Professional property surveys by RICS chartered surveyors serving North Kesteven
Regulated
If you are buying a property in the villages of Ashby de la Launde or Bloxholm, a RICS Level 2 Survey is one of the most important steps you will take before committing to your purchase. These attractive North Kesteven villages, located in the heart of rural Lincolnshire, combine historic character with peaceful countryside living, but the older properties that dominate the area often hide defects that only a trained eye will spot. Our chartered surveyors provide detailed, independent assessments that give you clarity about the true condition of any property you are considering.
We understand that buying a home in this part of Lincolnshire represents a significant investment, with average property prices sitting around £358,667. Our Level 2 surveys are designed to help you make an informed decision, highlighting any issues that might affect the value or safety of your potential new home. Whether the property is a Victorian farmhouse, a period cottage, or a more modern rural residence, our inspection covers all accessible areas and provides you with a clear, jargon-free report.
The villages sit within the RAF Cranwell catchment area, and many buyers are service personnel or civilians linked to the air base seeking characterful rural homes within commutable distance. Others are drawn to the area for its strong agricultural connections, with families commuting to larger towns like Sleaford, Lincoln, or Newark for work. This mix of local economy and commuting patterns influences the type of properties available and makes independent surveying essential for protecting your investment.
£358,667
Average House Price
+1.9%
12-Month Price Change
3 properties
Recent Sales
£430,000
Detached Average
£250,000
Semi-Detached Average
Ashby de la Launde and Bloxholm both have designated Conservation Areas, a sign of their special architectural and historic character. Across the two villages, there are numerous listed buildings, from churches and manor houses to historic farm buildings dating back centuries. That heritage brings real charm and value, but it also means many homes are of traditional construction, with solid brick or stone walls built in ways that differ markedly from modern methods. Properties built before 1919, in particular, usually need closer attention during a survey because they pre-date many of the building regulations now taken for granted.
Ground conditions matter here. This part of North Kesteven sits on Jurassic limestone and clay deposits, so the soil carries a moderate to high shrink-swell risk. Over time, clay-related movement can shift foundations, especially where trees stand too close to a building or drainage is poor. Our surveyors look carefully for signs of subsidence or heave, including wall cracks, uneven floors and other clues that point to instability. Surface water flooding is also a recognised issue in parts of these villages, so we pay close attention to drainage, hard standings and the site's overall topography.
Homes in Ashby de la Launde and Bloxholm often retain original details, and those need proper assessment. That can mean traditional timber-framed construction, thatched or slate roofs, and period windows. Attractive, yes, but they also come with their own maintenance demands and defect risks. In our Level 2 survey, we examine the condition of the roof, walls, damp-proofing measures and structural elements so you have a clear view of what the property may involve. Because detached and semi-detached houses are common locally, roof access and overall scale can mean more inspection time than would usually be needed for a smaller terraced home.
In villages like these, larger gardens, outbuildings and converted former agricultural buildings are common. We inspect those ancillary structures as well, recording their condition and highlighting where future spending may be needed. You may be looking at a traditional red-brick farmhouse on the village edge, or a rendered cottage within the Conservation Area, either way, we give you the detail needed to move ahead with confidence.
When we attend a property in Ashby de la Launde or Bloxholm, we inspect all accessible parts of the building, inside and out. The visit follows the RICS Level 2 protocol, so we check the condition of the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows and fixtures, while also looking for damp, rot, timber defects and structural movement. Where it is safe, we open hatches, and we use a moisture meter to pick up hidden damp that may not be obvious at first glance.
Because so much of the housing stock in these villages is older, we pay close attention to electrical wiring and plumbing. Homes built before 1980 often contain systems that fall short of current safety standards, and although we do not test them, we note visible concerns that should be looked at by a qualified electrician or plumber. We also review insulation levels, which in older houses are often poor by modern standards, with possible effects on heating costs and comfort. Our surveyors also know that many local properties have solid brick walls, and those cannot be insulated through cavity wall injection without potential moisture issues, so we advise on retrofit options that are more suitable.
Based on sales data February 2025 to February 2026
Across Ashby de la Launde and Bloxholm, the housing stock still shows the agricultural heritage of rural North Kesteven. Red brick is especially common in farmhouses and larger period homes, having been used widely as a local material. Some older buildings also use stone from local quarries, particularly important structures such as the village churches and manor houses seen throughout the area. Those construction methods matter, because they perform differently from modern cavity-wall homes and need a different approach to maintenance.
Properties built before 1919 in this area usually have solid brick or stone walls, without the cavity required under modern building regulations. They are durable, but compared with newer construction they offer weaker thermal performance and less resistance to moisture penetration. We assess the pointing and render on these solid walls carefully, because once the outer skin deteriorates, water can get in and create internal damp problems. Older timber frame sections, often found around bay windows and porches, can also be prone to rot where moisture builds up.
Roof construction varies here with the age and type of the building. Traditional roofs are commonly formed with timber rafters and purlins, then finished in slate, clay tiles or, on the most historic buildings, thatch. We assess the pitch and structure with care, since sagging or uneven lines can point to problems in the supporting timbers. Our surveyors also check lead flashing around chimneys and where roofs abut walls, as those are common weak points for leaks and the timber decay that can follow.
Once your offer has been accepted on a property in Ashby de la Launde or Bloxholm, you can book a RICS Level 2 Survey through our online system. We confirm the appointment within 24 hours and send over the details you need. Our scheduling is flexible too, so we can often fit inspection dates around your conveyancing timeline.
At the agreed time, our chartered surveyor will attend and carry out a detailed visual inspection of every accessible area. Most inspections take between one and two hours, although that depends on the building's size and complexity. In this area, larger detached homes and properties with converted outbuildings often need longer, simply so we can assess them properly.
We send the completed RICS Level 2 Survey report within three to five working days of the inspection. It is written in clear, direct language, with photographs showing any issues found and recommendations for further investigation where that is needed. We also shape the report around the property itself, whether that is a listed cottage in the Conservation Area or a modern detached house.
With the report back, you are in a stronger position to judge the purchase properly. Where significant defects are identified, there may be scope to renegotiate the price or ask the vendor to carry out repairs before completion. Our reports are detailed and objective, which makes them useful evidence in those discussions.
If the property is listed, or sits within the Ashby de la Launde or Bloxholm Conservation Area, a RICS Level 2 Survey may not be enough where the building is of traditional construction or has substantial historic importance. In that situation, we often suggest a RICS Level 3 Building Survey instead, as it gives a more detailed assessment and is generally better suited to historic property. Speak to us and we can advise on the most appropriate survey for the particular building you are buying.
From our work across Ashby de la Launde and Bloxholm, some issues come up time and again. Damp is one of the most frequent, especially in older homes with no effective damp-proof course or a long history of rising damp. Pre-1919 houses with solid wall construction are especially vulnerable because there is no cavity, as there is in modern walls, and that leaves them more exposed to penetrating damp where render or pointing has broken down. We also regularly record dampMeter readings that show moisture problems in houses that may look dry to a casual viewer.
Roofing is another regular talking point in these villages. Many houses still have their original slate or clay tile roof, and although those coverings can last well, plenty have now reached the stage where repair or replacement is needed. We often see slipped tiles, damaged lead flashing and timber decay within the roof structure. Sometimes the pitch has changed over the years, or the supporting timbers show signs of woodworm or rot. Where safe, we access the roof and report on its overall condition, setting out what needs immediate attention and what can simply be monitored over time.
Clay soil in this part of North Kesteven means subsidence is always something we consider. Ground movement can affect properties here, particularly where trees are close to the structure or drainage has been poor. During the inspection, we look for wall cracking, doors that no longer shut properly and other signs of movement that may point to foundation problems. That is especially important in older houses, which may have shallower foundations than modern standards would call for.
In properties built before 1980, electrical and plumbing systems often need attention. We regularly come across older consumer units that do not meet current regulations, wiring that may be beyond its safe working life, and plumbing installations with galvanised steel or lead pipes that ought to be upgraded. Our survey is visual only, so we do not test these services, but we do flag visible concerns that should be checked further by qualified electricians or plumbers before you commit to the purchase.
A RICS Level 2 Survey gives a thorough visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property, looking at overall condition and identifying defects that could affect value or safety. The report assigns condition ratings to the different elements, from the roof down to the foundations, and points out any areas where a specialist should investigate further. In Ashby de la Launde and Bloxholm, where many homes are pre-1919 and of traditional construction, we focus closely on the issues these buildings most often present, including damp in solid walls, roof defects and signs of movement linked to the local clay soils.
For a RICS Level 2 Survey in the Ashby de la Launde and Bloxholm area, costs typically start from around £400 for lower-value properties or homes of simpler construction. Prices rise for larger houses, detached properties and higher-value homes, with a typical range of £400 to £900. The exact fee depends on the size, type and condition of the property. With the average property price locally at £358,667, many standard detached and semi-detached homes sit within the £450-650 bracket for a full RICS Level 2 Survey.
Even a new build can have defects. A RICS Level 2 Survey can pick up issues that the developer should put right before completion. Although a new home comes with a structural warranty, an independent survey still gives you a clear view of the property's condition at the point of purchase. That can be especially useful if you are buying on a small development in the North Kesteven area, where local sub-contractors may be working with materials they have not used extensively. If problems are found, our report gives you solid ground for getting them addressed before completion.
The standard RICS Level 2 Survey does not include a valuation, though we can add one if needed. That can be helpful for mortgage purposes or simply to check that the agreed price reflects the property properly. With the average property price in Ashby de la Launde and Bloxholm at £358,667, an independent valuation can be useful reassurance, particularly in light of the recent 1.9% price increase in the area.
A RICS Level 2 Survey is the standard option for most properties in reasonable condition, giving condition ratings and drawing attention to the main issues. A RICS Level 3 Survey goes further, with a more detailed inspection of construction and condition, plus specific advice on repairs and maintenance. In Ashby de la Launde or Bloxholm, older homes, listed buildings and properties in Conservation Areas are often better suited to a Level 3 because of their distinctive construction features and the greater depth of analysis these buildings tend to need.
The inspection itself usually takes between one and two hours, depending on the property's size and complexity. In the Ashby de la Launde and Bloxholm area, larger detached houses are common, and homes with outbuildings or more complex roof structures can take longer because they need a fuller assessment. We then provide the written report within three to five working days of the inspection.
Yes, we encourage buyers to be there during the survey so our surveyor can talk through findings on site. It gives you the chance to ask questions straight away and understand any issues more clearly. If attending in person is not possible, we can arrange a phone call after the inspection to discuss the initial findings. Many buyers around here find that especially helpful, as it lets them see problems for themselves in homes they may be less familiar with, particularly when moving from urban areas to rural Lincolnshire for the first time.
If a RICS Level 2 Survey uncovers significant defects, there are several routes open to you depending on the seriousness and type of issue involved. You might ask the vendor to carry out particular repairs before completion, negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to reflect remedial costs, or decide to withdraw if the problems are too severe. Our reports set out the evidence clearly, and we can also help explain which items count as urgent repairs and which can be dealt with over time.
RICS Level 2 Surveys In London
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Plymouth
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Liverpool
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Glasgow
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Sheffield
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Edinburgh
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Coventry
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Bradford
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Manchester
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Birmingham
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Bristol
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Oxford
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Leicester
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Newcastle
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Leeds
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Southampton
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Cardiff
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Nottingham
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Norwich
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Brighton
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Derby
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Portsmouth
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Northampton
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Milton Keynes
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Bournemouth
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Bolton
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Swansea
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Swindon
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Peterborough
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Wolverhampton
Professional property surveys by RICS chartered surveyors serving North Kesteven
Get A Quote & BookMost surveyors take 1-2 days to quote.
We'll price your survey in seconds.
Most surveyors take 1-2 days to quote.
We'll price your survey in seconds.
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.
We use cookies to show you personalised content and improve your experience of our website. Find out more in our Privacy policy and Cookie policy.
