RICS Level 2 Survey in Rowley Regis

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey, previously called the HomeBuyer Report, gives a careful inspection of the property’s visible and accessible parts. We look at the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows and permanent fixtures, and pick out any defects, signs of wear and tear, or possible problems that could affect value or safety. Our chartered surveyors draw on training and experience to spot things an untrained eye would miss.

We rate the property’s condition with traffic light indicators, red for serious issues that need urgent attention, amber for defects to keep an eye on, and green for satisfactory condition. The survey also flags possible legal matters that may need further investigation, for example missing building regulations approvals or planning permissions. That methodical approach means nothing gets missed during the inspection.

In Rowley Regis, our surveyors pay close attention to the issues that turn up again and again in the local housing stock. The area has a mix of ages and build types, from Victorian and Edwardian homes to newer properties. We check for damp, structural movement, roofing condition, and the state of windows and doors, which matter even more where original features have survived. Local geology can also affect foundations, so we look at ground conditions and any signs of subsidence or movement.

• Structural assessment
• Damp and moisture detection
• Roof and gutter inspection
• Wall condition analysis
• Window and door evaluation
• Electrical and heating checks
• Grounds and drainage assessment
• Building regulations compliance verification

Rowley Regis has a wide mix of homes, and our surveyors inspect them regularly. The terraced houses along roads such as St. Lane and Warrens Hall Road were usually built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, using traditional brick construction with slate or tile roofs. Many have solid floors rather than suspended timber, so we check carefully for settlement or movement that can show up in older buildings. A lot of these homes still keep original cast iron fireplaces and timber sash windows, both of which need a specialist eye.

The semi-detached homes common in Crossley Heath and along the B4187 corridor reflect post-war building through to more recent construction. Some have a blend of original features and modern updates. Our inspection covers extensions, conservatories and any changes made to the original structure, with a close look at whether additions meet building regulations. We also check loft conversions, which are fairly common in this area.

Newer developments in Rowley Regis, including the affordable housing project at Hawes Lane and the proposed 278-home development at the former Edwin Richards Quarry site, use modern construction methods. The Hawes Lane scheme, delivered by Sandwell Council with Tricas Construction, includes fifteen affordable units with Air Source Heat Pumps and Solar PV panels. Newer properties often have fewer defects, but our survey still looks for the usual new build problems, including snagging items, the quality of the heat pump installation, and whether modern fixtures and fittings have been fitted properly. We have seen heat pump issues in new builds that are not obvious at first glance but cause trouble later on.

Another recent scheme worth a mention is the six new four-bedroom council houses completed in November 2025 at Higham's Close and Pennant Road. These homes include photovoltaic panels and electric vehicle charging points, so they sit right at the sharp end of energy efficiency technology. Our surveyors know these modern systems and can assess their condition and whether they meet the relevant standards. Even new builds can have defects, so our inspection gives you a clear picture of what you are buying.

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report uses a simple traffic light system to show the condition of each element. Red means urgent repairs or serious defects that need immediate attention. Amber points to defects that should be tackled, but are not yet critical. Green shows satisfactory condition. The system makes it easy to work out which issues need priority when you are negotiating or planning renovations.

The report also sets out a Market Value assessment and an Estimated Rebuild Cost, both of which can be useful for insurance and mortgage purposes. We give clear guidance on each issue found, explaining what the defect means, why it has appeared and what action should follow. For Rowley Regis properties, that can include clay soil issues affecting foundations or checking older drainage systems. The geology in this area can lead to movement in homes built on clay, so we pay close attention to subsidence and cracking.

We keep things clear and practical. Our reports steer away from heavy technical jargon, but still give you the detail you need. If anything is unclear once you have the report, our team is available to talk through the findings and add more explanation. Many buyers find it useful to go through the report with one of our surveyors, so the implications really sink in.

One point to bear in mind is that Rowley Regis has seen shifts in property sales volumes, with 227 sales in the last year, an 18.5% decrease compared with the previous year. That matters because a quieter market often gives buyers more room to negotiate on price when survey findings come back. Your report gives you the evidence to renegotiate if defects are identified.

Our surveyors know Rowley Regis and the surrounding Sandwell area well. We understand how the local geography and history feed into property condition. The area sits on underlying geology that can affect foundations, and our surveyors know to look for movement or subsidence linked to local soil types. The clay soils common in this part of the West Midlands can make foundations shift over time, especially where buildings have shallow foundations.

Rowley Regis has seen a lot of development recently, with major schemes including the fifteen affordable units at Hawes Lane and the larger 278-home development at the former Edwin Richards Quarry. As these projects are built out, our surveyors are familiar with the construction methods being used and the standards expected. That local insight helps us give sharper assessments and more relevant advice for buyers here. We are also seeing strong interest in the quarry development site off Portway Road, which will change that area over the coming years.

The village centre has traditional commercial premises alongside residential properties, and we understand how that mixed-use setting can affect a home. Buying a family home near Rowley Regis railway station or a property close to the local schools brings its own market dynamics, and our surveyors know the details that matter to buyers in this area. There is also the proposed development at Rowley Regis Golf Course, which could bring around 250 new homes to the area if approved, something worth keeping in mind for future values.

We keep track of local planning applications and developments that could affect property values and conditions in Rowley Regis. So when we survey a home, we can comment not just on its current state, but on factors that might shape it later. Whether it is the effect of new construction nearby or changes to local infrastructure, our local knowledge adds something extra beyond the physical inspection.