RICS Level 2 Survey Newchurch, Folkestone and Hythe

Newchurch and the wider Romney Marsh area call for a careful eye from buyers. The village has a good number of historical properties, from 19th-century farmhouses to period homes that make up much of the local housing stock. They have plenty of character, but older buildings often bring familiar concerns such as ageing roof structures, outdated electrical systems and the risk of damp penetration. With a RICS Level 2 Survey, our surveyors set out the condition of these elements clearly before the purchase goes through.

As of July 2025, house prices across Folkestone and Hythe were up by approximately 3.9% year-on-year, and the average property value in Newchurch itself was around £312,500. Against that backdrop, the price of a Level 2 Survey is a modest but important check on hidden defects. We inspect the property inside and out, looking at walls, floors, doors, windows and the roof space where accessible. That lets us pick up anything from surface wear to more serious structural problems that could affect value or lead to substantial repair work.

The traffic light rating system is one of the most useful parts of a RICS Level 2 Survey. Red marks issues needing urgent attention, amber shows defects that should be repaired but are not immediately critical, and green means the element is in satisfactory condition. It is a straightforward way for us to show what matters most. It also gives buyers room to negotiate where needed, which matters in a market where detached properties, making up three-quarters of sales in Newchurch, regularly achieve prices above £285,000.

We have inspected homes across the Newchurch area, from properties on The Street near the historic Grade II listed former village school, to detached houses in the newer developments closer to the village centre. Because this is a low-lying marshland setting, there are local issues that are easy to miss without area knowledge, and we reflect that in the reports we produce.

• Internal and external visual inspection
• Assessment of main walls, roof, and structure
• Identification of damp, rot, and timber defects
• Evaluation of bathroom and kitchen fittings
• Review of doors, windows, and joinery
• Traffic light defect ratings with repair recommendations

Across Newchurch and the wider Folkestone and Hythe area, some defects come up time and again during Level 2 inspections. Damp is high on that list, especially given the number of older properties in the village. It may show as penetrating damp from failing roof coverings, rising damp where damp proof courses are damaged or missing, or condensation caused by poor ventilation. We check walls, floors and ceilings carefully for damp staining, salt deposits and mold growth, all of which can point to deeper moisture problems.

Roof condition is another regular concern, especially with the detached properties that dominate the Newchurch market. Many houses here still have traditional roof structures that may be decades old. Missing or broken tiles, worn flashing and failed felt underlays can allow water ingress, which then affects internal timbers. We inspect roof coverings externally from ground level and, where accessible, from inside the roof void as well, so we can give a rounded view of condition and likely remaining lifespan.

Electrical systems in older properties deserve close attention during a Level 2 Survey. Homes built before current electrical regulations may still have outdated wiring that falls short of modern safety standards. A Level 2 Survey is not a full electrical test, and that would need a separate NICEIC registered electrician, but we do record visible concerns such as old consumer units, deteriorating cables or junction boxes that appear unsafe. Those findings can then be followed up with the right specialist inspection before the purchase is completed.

The ground beneath Romney Marsh creates its own set of property issues. In this low-lying part of Kent, alluvial soils can move over time and affect foundations. Our surveyors are trained to spot signs of subsidence or settlement that may be linked to these local ground conditions. We also comment on the state of retaining walls and structures near water courses, since closeness to the Royal Military Canal and other drainage features in the Marsh can have a bearing on condition.

• Damp and moisture penetration
• Roof tile damage or deterioration
• Outdated electrical installations
• Window and door joinery issues
• Chimney and flashing defects
• Subsidence or settlement cracks