RICS Level 2 Survey in Matching

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey gives you a detailed visual inspection of every accessible part of the property. We check walls, the roof, floors, doors, windows and bathrooms for damp, structural movement, rot and other defects that might affect value or safety. In Matching, where many homes date from the Victorian era through to the 1930s, we pay close attention to the issues older buildings often throw up, including aging roof coverings, original timber frames and outdated electrical systems.

Each survey includes a full assessment of the property's condition using the RICS traffic light system, red for urgent problems needing immediate attention, amber for defects likely to need repair later, and green for elements in satisfactory condition. We also set out practical maintenance advice to help the new owner look after the place properly. In Matching's conservation areas, and in listed buildings, we flag points that could affect renovation plans or insurance. That includes the Grade II listed period cottages overlooking Matching Green, where extra care is often needed.

Inside and out, we inspect the property's accessible areas, including outbuildings, garages and boundary walls. Where it is safe and accessible, we enter the roof space, look at fascias and soffits, and check damp-proof courses and ventilation systems. The finished report sets out clear photographs of specific defects, estimated repair costs where applicable, and prioritised recommendations for any remedial work. Because this part of Essex sits on London Clay, we also watch for signs of subsidence or movement that may point to shrink-swell activity in the ground below.

• Structural elements including walls, floors and ceilings
• Roof structure, covering and rainwater goods
• Damp and timber condition assessment
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical observations
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

The Matching area, covering CM17 and including Matching Green and Matching Tye, has a mixed housing stock shaped by its move from rural village to commuter-belt location. Semi-detached homes make up much of the local market, a legacy of the mid-20th century expansion linked to commuting into nearby Harlow and London. Even so, the village still has a strong number of older terraced cottages and period properties, which do a lot to define its historic character.

Living in Matching means being close to both Epping and Harlow while still getting a semi-rural setting. Residents can reach mainline railway stations, shopping facilities and employment opportunities without giving up village surroundings, and that balance helps keep demand steady. The average house price of £592,500 in Matching reflects that mix of character and commuter convenience. Across Essex, property prices rose by approximately 1% over the last year, with the county's average property price around £423,000.

For anyone looking in Matching Green, average values approaching £1 million reflect just how sought after that part of the village is. Homes overlooking the green and with easy access to the surrounding countryside command a premium, and many come with period details and larger plots. They can also bring more specialist maintenance issues. We take those specifics into account in our assessment, including listed building considerations and any conservation area restrictions that could affect later alterations.

• Victorian and Edwardian cottages
• 1930s semi-detached homes
• Modern family houses
• Period properties with character features

Buying without a survey in Matching can expose you to a sizeable financial risk, especially with prices showing steady growth and values in Matching Green approaching £1 million. Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives you an independent professional assessment designed to protect that investment. The 2% year-on-year price increase shows a healthy market, but rising values do not make defects disappear. With the average property price in Matching now close to the 2021 peak of £592,383, it is vital to know exactly what you are committing to.

Traditional construction is common in Matching, and it needs the right kind of assessment. We bring local knowledge of how homes across the Epping Forest area were built, altered and extended over the decades, which helps us spot issues a less experienced surveyor might overlook. That can mean checking original timber windows in Victorian cottages, or reviewing later extensions and conversions with the same care. Local geology matters too, and the London Clay here can influence foundations and structural movement, especially in the older properties that make up so much of Matching's housing stock.

There are practical matters to think about as well. Because Matching is semi-rural, some properties have drainage arrangements, septic tanks or private water supplies that you would be less likely to find in urban areas. We record those systems and point out any maintenance duties or regulations linked to them. For homes near the forest boundary, we also consider tree-related issues that could affect foundations or drainage, based on our knowledge of local conditions. It is all part of building a fuller picture before you buy.