RICS Level 3 Building Survey in PO18 9

The PO18 9 postcode area contains one of the highest concentrations of listed buildings in the region, with notable clusters in Funtington (including Funtington Hall, The Fox and Hounds Public House, and the Grade II* listed Sennicotts), Stoughton (with multiple Grade II properties along the village street), and Compton. Many of these properties were constructed using traditional methods including solid brick walls, local stone, and flint - materials that require specialist knowledge to assess properly.

Our inspectors understand the specific challenges faced by historic properties in this area. The rural setting means many homes have aging roof structures, original timber frames, and outdated services that have been modified over generations. A RICS Level 3 Survey typically takes 2-4 hours for a standard property but may require additional time for larger historic homes or complex conversions. Properties in East Ashling, where average values reach approximately £1,162,637 with prices rising 0.2% over the past year, particularly benefit from this thorough approach given the significant investment involved.

Properties in conservation areas across PO18 9 face particular scrutiny due to planning constraints imposed by Chichester District Council. Our surveyors document any works that may require Listed Building Consent and highlight potential compliance issues that could affect your renovation plans. The PO18 district has seen a 4% decrease in property values over the past year, making it more important than ever to understand exactly what you are purchasing before committing to the transaction.

The local geology of chalk downs and clay vales that characterises this part of West Sussex can influence foundation conditions and contribute to clay shrink-swell movement in properties with shallower foundations. While PO18 9 does not show evidence of mining subsidence, the age of many foundations in the area means our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of structural movement or settlement. This is especially important given that many properties in villages like Funtington and Stoughton sit on older, shallow foundations that may not meet modern building standards.

• Identification of structural movement and subsidence risk
• Assessment of roof condition, including aging tiles and timber trusses
• Documentation of damp penetration and timber decay
• Evaluation of historic building fabric and original features
• Identification of unapproved alterations or extensions
• Assessment of flint and stone wall construction
• Evaluation of drainage and soakaway systems

Properties across the PO18 9 postcode sector represent centuries of British building tradition, from medieval timber-framed cottages to Victorian farmhouses and modern conversions of agricultural buildings. In Funtington and Stoughton, many historic homes feature traditional solid wall construction using local flint and chalk stone, which was readily available from the surrounding downs. These materials, while visually distinctive, present specific challenges for surveyors as they can trap moisture and deteriorate over time if not properly maintained.

The timber-framed construction common in older PO18 9 properties often features oak beams that, while structurally sound when first installed, can be susceptible to woodworm infestation and rot if they have been exposed to persistent damp. Our surveyors inspect these elements carefully, looking for signs of beetle activity, fungal decay, and previous remedial work that may have been carried out over the years. Properties like Sennicotts in Funtington and various Grade II listed cottages in Stoughton demonstrate the variety of traditional building methods found throughout the area.

Many properties in PO18 9 have undergone sympathetic conversions from agricultural use to residential, particularly barns and stables associated with the equestrian interests that characterise this part of West Sussex. These conversions often retain their original structural elements while incorporating modern services, creating hybrid buildings that require detailed assessment. Our surveyors understand how to evaluate both the historic fabric and the modern alterations to identify any potential issues that might affect the property's integrity or your planned use.

The clay tile roofs prevalent across PO18 9 villages are another characteristic feature that our inspectors assess in detail. These roofs, while beautiful and appropriate for the area, often require more maintenance than modern concrete or slate alternatives. We check for slipped tiles, deteriorating ridge tiles, damaged flashings around chimneys, and the condition of underlying felt or sarking materials that may have been installed during various phases of renovation over the years.

Our experience surveying properties across Funtington, Stoughton, Compton, and East Ashling has identified several recurring defect patterns that buyers should be aware of. Timber decay is perhaps the most common issue we encounter, particularly in properties with original oak frames that may have been affected by woodworm or wet rot over the decades. The rural location of many PO18 9 properties means outbuildings and structural timbers can be exposed to persistent damp from poor drainage or inadequate ventilation.

Damp penetration represents another significant concern in the area, particularly for solid wall properties constructed without modern cavity wall insulation. The flint and chalk stone construction methods used in many historic buildings are inherently porous, and without appropriate protection or maintenance, can allow moisture to penetrate internal walls. Our surveyors use their expertise to assess the extent of any damp issues and determine whether they are likely to worsen without intervention.

Roofing defects are frequently identified during our surveys of PO18 9 properties. The clay tiles common throughout the area are susceptible to frost damage and can become porous over time, leading to leaks that may not be immediately apparent from inside the property. We inspect roof spaces thoroughly, looking for evidence of previous leaks, damaged felt, and deteriorated mortar on ridge tiles that could allow water ingress.

Structural movement, while not always serious, is relatively common in older properties across PO18 9. The combination of shallow foundations, ground movement from clay shrink-swell, and the natural settling of historic structures can result in cracking that requires assessment. Our surveyors are trained to distinguish between minor cosmetic issues and structural problems that require further investigation or remedial work.

• Timber rot and woodworm in oak frames
• Damp penetration through solid walls
• Roofing defects and slipped tiles
• Structural movement and cracking
• Outbuilding condition
• Drainage and soakaway issues
• Chimney stack deterioration

While PO18 9 is not located in a high-risk flood zone, certain areas within the postcode sector do show elevated surface water flood risk, particularly in valley locations where drainage from the surrounding downs can accumulate after heavy rainfall. Specific postcodes including PO18 9AU, PO18 9BS, and PO18 9HB have identified flood risk areas according to government mapping, and our surveyors can advise on relevant considerations for properties in these locations.

The equestrian character of the PO18 9 area, influenced by the nearby Goodwood Estate and numerous private stables throughout the villages, means many properties include significant outbuildings or stabling facilities. These structures require specific assessment during a building survey, as they may have different construction standards and may not be covered by standard insurance policies. Our report includes detailed assessment of any auxiliary buildings and advice on their condition and maintenance requirements.

Given the rural nature of the PO18 9 postcode sector, many properties rely on private water supplies and septic tank systems rather than mains services. These require specialist assessment during the survey process, and our inspectors can advise on their condition, maintenance requirements, and any regulatory compliance issues. Properties in East Ashling and the surrounding villages may also have rights of way or easements that affect their use, which we can identify during the survey.

The influence of the Goodwood Estate on the local area extends beyond just equestrian facilities to affect property values, tourism, and the character of the housing market throughout PO18 9. Properties within view of the estate or located along popular routes to Goodwood Racecourse may experience different considerations than those in more remote village locations. Our local knowledge helps us provide relevant advice that accounts for these area-specific factors.