RICS Level 2 Survey Chartham

Our RICS Level 2 Survey is a detailed visual inspection of every accessible part of the property. We look over the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and the plumbing and electrical systems, picking out defects that need attention or a closer look. You also get a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost, so you have a fuller view of the property's value and the likely cost of future repairs.

In Chartham, we focus on the issues that turn up time and again locally. A lot of homes sit on chalk bedrock with clay soils over the top, known as brickearth, and that combination can contribute to foundation movement in drought or after heavy rain. Damp is another regular concern, especially in older solid-wall properties near the River Stour flood plain. Our surveyors know the traditional Kentish brick construction found in Chartham's older homes and can spot defects that are easy to miss.

The Level 2 Survey gives you a clear report with traffic-light ratings, showing which defects are urgent, which need attention, and which should be monitored. We write it in plain English and keep technical jargon to a minimum. For anyone buying within Chartham's Conservation Area around The Green, we can also point out issues that may have a bearing on listed building consent requirements or later renovation plans.

More than 60% of Chartham's housing stock was built before 1976, so a large share of the village can benefit from a careful inspection. Pre-war homes often have solid walls in traditional Kentish brick or ragstone, while post-war properties are more likely to use cavity wall construction. They age differently, and each type comes with its own risks. Our surveyors know how to assess both properly.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Building defect identification
• Market valuation and rebuild costs
• Energy efficiency assessment (optional)
• Traffic-light ratings for priority issues

Buying in Chartham is not always as straightforward as it looks. With prices down by 2.4% over the past year, it matters even more to know exactly what you are taking on. Our RICS Level 2 Survey helps you judge the condition of the property before you commit, with a clearer sense of the financial side as well.

Chartham's closeness to Canterbury keeps it popular with commuters and families, and that demand has brought notable recent development. There is the Barratt Homes scheme at St Augustine's Gate and the Pentland Homes project at Chartham Garden Village, with new homes coming forward quickly. Even with warranties in place, new builds are not immune from defects, and some are only obvious to a trained eye.

Parts of the village sit on the flood plain of the River Stour, so flood risk is a real issue in certain locations. Our surveyors know the flood zones in Chartham and will record visible signs of past water ingress or flooding. We also look at how the site appears to drain overall, which matters here because clay soils can contribute to standing water problems.

Older homes in the village centre bring another layer of complexity because of the Conservation Area designation. Alterations and renovation work may be restricted, and our survey can flag issues that could affect what you have in mind. That might mean noting where listed building consent could be needed, or highlighting the likely cost of bringing an older property closer to modern standards.

After surveying homes across Chartham, we see a few problems come up repeatedly. Damp is one of the main ones, especially in Victorian and Edwardian properties with solid walls. In homes near the village centre, our reports often note rising damp linked to failed or missing damp-proof courses, along with penetrating damp caused by damaged rainwater goods.

Roofs deserve close attention here as well. Many older Chartham properties still have their original clay tile roofs, and although they suit the character of the buildings, we often find slipped tiles, worn felt underlay, and failing lead flashing. Left alone, those defects can lead to leaks and timber decay. We inspect from inside, using accessible loft spaces, and from outside to build a complete view of condition.

Local ground conditions can also play a part in structural problems. In Chartham, the clay-rich brickearth soils beneath many homes are prone to shrink-swell movement, especially where mature trees are taking moisture from the ground. Homes near the River Stour also face flood risk, which can contribute to lasting structural damage and damp. If we see evidence of movement or flood damage, we flag it in the report and recommend the next step.

Services are another area where older Chartham homes can need work. Properties built before the 1980s often contain wiring that falls short of current regulations, so we regularly advise a qualified electrician to inspect further. Pre-war houses may also still have lead pipes or outdated heating systems, and bringing those up to modern standards can call for significant investment.

• Rising damp and penetrating damp
• Roof defects and tile slippage
• Subsidence and foundation movement
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Timber decay and woodworm
• River Stour flood risk