RICS Level 2 Survey in Martham

Our Level 2 HomeBuyer Report gives a full visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property, with our surveyor looking at the main structural elements and the key fixtures across the dwelling. We assess the roof covering, walls, foundations, windows, doors and internal joinery, and we also review the plumbing infrastructure, electrical consumer unit and heating system. Any defect that could affect value or raise a safety concern is picked out, with extra attention on the kinds of issues we see in Martham’s varied housing stock.

We set out the results in a plain traffic light rating system. Red marks serious problems that need urgent action, amber shows defects worth being aware of, and green means the element is in satisfactory condition. It is an easy way to see what needs attention now and what does not. For Martham homes, which range from Georgian period houses to more recent builds, that structure is especially useful when deciding what remedial work comes first.

Environmental and geographical matters are part of the inspection too. Martham sits slightly inland from the coast, but its closeness to the Broads National Park and the surrounding waterways means some spots can face higher flood risk from rivers or surface water build-up. We note any signs of earlier flooding or drainage trouble, so the purchase is made with a clear picture of the long-term factors that may affect the property. Damp proof courses are checked, walls are examined for movement or subsidence, and we look at whether nearby trees could influence the foundations.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, damp proof course, and foundations
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical consumer unit and wiring
• Damp and timber condition
• Garages and outbuildings
• Boundaries and drainage

Martham’s range of housing makes a survey especially worthwhile for buyers. A Victorian terrace is a very different proposition from a modern detached house built by developers such as Badger Builders in 2016, and each brings its own risks that only an experienced eye is likely to spot. A Victorian terrace on Rollesby Road may still have original features, yet age can also bring structural concerns. By contrast, a newer Persimmon Homes property might present snagging issues linked to recent construction. Our surveyors adjust the inspection to suit the building in front of us.

The geography matters too. Being within the Broads National Park means many homes sit close to rivers and waterways, which can affect drainage and ground conditions. Our inspectors keep a close eye on damp, especially where properties are near water, and they check that drainage systems are working as they should. We also note how close trees are to the property, since clay soils in the region can move when moisture levels change.

Older homes make up a sizeable part of Martham’s stock, and our Level 2 survey is set up with those in mind. We look at common concerns such as thatch roofing on period cottages, the condition of original brickwork, and the performance of older heating systems. These houses often have real character, but they can also carry maintenance needs that are easy to underestimate. Our survey helps buyers budget more accurately from the outset.

Martham’s property scene shows how the village has shifted from historic Norfolk settlement to modern residential area. Detached properties account for approximately half of all transactions in 2025, and those homes span everything from substantial period residences to relatively recent builds, including some put up by developers as recently as 2016. Georgian buildings dating back to 1760 also show how long the area has been attracting buyers.

Semi-detached houses make up another important slice of the market, and they usually sell at median prices around £225,000. They tend to suit families who want more room without paying the premium attached to fully detached homes. Terraced properties sit at an approximate median of £200,000 and saw positive movement in 2025, rising by 6.7% against the previous year. Flats are still rare in Martham, with very few sales and limited choice for buyers.

New developments continue to shape Martham’s housing stock, with recent references to Badger Builders projects and Persimmon Homes developments. These newer homes often need less immediate maintenance than older ones, although a professional survey still matters for checking build quality and spotting defects that may not be visible at first glance. Even new builds can have issues with window seals, roof tiling or building regulations compliance, and those are exactly the sort of points a survey can bring to light.