RICS Level 2 Survey in Nutfield

We carry out a systematic visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property, from the roof, walls, windows and doors to floors, ceilings, and fixed fittings such as kitchens and bathrooms. We look closely at the external walls for cracking, damp penetration, or structural movement that might point to deeper problems. In Nutfield, where many homes are semi-detached or detached family houses, we pay close attention to roof coverings and chimney stacks, because they often lead the list of repairs in this area.

Visible and accessible building services are part of the survey too, including plumbing, electrical wiring and heating systems. We cannot lift floorboards or dismantle walls, but our experienced surveyors know where the usual trouble spots are. Around Nutfield, that often means older roof coverings, dated electrical installations in period homes, and damp linked to condensation in properties affected by Surrey's changeable climate. A lot of the local stock was built in the mid to late twentieth century, so many houses are now reaching, or have passed, the 50-year point where wear and tear starts to show more clearly.

Our Level 2 survey uses traffic light ratings for every element inspected, red for urgent issues needing immediate attention, amber for defects that need attention but are not urgent, and green for items in satisfactory condition. We also provide a market valuation and an assessment of rebuild costs for insurance, so you have a fuller picture of the property's worth and any financial consequences of the defects we identify. That valuation matters in the current market, where price adjustments mean a home may be assessed quite differently from the way it was six months ago.

• Roof and chimney inspection
• Wall and structural assessment
• Damp and timber decay evaluation
• Electrical and plumbing visible inspection
• Heating system assessment
• Windows and doors condition check
• Market valuation and rebuild cost

Nutfield's housing stock is made up mainly of semi-detached and detached homes, with an average price of over £600,000 for family properties. Many were built in the mid to late twentieth century, which means they may now be close to, or beyond, the 50-year stage when wear and tear becomes more obvious. Our surveyors are used to spotting the common issues linked to this age of property, including worn roof coverings, ageing windows that need replacing, and original electrical systems that may no longer meet current regulations. Over the last year, the majority of properties sold in Nutfield were semi-detached, so that type turns up very often in our survey work.

Market data from the past year shows that house prices in Nutfield have shifted, with properties in the Nutfield Station area recording particularly notable changes of 12% down on the previous year. That may suggest buyers are being more cautious, or that homes are spending longer on the market, which makes a thorough survey even more valuable before you commit your funds. Current conditions mean it is important to know exactly what you are buying, including any defects that could affect value or lead to future spend. South Nutfield has seen prices fall 11% from its 2023 peak, so similar adjustments are showing up across different parts of the Nutfield area.

Near the centre of Nutfield or along the main roads, we often come across noise and traffic issues, and our report can flag those as environmental considerations. South Nutfield properties may look quite different, with more modern developments that bring their own points to check, including defects that can arise in newer construction. Because we know the area well, we can pick out the issues that matter in each part of Nutfield, whether the purchase is near the village shop, close to the station, or on one of the quieter residential streets in South Nutfield.

The mix of housing in Nutfield means our surveyors need to adjust their approach from one property to the next. Detached homes averaging £843,125 call for a different inspection focus from terraced houses around £409,500. Flats are less common, but they do exist, for example Commerce House on Church Hill sold in October 2023. Each property type comes with its own pattern of defects, and our experience across Nutfield means we know what to look for in every case.

• Roof and tile deterioration
• Damp and condensation issues
• Outdated electrical wiring
• Window and door seal failure
• Chimney stack condition
• Garage and outbuilding condition