RICS Level 2 Survey in Lancing

Our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey gives a close look at the property's condition, covering the main parts of the building, roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and utilities. We inspect inside and out, flagging defects that could affect value or call for urgent repair. In Lancing's coastal setting, we pay extra attention to damp, corrosion, and weathering, especially on homes close to the sea. The survey follows a set method for each element, so you get a clear picture of the property's overall state.

We also look carefully at the structure, checking for subsidence, movement, or any sign of weakness. Roof coverings, chimneys, parapet walls, and flashings all come under scrutiny, particularly in older Lancing properties where traditional building methods may have been used. Joinery, fittings, and finishes are checked too. Near the South Downs chalk formations, we keep an eye on foundations and any movement linked to ground conditions.

Walls are examined for cracks, damp penetration, and movement that could point to deeper structural problems. Lancing has everything from Victorian and Edwardian homes to modern developments, so our surveyors are familiar with the defects that tend to crop up in different construction periods and materials. Pointing, render, and external decorations are checked for wear, especially in the coastal climate. Damp is assessed visually and with moisture meters, which helps us pick up issues that are not obvious at first glance.

The Level 2 survey also covers services, including plumbing, visible electrical elements, and heating systems. We record their general condition, but we do not test them, that is a job for qualified tradespeople. Even so, the survey can pick up obvious defects, outdated wiring, or plumbing issues that may need specialist attention. In Lancing, where some homes date back to the Georgian era, we often see original features sitting alongside newer installations, and that calls for a careful eye.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls and damp assessment
• Floor and joist condition
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Damp and rot detection

Lancing sits in a particular spot between the South Downs and the English Channel, and that brings its own set of considerations for buyers. Salt air and moisture can speed up wear to external materials and cause damp problems if homes are not properly maintained. Our Level 2 surveys include detailed damp assessments, which matter a great deal here, especially where older buildings were put up using traditional methods that are less resistant to moisture penetration. Seafront properties, and those within easy walking distance of the beach, are especially exposed.

The village has a varied housing stock, from period properties in conservation areas to newer schemes such as New Monks Park by Cala Homes. In Lancing and Sompting, there are historic buildings dating back to the early 18th century, including the Grade II listed Church Farm House, as well as more recent homes from a range of eras. That variety means the usual defects differ from one property to the next, and our local surveyors know the patterns well. Flint-fronted houses, which are common in the area, need specific assessment criteria, and we understand the construction methods used in Georgian and Victorian-era homes.

The nearby South Downs chalk formations, together with the coastal location, can shape ground conditions and affect foundations. Our inspectors are trained to spot movement, subsidence, or foundation concerns that may be linked to local ground conditions. We also look at flood vulnerability, given Lancing's coastal position and the watercourses in the area. A long shingle and sand beach stretching almost ten miles is a reminder of the coastal flood risk buyers should bear in mind.

Special care is needed in Lancing's conservation areas and for listed buildings. Sompting includes several Grade II listed properties, among them Church Farm House on Church Lane and Myrtle Cottage on West Street. These heritage homes call for specialist knowledge, which our surveyors have. We understand the extra responsibilities that come with historic property ownership and can talk through the key points during your survey.

• Coastal weather exposure
• Older property construction
• Foundation and ground conditions
• Flood risk assessment
• Conservation area considerations

Our surveyors have spent years inspecting homes across Lancing and the wider Adur district. We know how the local environment affects the different property types and construction methods found here. From modern apartments near the seafront to terraced houses in the village centre and larger detached homes in sought-after spots, our inspectors have seen the full spread of Lancing's housing stock. That local experience helps us spot which areas tend to suffer from particular issues.

Recent years have brought significant development, with new-build schemes adding to the stock alongside the older housing already in place. Properties at New Monks Park Phase 2 by Cala Homes on Goshawk Road, and other recent developments, bring different survey considerations from older homes in the area. Our surveyors know what to look for in both new and older properties, picking up defects that may be linked to the property type or construction period. For new-build homes, we pay close attention to snagging and build quality that buyers may not notice straight away.

We also understand the local market forces that shape Lancing. Good transport links to Brighton, Worthing, and beyond make the village attractive to many buyers, along with the coastal lifestyle. Brighton and Hove Albion's training facility in the area adds another draw. Our survey reports give you the information needed to make a sound decision, whether the purchase is for a first home, a growing family, or an investor looking at the rental market.

Lancing appeals to commuters working in Brighton, Worthing, or further afield, and the transport links help drive that demand. That has an effect on prices and on the range of homes available. Our surveyors understand those market pressures and can put the property's physical condition into context. We can also talk through the wider factors that may affect your investment, based on our knowledge of the local area.