RICS Level 2 Survey in Great Chart with Singleton

A RICS Level 2 Survey, also called a Home Survey, gives a detailed look at the property’s condition, without the intrusive checks that come with a full structural survey. We inspect all accessible areas, including the roof space, external walls, damp proofing, and structural elements. Windows, doors, fixtures, and fittings are assessed too, then set against a clear red, amber, or green rating system so the main issues are easy to spot, whether they need immediate attention, future maintenance, or no action at all.

Great Chart with Singleton brings its own survey points because of the parish’s strong architectural history. There are 81 listed buildings here, among them two Grade I structures, five Grade II* buildings, and 74 Grade II listed properties, so we keep a close eye on traditional materials and how well they have held up. Court Lodge, a 13th-century stone house, and Singleton Manor, a C16 timber-framed building, are good examples of why older construction needs experienced assessment, while the Grade I listed Parish Church of St Mary, built in the 14th and 15th centuries, shows the historic character that runs through much of the area.

Along The Street, the Great Chart conservation area follows the village’s linear form and includes plenty of small terraced homes with Kentish features. In our Level 2 surveys we look carefully at tile-hung first-floor elevations, ragstone walling, and Kent Peg tile roofing, and we pick up common problems such as mortar decay, slipped tiles, and timber deterioration. Age and material choice matter here, so these homes often need a more careful reading than newer stock.

Chilmington Green is a different story, with more modern construction to review. Phase 1 housebuilding started in 2015 and the development is expected to carry on for over 25 years, so we inspect these properties with a different set of expectations. They usually need less repair than older homes, but we still look for shortcuts, snagging issues, and design flaws that can slip past an untrained eye.

• Roof structure and covering condition
• Wall structure and damp assessment
• Floor joists and timber framing
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible condition
• Damp proofing and ventilation
• Garage and outbuilding condition
• Exterior finishes and drainage

Great Chart with Singleton brings several local factors into play on every inspection. Chilmington Green, inside the parish boundary, is a major new build scheme, with construction starting in 2015 and expected to continue for over 25 years. Properties there, including three-storey townhouses priced from £450,000-£475,000, go through the same inspection process, although their modern construction tends to show fewer defects than older homes in the conservation area. The development has also seen planning appeals involving Hodson Developments and Ashford Borough Council, which reflects the scale of growth in this part of the parish.

Flood risk is part of the picture in some areas of Great Chart with Singleton, and the parish council actively maintains an Environmental Action Plan to deal with drainage and flooding concerns. It also runs an "Are you at risk of flooding?" page and works with Kent County Council on drainage and flooding issues. During inspections, we record any signs of water damage, damp penetration, or drainage problems, especially where a property sits in a designated flood risk area. We also check the condition of damp proof courses, ventilation systems, and drainage infrastructure to see whether there are signs of trouble.

Ragstone, orange brick, and Kent Peg tiles all need a different eye, and those are the main building materials we see across Great Chart with Singleton. Ragstone, the distinctive Kentish stone, can weather and erode over time, especially in exposed positions. Orange brick, common in Victorian and Edwardian homes throughout the area, may suffer from salt efflorescence or spalling where moisture has got into the fabric. Kent Peg tiles are durable, but age can make them brittle, and slipped or damaged tiles are common where mortar pointing has broken down. Our surveyors know the usual faults tied to each material.

The ribbon development pattern along The Street means neighbours often share boundary walls and drainage systems, which adds another layer to the inspection. We look closely at shared elements and any signs of movement or water penetration that could affect more than one property. In the conservation area, where houses often come from different periods but still sit alongside one another, that can matter a great deal.

Once the survey is finished, the report brings the findings together in a clear, practical format. Each part of the property is given a condition rating, red for urgent repairs, amber for defects needing attention in the near future, and green for satisfactory condition. We explain each point in plain English, covering what we found, why it matters, and what action may be needed. The report follows RICS standards, so the layout stays consistent whatever the property type or location.

Local construction details matter in Great Chart with Singleton, and our reports reflect that. We note the condition of Kent Peg tile roofs, assess ragstone walls, and check timber-framed elements in period properties. Where we spot issues that need specialist input, such as structural movement or serious damp, we recommend bringing in the right contractors for a further assessment. We also include practical maintenance advice to help preserve the traditional Kentish materials found here.

The report also covers legal considerations, which can be especially important for listed buildings in Great Chart. We point out any planning permissions or building regulations approvals that may be needed for future works, and we highlight easements or rights of way that affect the property. In the conservation area, we also note any relevant Article 4 directions that may limit permitted development rights.