RICS Level 2 Survey in Aunsby and Dembleby

Aunsby and Dembleby sit side by side in rural North Kesteven, with homes ranging from old stone cottages to converted barns and modern detached houses. Planning work continues too, from conversions at Holm Farm Yard in Dembleby to new dwellings beside Barton House in Aunsby. That mix of age, materials and local geology means a qualified RICS surveyor needs to look closely, because each property can throw up different issues. Our surveys have to cover both traditional building methods and newer construction, and that never reads the same from one house to the next.

Lincolnshire clay brings its own problems. The soil here is known for shrink-swell behaviour, so it expands when wet and contracts when dry, and that movement can lead to subsidence, especially where foundations are shallow or the building sits on clay deposits. Our Level 2 Survey picks up visible signs of movement or subsidence, giving you a better idea of any risk before you go ahead. Aunsby and Dembleby lie in an area where those conditions are common, so a professional view matters.

Sleaford and the surrounding villages, including Pastures Grange in Quarrington and Ash Croft in Osbournby, show how much new-build activity is still finding its way into this part of Lincolnshire. So, if you are weighing up a period home in Aunsby village or something newer nearby, our chartered surveyors can carry out the inspection you need. The average property price in Aunsby also reflects how sought-after this rural spot is, which is reason enough to know exactly what you are buying before handing over hundreds of thousands of pounds.

St Thomas Of Canterbury in Aunsby and St Lucia's Church in Dembleby both reflect the area’s long history, with Norman, Perpendicular and Early English features still on display. Those same traditions often turn up in local houses as well. Our surveyors know what to look for in stone walls, period roof coverings and other traditional details, and they are used to working with buildings that need a more experienced eye.

Lincolnshire’s geology brings particular issues for property owners in the Aunsby and Dembleby area. Clay soils are widespread across the county, and they are especially prone to shrink-swell behaviour. In dry weather, the clay loses moisture and contracts, then heavy rain makes it expand again. Over time, that repeated movement can strain foundations and lead to structural issues, particularly in older homes with shallower foundations that were never designed for such shifts.

Climate change is expected to make these shrink-swell events more frequent and more severe, with bigger swings between dry spells and heavy rainfall. Properties in Aunsby and Dembleby may already show evidence of movement, especially those with older foundations not designed to cope with ground shifts. Our Level 2 Survey includes a visual check for subsidence, cracking and movement that could point to foundation problems, with extra attention on places where clay soils are most common.

Flood risk in Aunsby and Dembleby needs to be judged property by property, but the low-lying parts of North Kesteven mean it should never be ignored. We look for signs of previous flooding, water damage and drainage problems that could affect the long-term value of the home. The property’s position near watercourses and the performance of existing drainage also matter, especially in lower-lying parts of the parish.

The British Geological Survey identifies shrink-swell as a major geohazard in Lincolnshire, particularly where fine-grained deposits such as tidal flat deposits and organic soils are present. That makes a professional survey especially important before buying in this area. Our inspectors are trained to spot the subtle signs of ground movement that untrained buyers may miss, so you have a clearer picture of the building’s structural condition.