RICS Level 2 Survey in Burstow

Our RICS Level 2 survey gives a plain, visual inspection of every accessible part of the property. We check walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows, together with the roof, chimneys and rainwater goods. Where we can, we look behind furniture and lift accessible inspection covers, but the inspection remains non-invasive and follows RICS guidelines. Any defect that affects value or needs attention is flagged, so you get a clear view of what is on offer.

Burstow’s housing market makes that sort of check especially useful, with detached properties commanding prices around £795,000. Our inspectors regularly look for familiar local problems, such as ageing roofing materials, weak damp proofing and movement that can point to trouble below the foundations. In the RH6 area, especially in homes built before the 1970s, we often find original damp proof courses that have failed or been bridged over time.

We also assess the main building services where they can be seen, including electrical fittings, plumbing and heating systems. If something needs a closer look, we say so and set out what specialist investigation may be needed. The report is set out with colour photographs and a traffic light condition rating, so the significance of each item is easy to read. Red means urgent attention, amber points to future repair, and green shows that the element is satisfactory.

We know Burstow buyers need advice that is practical, not padded out. That is why our reports include realistic cost estimates for repairs or maintenance, helping you plan your budget and, where the findings are serious, speak to the seller about the price. The figures are based on current local trade rates and the actual scope of work, so you can see what spending may lie ahead.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Identification of defects and maintenance needs
• Assessment of major building services
• Traffic light condition ratings
• Clear cost estimates for repairs

Burstow and the wider RH6 area come with their own set of considerations for buyers. The village sits in Tandridge district, close to Horley and within easy reach of Gatwick Airport. That mix has produced homes from several periods, from older brick-built houses to newer builds that appeared as the area grew. The proximity to Gatwick can matter too, especially for noise and any future development nearby.

The 21% annual price reduction in Burstow points to a buyer’s market, with some homes likely having stayed unsold for longer than usual. That is another reason to have a proper survey in place. Properties that have been vacant or poorly kept can hide defects that do not show up at a viewing, and our surveyors know the signs to watch for, including water ingress, damp and deterioration that can worsen when a house is left empty.

Detached homes, which account for most sales in Burstow at around £795,000, usually come with more complicated structure and bigger roof areas to inspect. Many have multiple chimneys, dormer windows and extended rooflines, all of which need careful attention. Our Level 2 survey is designed for these larger property types and gives them the level of inspection they need. In practice, we are often checking roofs that are 30-50 years old and may be nearing the end of their expected life.

Many Burstow properties date from the post-war expansion of the 1950s and the 1960s, along with the decades that followed. Those homes often share features our surveyors are trained to assess, such as concrete tile roofs that have begun to deteriorate, original windows that may need replacing and heating systems that could be close to the end of their working life. Knowing these construction patterns helps us judge condition and future maintenance costs more accurately.

We did not identify specific flood risk data for Burstow in our research, but the village’s position near the River Mole and its tributaries means surface water flooding can affect certain low-lying spots. Our surveyors will record any visible signs of water damage or dampness that could point to past flooding, even when a property appears dry on the day. That matters particularly for valley locations and homes with large gardens that may have been affected before.