RICS Level 2 Survey in Higham, Kent

A RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey gives a careful look at the property's condition, picking up defects, possible problems, and anything that needs attention. Our inspectors check all accessible parts of the home, from the roof space, where it is safe and accessible, to walls, floors, windows, doors, and fixed fittings such as bathrooms and kitchens. We also assess the construction itself, with a close eye on visible damage, decay, or deterioration that could affect the home's value or safety.

Higham throws up a fairly mixed picture, from Victorian cottages near St Mary's Church to newer homes on Villa Road, and our surveyors know the local quirks well. The geology here, with Thanet Formation and Lambeth Group clay soils, means we look closely for subsidence or heave, especially where shrinkable clay is involved. Flood risk is part of the picture too, because some parts of Higham close to the Thames estuary are prone to fluvial and surface water flooding. We check the property's level against the surrounding ground, inspect drainage, and record any signs of earlier water ingress or flood damage.

One of the clearest parts of the Level 2 survey is the traffic-light rating, which shows which defects need urgent action and which ones are minor or purely cosmetic. For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached property in Higham, this assessment usually costs between £450 and £700, while larger detached homes may sit anywhere from £600 to £900 or more, depending on size and complexity. The report also sets out a market value assessment and an insurance reinstatement figure, which matters a great deal for homes in flood-risk areas where proper cover is essential.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Assessment of main services (gas, electric, water)
• Identification of defects and potential issues
• Traffic-light condition ratings
• Market value and insurance reinstatement figures
• Advice on repairs and maintenance

Knowing how Higham properties were built helps our surveyors spot likely problems during the inspection. Many of the older homes in the village, especially those from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, were built with solid brick walls and no cavity insulation. Those walls are more prone to damp penetration and call for particular maintenance. Our inspectors check external brickwork for mortar decay, brick spalling, and earlier repairs that may point to a wider structural issue.

Mid-century homes in Higham, built between 1945 and 1980, usually have cavity wall construction, though some earlier post-war properties still rely on solid brick walls. Concrete tiled roofs are common too, and they can wear down over time, especially where estuary winds have brought salt with them. Our surveyors keep a close eye on damaged or missing tiles, tired lead flashing, and the state of gutters and fascias.

On the newer side, developments such as Higham Fields and Higham Chase use modern construction methods, insulated cavity walls, and energy-efficient design. Even so, newer homes can still have defects. Our Level 2 surveys on new builds focus on snagging points, from unfinished installations to air leakage around windows and doors, along with any shortcuts that may have crept into the build. The pace of development here is quick, and our surveyors have a lot of experience with these homes.

There are currently two major new build opportunities in Higham. At Higham Fields on Villa Road (ME3 7NA), Barratt Homes are building a mix of two to five-bedroom properties, with prices starting from £399,995 up to £699,995. At Higham Chase, David Wilson Homes are offering four and five-bedroom homes, priced from £579,995 to £739,995. New homes bring modern construction and warranties, but a RICS Level 2 survey still has value if snagging issues or defects are hiding in plain sight.

Brand-new properties can still conceal defects that only a professional inspection will pick up. Our surveyors look at workmanship, check that building regulations have been met, and spot problems with windows, doors, roofing, or mechanical systems. With development moving quickly, snagging surveys have become increasingly popular, and a Level 2 HomeBuyer Report fits that need well. For new builds, it is a modest outlay that could save thousands later if issues need sorting before moving in.

Both Higham Fields and Higham Chase sit in the ME3 7NA postcode area, close to Higham railway station, which makes them especially appealing for commuters heading to London or Rochester. The developments cover a range of house types, from compact two-bedroom starter homes to generous five-bedroom family houses. Our surveyors have inspected plenty of homes on both sites and know the common niggles in newly built properties, including minor brickwork defects, sealant failures around windows, and heating systems that need commissioning properly.

• Higham Fields (Barratt Homes) - 2-5 bed from £399,995
• Higham Chase (David Wilson Homes) - 4-5 bed from £579,995
• Both developments on Villa Road, ME3 7NA
• New build surveys identify snagging issues
• Modern construction still requires professional inspection

Centred on the historic village core and parts of Church Street, Higham's Conservation Area includes some of the village's oldest and most distinctive homes. Among them is the striking Grade I listed St Mary's Church, along with farmhouses, cottages, and manor houses that help define the area's character. Homes within the Conservation Area often come with extra rules around maintenance and alterations, and our surveyors understand those requirements.

Around the Conservation Area, older properties were often built in ways that differ sharply from modern methods. Some use timber frame construction with wattle-and-daub or brick infill, while others are made from local Kentish ragstone or flint. Those materials need specific maintenance, and our Level 2 surveyors are trained to spot problems such as failing mortar in flint walls, timber frame rot, and the condition of older roof coverings like slate or clay tiles.

For Listed Buildings or properties inside the Conservation Area, we often advise a RICS Level 3 Building Survey rather than a Level 2. These older homes can hide defects that are difficult to assess fully without the more detailed investigation a Level 3 survey allows. Even so, a Level 2 survey still gives useful insight into the condition of historic properties and can flag major issues that may need significant investment to put right.