RICS Level 2 Survey in Oare

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey gives a full look at the property's condition, with attention on every readily accessible part of the building. We inspect walls, roof, floors, doors and windows, along with damp-proofing, insulation and drainage systems. In Oare, where Victorian cottages and properties from the 1960s era make up a notable share of the stock, that detailed check is especially useful because age-related problems crop up so often.

Inside and out, we carry out a detailed visual inspection. We look for damp, rot, movement in the structure and other faults that can be easy to miss if you are not trained to spot them. Older homes bring their own patterns of wear, and we are used to picking up on things like tired roof coverings, out-of-date electrical installations, and signs of past subsidence or settlement. For terraced properties, which account for around 53% of sales in the ME13 area, we pay close attention to shared walls and any movement between homes.

After the inspection, you receive a plain-English report that sets out any concerns, grades defects by seriousness and offers sensible recommendations for repairs and upkeep. It also includes a market valuation, so you can see how the property's condition affects its value. If the survey uncovers major problems, the report can back up a price negotiation with the seller or a request for repairs before completion.

In Oare, property values stretch from substantial detached homes at around £725,000 to terraced homes in the £280,000 bracket. Whatever the style or price point, our Level 2 survey gives you the facts needed to make a sound decision before you buy.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Damp and rot assessment
• Roof condition evaluation
• Electrical and drainage checks
• Structural movement analysis
• Market valuation included

Oare properties come from several construction periods, and each era tends to bring its own familiar defects, which our inspectors know well. Victorian cottages built around 1880 often show rising damp, where moisture moves up through solid brick walls from the ground. Many of these homes were built without modern damp-proof courses, so our surveyors check whether any existing damp-proofing is working properly or needs replacing. Those original solid walls also have no cavity insulation, so heat loss and energy efficiency are worth thinking about.

Homes from the mid-1960s, a sizeable part of the Oare housing stock, raise different questions. These semi-detached properties often sit on concrete foundations that can be vulnerable to carbonation, while the roof structure may rely on prefabricated trusses that need a close look. Windows and doors from this period are commonly original too, and can be nearing the end of their useful life, with rotten frames and failed seals turning up again and again. We check all of that carefully and note any repairs or replacements that may be needed.

Early 1980s properties may be newer, but they still merit a Level 2 survey. These three-storey detached town houses could have been built under less exacting regulations than those used today, and our inspection can pick up possible concerns with concrete panel construction or the flat roof sections that were popular then. We also assess the thermal performance of double glazing fitted during this period, as seals can deteriorate over time and lead to condensation and poorer energy efficiency.

The Oare property market has been active, with prices up 2.4% in the ME13 0QA postcode area over the past year. Homes in Russell Place have done even better, sitting 14% above their 2022 peak. With investments of this size, a professional survey helps protect your financial position and gives you a clear picture of what you are buying. The average property value in Oare is around £432,900, so knowing the true condition before you commit matters.

Oare has a broad mix of homes, from characterful period cottages to later developments from the 1960s and 1980s. That mix means the issues can vary a great deal from one property to the next. A Victorian cottage may still have original features that need careful checking, while a 1960s semi-detached home can come with different construction-related concerns. Our Level 2 survey reflects those differences and gives a practical assessment based on the property type and the era it was built in.

About 87% of homes in the ME13 0QA area are owner-occupied, which reflects the close-knit feel and the long-term approach to ownership in Oare. For an investment of this size, our survey gives you reassurance through a clear picture of the condition of the home you are considering. It is designed to uncover issues that might otherwise stay hidden until they have caused serious damage, which could save thousands of pounds in unexpected repairs.

Where properties sit in or near conservation areas, which are common in this part of Kent, there can be extra points to think about. A standard RICS Level 2 survey is still useful, but listed buildings or homes in conservation areas may need extra specialist checks. We can advise on whether a more detailed survey is a better fit for the property in question. The presence of Grade II listed properties in the nearby area shows why specialist surveys can be needed for certain period homes.