RICS Level 2 Survey in Long Marston

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, is designed for properties in reasonable condition that are less than 100 years old. In Long Marston, where the housing stock ranges from medieval timber-framed buildings to newly built homes at Chandlers Court and along Tring Road, it gives a sensible balance between detail and value for money. Our surveyors check every accessible part of the property, picking up defects that could affect value or safety, from structural concerns to cosmetic issues that may need future spending. We then set out the findings in a clear, standardised format, so you know exactly what you are buying.

Long Marston properties face a particular challenge from the local geology. The village sits on a strip of Cretaceous Gault clay and Upper Greensand at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, with soils in the Wicken series of dark-coloured clays and clay loams. These clay-rich soils are highly susceptible to shrink-swell behaviour, which is the most damaging geohazard in Britain and can cause subsidence when dry and heave when wet. Our surveyors are trained to spot the warning signs, including cracking patterns, door misalignment, and uneven floor levels that can point to foundation concerns. We also look closely at foundation walls and any evidence of earlier movement that may suggest ongoing problems.

Surface water flooding has also affected Long Marston, especially Station Road and Chapel Lane, after intense rainfall and limited drainage capacity. The River Thame from Long Marston to North Aylesbury is designated as a flood warning area. During the survey, we assess how exposed the property is to flood damage, checking drainage systems, ground levels, and any flood mitigation already in place. That matters here, because floodwater can wash away soil particles, leaving foundations unevenly supported and increasing the risk of subsidence in an area where clay soils already create pressure. Tring Rural Parish Council has a Flooding Working Party that is active on mitigation projects, which shows the issue is still very much live locally.

• Identify structural defects and movement
• Assess flood risk and drainage
• Check for dampness and timber defects
• Evaluate roof condition and insulation
• Review electrical and plumbing systems

From survey to survey, we see a few repeating issues in Long Marston and the wider Tring area. The main building materials here are red bricks, sometimes with grey headers, under clay or slate roofs, which is typical of Chiltern villages. Many 16th to 18th-century buildings have timber frames, usually oak or elm, often hidden by later brick refacing or weatherboarding. Those older properties commonly suffer from dampness, whether penetrating damp through ageing brickwork, rising damp, or condensation caused by poor ventilation. Our inspectors check external walls for signs of damp penetration, look over internal walls and floors, and assess how well any damp-proof courses are performing.

Roof problems crop up often too, from broken or missing tiles to deteriorated ridge mortar and failing flashings. Several village properties still have original thatched roofs, which need specialist inspection and regular maintenance. The thatch on these historic cottages is beautiful, but it takes expertise to assess properly, because faults may not show from ground level. Long Marston’s 19th-century terraces often have shallower pitched roofs covered in slate tiles, and these can deteriorate with age and leak if they are not kept in good order. Where we can access them, we inspect loft spaces for roof structure condition, insulation, and any signs of past or current water ingress.

Older wiring and pipework often fall short of current safety standards. Many original homes still have electrical systems that date back several decades, which can pose fire risks, and lead pipework that may affect water quality. With average property values in Long Marston exceeding £600,000, finding these issues before completion can save a great deal of money and protect the safety of the investment. Our survey reports give clear guidance on which repairs to tackle first, with estimated costs for any defects we find, so you can decide whether to proceed or renegotiate with the seller.