RICS Level 2 Survey in Littlethorpe

Littlethorpe, about six miles south of Leicester, brings together historic streets and newer housing, so a professional survey matters. Values run from around £202,500 for terraced homes to over £366,000 for detached properties, and a Level 2 Survey gives proper protection for that kind of purchase. Much of the area sits on significant clay deposits, so our inspectors pay close attention to shrink-swell risk on every survey.

Clay is the main issue here. The local geology includes post-glacial clay deposits up to 16 metres thick, which creates a marked shrink-swell hazard score and can lead to subsidence, especially in older homes with shallow foundations. The River Soar floodplain also affects Station Road, Riverside Way, and Coventry Road, so flood risk assessment is part of our work in those spots. We also look at properties near the unnamed watercourse flowing north towards Littlethorpe, where Flood Zones 2 and 3 stretch across a broad floodplain.

Littlethorpe’s housing stock tells the story of the village itself, from homes built with locally-made bricks and tiles to newer estate developments. That mix brings different risks, so buyers may face anything from damp penetration and timber decay to defects linked with more modern building methods. Our surveyors draw on that local knowledge, which helps us write reports that reflect the character of Littlethorpe’s built environment.

After the Second World War, Littlethorpe spread out quickly, with what residents call the "Jelson estate" and "Barratt estate" joining later schemes such as Parnell Close, completed in 2005. So buyers can end up with anything from centuries-old timber-framed cottages to brand-new homes, and each one needs a different kind of attention. We know which streets and developments tend to throw up which problems.

Clay movement keeps coming up in our surveys of Littlethorpe properties. The local soils create ongoing risks of subsidence and movement, particularly where older foundations no longer match current building regulations. We look carefully for cracking, movement and uneven floors that may point to foundation trouble and a need for a structural engineer. Alternating drought and heavy rainfall make the shrink-swell behaviour of the clay a real concern across the village.

Damp often shows up in the older part of the village. Properties built in traditional brick and tile, which are common here, can suffer from penetrating damp, rising damp or condensation, especially where original damp-proof courses have failed or ventilation has been reduced by later alterations. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging to spot problems that are easy to miss by eye. The local geology and a high water table in some areas can keep the issue going unless it is properly put right.

Electrical and plumbing systems vary a lot from one house to the next in Littlethorpe. Older homes may still have dated consumer units, fabric-covered wiring and lead or galvanised steel pipes, all of which raise safety concerns and may not meet current Part P electrical regulations. Newer properties usually meet modern standards, but they can still carry installation defects that our surveyors pick up during inspection. We check consumer units, wiring and pipework in both older and newer homes.

Roof coverings need a close look across Littlethorpe. Older properties may still have original materials that are nearing the end of their life, while even newer homes can suffer from poor installation or storm damage. We inspect the covering, flashing, gutters and downpipes, and note any sign of leakage or structural concern. For thatched roofs like The Old House, we recommend a specialist inspection because those materials need very different care.

Littlethorpe is still growing. The Fairway development by Jelson Homes offers 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties in semi-detached and detached configurations. The recently completed Warwick Road development delivered 32 affordable homes through the East Midlands Homes Group, made up of bungalows and 2 and 3-bedroom semi-detached homes. Proposed schemes off Holt Way and Oak Road could add a further 305 new homes in coming years, subject to planning approval.

Even with modern build standards, a survey still pulls its weight. Developer warranties are useful, but our inspectors can still identify snagging issues, construction defects and problems with specifications or workmanship that may not be obvious at first glance. For homes in flood risk areas around Littlethorpe, we also look at drainage and any flood mitigation measures installed by the developer. The severe flooding in South Leicestershire in January 2025 brought local drainage networks and the impact of new developments into sharp focus, which is why a professional assessment matters.

Many buyers think a new property will be trouble-free, but developer warranties usually require defects to be reported within specific timeframes. A professional survey carried out soon after legal completion helps you identify and report any problems while they are still the developer’s responsibility under the warranty terms. It also gives you a detailed record of the property’s condition at the point of purchase, which gives you useful backing when raising any defects discovered.