RICS Level 2 Survey in Godalming

Godalming has a broad mix of homes, from mid-19th Century period cottages through to contemporary apartments, and that range brings very different risks from one property to the next. In the town’s older stock, especially Victorian and Edwardian houses, we regularly see rising damp, worn roof coverings and electrical systems that no longer meet current regulations. Our surveyors have come across exactly these problems across Godalming, from cottages along the Charterhouse roads to terraced houses near the edge of the town centre.

In the town centre, there are plenty of historic homes built in traditional red brick using traditional construction methods, and they need careful, experienced assessment. Along the River Wey, especially in riverside developments, flood-related issues can be a key part of the inspection. We look at flood defences, retaining walls and drainage systems, so we can judge whether the property has suitable protection. Local detail matters here, and our reports focus on the advice that fits the property’s exact position and construction type.

The GU7 postcode area covers a number of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own feel and its own set of possible defects. In GU7 1, covering the town centre and the stretch towards Farncombe, there is often older period housing. GU7 2 and GU7 3 tend to include more suburban development, with a blend of post-war and modern construction. Our inspectors survey across all of these areas, from streets around the centre to the more rural outskirts, and we understand how Surrey geology, build age and local property quirks can all affect condition.

Buying in Godalming’s competitive market is exactly where a RICS Level 2 Survey earns its keep. Property prices have seen some recent fluctuation, with slight decreases in certain postcode sectors according to market data, so it is sensible to check that the purchase stacks up before you commit. We give clear, objective advice on what you are actually buying, which can make all the difference before unexpected repairs run into thousands.

• Detailed visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Clear traffic light rating system for defects
• Specific advice on repairs and maintenance
• Market value and insurance rebuild cost estimates
• Advice on legal issues and urgent defects

Because Godalming has homes from so many different periods, some defects come up again and again. In Victorian and Edwardian properties, penetrating damp is a frequent issue, often tied to ageing pointing and solid walls with no cavity insulation. Original lime mortar pointing has, in many cases, broken down over the decades, which then allows water through the brickwork. On top of that, roof coverings on period homes are often original or several decades old, so slipped tiles, degraded flashing and general deterioration are all common findings.

Older houses in Godalming also often come with electrical installations that fall short of current regulations. We regularly report on wiring from the 1960s or earlier, consumer units below modern standards, and insufficient earthing. Those issues are not just expensive, they are a safety concern as well. Our reports flag them plainly and, where needed, we recommend further investigation by a qualified electrician before completion.

Flood risk can be a real consideration in parts of the GU7 postcode areas, especially closer to the River Wey. During the inspection, our surveyors check foundations, retaining walls and drainage for movement, water damage or other signs that point to an ongoing problem. We also look for evidence of previous flooding, inspect any flood defences in place and assess how water is managed around the building. Low-lying properties near the river need particularly careful attention, and our reports set out any identified flood risk in straightforward terms.

Family buyers in Godalming often look at semi-detached and terraced houses, especially those built between the wars or during the post-war period, and these bring their own practical concerns. We may find concrete slab foundations affected by ground movement, original windows in need of restoration, or insulation that no longer meets modern expectations. On post-war homes, concrete tile roofs are another regular talking point, as they can become brittle and more prone to leaks over time. We cover all of this in detail, so you know what may be waiting after you move in.

Godalming is still seeing new development, from luxury detached houses to modern apartment schemes. At Ockford Road, the development includes exclusive four-bedroom luxury detached homes priced from £1,250,000, while Westbrook Mills offers studios, one, and two-bedroom apartments. Even with a new build, a RICS Level 2 Survey can be worthwhile, because our inspectors often pick up build quality concerns, snagging items and faults with fixtures, fittings or finishes that are not obvious at first glance.

Serious structural defects are less likely in newer homes, but the rush to get a purchase over the line can mean smaller issues get missed. We check that windows and doors work properly, that fixtures are fitted correctly, and that plasterwork and decorations do not show visible defects. In apartment schemes such as Westbrook Mills, we also look at communal areas and any shared infrastructure that forms part of the property.

The current market has softened a little, with GetAgent reporting a decrease of 2.2% in the past six months and average listing prices down 11.17% from their peak. That makes it all the more important to check that a property really does represent fair value, and a survey helps you compare the asking price with the condition on the ground. Our reports give you solid information for negotiations, whether you are buying a new apartment or a period property.