerns related to clay soil, damp issues, or roofing defects, our detailed reports have helped buyers negotiate significant reductions or secure commitments from sellers to address issues before completion.
New Frankley is not in a coal mining area, so mining subsidence is not a significant risk in this location. However, we still assess all properties for any signs of ground movement or structural issues that might affect the foundation condition. The primary geological concern in this area remains the shrink-swell behaviour of the Mercia Mudstone clay, which requires specific attention during the survey. Our surveyors are trained to identify the signs of clay-related movement and can distinguish between different types of subsidence that might affect a property.
While New Frankley has low risk of river flooding, some areas have medium to high surface water flood risk, particularly during heavy rainfall events. We assess drainage around the property, the condition of hardstanding areas, and look for any evidence of previous water ingress. Properties in lower-lying areas near water courses or with large amounts of impermeable surfacing nearby may be more susceptible to surface water issues. Our report will flag any flood risk concerns and provide recommendations for mitigation if needed, such as improved drainage or flood resilience measures.
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Comprehensive structural surveys for properties across Birmingham. Get a detailed report on any property.
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Homemove is a trading name of HM Haus Group Ltd (Company No. 13873779, registered in England & Wales). Homemove Mortgages Ltd (Company No. 15947693) is an Appointed Representative of TMG Direct Limited, trading as TMG Mortgage Network, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 786245). Homemove Mortgages Ltd is entered on the FCA Register as an Appointed Representative (FRN 1022429). You can check registrations at NewRegister or by calling 0800 111 6768.
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