RICS Level 2 Survey in Ford, West Sussex

Our RICS Level 2 survey, once called the HomeBuyer Report, is the option most people choose for properties in reasonable condition. We look over the accessible parts of the building, walls, floors, ceilings, roof spaces and services, then pick out defects that could affect value or safety. In Ford, where the housing stock runs from 1980s-built homes on the Peregrines estate to older character properties near the River Arun, that sort of check gives a useful read on condition. From the foundations up to the roof, we build as full a picture as we can before you commit.

Damp penetration is one of the issues we watch closely in West Sussex, especially with the River Arun nearby and the associated flood risk. Roofs, movement in the structure, windows and doors all get checked too, along with electrical and plumbing installations, so you can see what remedial work may be coming. Ford’s geology includes clay deposits typical of West Sussex, so we keep an eye out for subsidence and shrink-swell movement in homes built on clay soil. On Ford Lane, where average prices reach £857,500, that level of detail matters.

Green, amber and red, that is the traffic light system we use in the RICS Level 2 survey to show the condition of each inspected element. Green means satisfactory, amber means it needs attention, and red points to urgent repair, which makes the serious bits easy to spot at a glance. Alongside each rating, we set out clear recommendations, so the next step is obvious. If you ask for them, the report can also include a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, giving you a fuller view of the investment.

External walls, roof structure and chimneys, windows, doors and joinery, dampness and timber defects, plumbing and electrical installations, floors, ceilings and walls, insulation and drainage systems, they are all part of the survey. Our chartered surveyors bring the experience needed to spot defects that would slip past an untrained eye. That way, the true condition of the property comes into focus rather than the version that looks fine on moving day. Unexpected repair bills after you move in become much less likely.

• External walls, roof, and chimneys
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Dampness and timber defects
• Plumbing and electrical installations
• Floors, ceilings, and walls
• Insulation and drainage

Ford’s housing market is varied, with executive detached properties in sought-after spots at one end and more affordable homes on established estates at the other. That mix of ages and styles means a RICS Level 2 survey is the right fit for most buyers. The Peregrines estate, built in the 1980s, usually suits this level well, as do traditional brick-built homes across the village. With prices from around £278,000 on Ford Road to £857,500 on Ford Lane, the survey is a modest outlay against a major purchase.

Properties near Ford Manor House, or other historic buildings, can need a different approach. Listed properties often call for a more comprehensive RICS Level 3 Building Survey because of age and construction complexity. If we think that is the better option for your property, we will say so. The survey type we recommend is always based on the age, construction and condition of the building. Listed building status often brings its own construction challenges, and Level 3 gives them the attention they need.

Abri and Vistry are reshaping Ford through the ongoing Ford Airfield development, with around 1,500 new homes, affordable housing, a care home and new community facilities planned. That scale of investment makes it an interesting time to buy, but it also makes a professional survey even more important, especially for older properties close to the new works. Completion is expected by 2037, and the development will change the feel of the area quite a bit, so it is worth understanding what that could mean for your property investment.

Because Ford sits close to the River Arun, flood risk matters for some homes, especially in lower-lying parts around 2-7 metres above sea level. When we inspect in the village, we look carefully at dampness, drainage and any sign of water damage. We also take note of the agricultural land around Ford, with high-quality arable farmland often pointing towards soil conditions that can influence foundations. Those local factors help us give a more grounded assessment of the home you are considering.

• Clear, traffic-light rated findings
• RICS qualified chartered surveyors
• 3-5 day turnaround
• Email and hard copy reports
• Competitive pricing from £350
• Suitable for properties under 100 years old