RICS Level 2 Survey in Monkton, Thanet

A RICS Level 2 survey is a visual check of the accessible parts of a property, looking at its general condition and any defects that could affect value or safety. Our surveyor looks at the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors and main structural elements, then gives each inspected area a red, amber or green rating. Around Monkton, where many homes sit close to the coast, we look closely for damp penetration, weathering and roof coverings that have taken years of exposure to coastal conditions. All elevations are checked, including north-facing walls, where moisture can hang around for longer after wet weather.

The services are covered too, including heating, plumbing, electrical installations and drainage. Our inspectors point out anything that appears unsafe, outdated or unlikely to meet current regulations. Monkton has older cottages as well as more recent builds, so we look carefully at ageing heating systems, especially oil-fired boilers often found in rural Kent properties, and at legacy materials that may need specialist attention. Septic tanks and private drainage systems also come up on Monkton’s rural fringes, and we inspect their visible condition where access allows.

After the inspection, we usually send the report within 5 working days, and Monkton reports are often back sooner. You get photographs of the issues we have found, plain explanations of what they mean, and prioritised recommendations for repairs or further checks. That gives you something practical to use if you want to negotiate with the seller, ask for work before completion, or decide whether the purchase still makes sense. At the front, we include a short summary of the key findings, so the property’s condition is clear from the start.

Monkton lies in the north-eastern corner of Kent, within the Thanet district as it reaches out towards the English Channel. The village still feels distinct from the larger nearby towns, with historic farmhouses, cottages and contemporary homes sitting in the same local market. Chalk and clay make up much of the local geology, and that matters for foundations, drainage and movement. Some Monkton properties may also stand on formerly agricultural land, so ground conditions are not something we skim over.

Coastal exposure is one of the big differences with Monkton property. Salt-laden winds can shorten the life of external materials, especially metal fixings, rendered finishes and roof tiles. We have seen plenty of homes where render has cracked or come away after repeated coastal weather. Those defects are recorded clearly, because they often point to the level of maintenance a buyer should expect.

Monkton’s housing stock spans several periods, and each period tends to bring its own problems. Victorian and Edwardian cottages on the older village streets often have solid brick walls without cavity insulation, so condensation and poor thermal performance can be an issue. Homes built since the 1990s bring a different set of checks, including possible building control compliance concerns from that period. Our surveyors adjust the inspection to suit the property’s age and construction type, rather than treating every house the same.

During Level 2 inspections in Monkton and the surrounding Thanet area, our surveyors often see the same local patterns. External surfaces can weather faster because of the coastal setting, especially roof tiles, render and window frames. Salt-laden air is hard on metal fixtures and fittings, so we check them carefully for corrosion and deterioration. Homes within half a mile of the coast often need more frequent attention to outside joinery and metalwork.

Many Monkton homes were built with traditional Kent construction methods, including solid walls that may not have modern insulation. That can cause condensation and poor thermal efficiency, both of which we record in the report. Older properties may also include legacy materials, such as asbestos-containing materials or outdated electrical installations, that need professional assessment. In properties built before 1990, we look particularly carefully for possible asbestos in artex ceilings and insulation board.

Low-lying parts of Monkton can also have drainage problems after heavy rain. We inspect visible drainage runs and fittings for signs of blockage, damage or poor fall that could allow water to pool or flood. Where we find concerns, the report flags them clearly and recommends further investigation or repair. Clay soil in parts of Monkton can contribute to movement in older buildings too, so we look for the usual signs during the inspection.

Flat roofs are another regular finding, particularly on extensions and garage conversions. Many Monkton properties have been altered over the years, and some of those flat roof areas are prone to leaks or general deterioration. We assess the covering, look for ponding water, check for damaged membranes and note signs of earlier repairs. These details can become useful points in a price discussion with the seller.