RICS Level 2 Survey in Clawson, Hose and Harby

Our Level 2 Survey, previously called the Homebuyer Survey, suits conventional properties that appear to be in reasonable condition. We inspect all accessible parts of the home, from the roof space down to the walls, floors, doors and windows, along with the plumbing and electrical systems. Our surveyors work through the property methodically, looking for damp, timber defects, structural movement and the other familiar problems that can be expensive to sort out.

Housing across Clawson, Hose and Harby is anything but uniform. You can find medieval timber-framed homes here alongside much newer builds, and that range brings different risks. Older houses often have solid walls instead of cavity walls, which can leave them more prone to damp penetration. Many properties are built in traditional forms using local ironstone or red brick, sometimes finished with limestone dressings and slate or pantile roofs, and our surveyors know the warning signs these buildings can hide.

In the report, we set out a clear condition rating for each issue, using "No repair needed," "Maintenance needed," "Repair or replacement needed," or "Severe defect." It is a simple system, but it makes it much easier to see what needs doing, how serious it is, and what may need prompt attention. We also include market value insights, which can be especially helpful in current conditions, with prices in the area having shifted markedly over the past year.

• Full structural inspection of all accessible areas
• Detailed condition ratings for every element
• Identification of urgent and non-urgent defects
• Market valuation and insurance rebuilding costs
• Advice on any further investigations needed

Clawson, Hose and Harby parish covers 3 villages, and each has its own feel and housing stock. Long Clawson is the biggest of the 3 and has expanded noticeably in recent years, with schemes such as Saxon Meadow adding modern homes. Even so, the village still has many historic properties, including buildings with medieval origins. Growth is still continuing too, as shown by the recent approval of 31 new homes at the Hickling Lane junction.

Hose stands out for its Conservation Area, which takes in the southern half of the village, the historic core and St Michael and All Angels Church. That can mean tighter planning controls for some properties. If you are looking at a listed building, a RICS Level 3 Building Survey is often the better fit because of the added complexity and historic significance. There are plenty of listed buildings here, including Grade II and Grade II* entries such as the Lion House and The Old Farmhouse.

Smaller than its neighbours, Harby still offers a broad mix of property types, often at lower price points than the surrounding villages. Prices in the village have fallen by around 23% from the 2023 peak, which may put it on the radar for first-time buyers. Our surveyors know the local housing stock well and understand how construction style and age in each village can shape a property's condition. The farming background of the area, including Long Clawson Dairy, is part of the rural character that draws people here.

We also keep an eye on the possibility of historical mining activity. The Coal Authority has stated that the neighbourhood plan area sits within a defined deep coalfield, even though there are no recorded risks from past coal mining activity. Even so, we always watch for signs of subsidence or ground instability that could be linked to historical or possible mining activity.

With such a spread of property ages and styles in Clawson, Hose and Harby, paying for a professional survey is money well spent. Many of the older homes predate modern building regulations, and problems are not always obvious during an ordinary viewing. We regularly see concerns such as outdated electrical systems, ageing roof coverings and long-running damp issues in houses of this age. Our surveyors can spot those defects and judge how serious they are.

Flooding in Long Clawson and Hose has become a major issue in recent years. Some affected properties may have had cosmetic repairs, while deeper problems, such as persistent damp or structural movement, can remain behind the surface. Our surveyors look for the usual clues, including water staining, damaged plasterwork and evidence of remedial works. Residents have described the local flooding as devastating, and we would not brush that risk aside.

Even with new build homes, a survey can still be worthwhile. That applies to schemes in the area such as the 21 homes being developed by Pelham Homes. Newer properties are often in better condition, but defects do still turn up, and snagging surveys are commonly recommended on new builds. Our surveyors can flag issues with construction quality, insulation or building regulations compliance so they can be taken up with the developer.