RICS Level 2 Survey in Snitter

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives a close look at the property’s accessible areas, so you get a clear sense of its overall condition. We check the roof structure, walls, floors, doors and windows, along with visible plumbing, electrical systems and damp proofing. In Snitter, where many homes are built from traditional stone, we pay extra attention to pointing, the state of the mortar and any signs of damp moving through solid walls. We also look at extensions or alterations that may have been added over the years.

Snitter properties run from historic stone-built cottages to more modern homes, and our Level 2 Survey suits a wide range of ages and construction styles. We use a simple traffic light rating system, green for good condition, amber for matters that need attention, red for defects that call for urgent repair. It gives a clear read on what needs doing now, and what may become an issue later. Our surveyors also set out practical maintenance points that help you look after the property over the long term.

The survey does more than list defects. It explains what they mean in real terms and points to the next step. If structural concerns need a specialist, we say so. If routine maintenance is enough to head off a problem, we note that too. For Snitter’s rural setting, we also take drainage, septic tank conditions and access issues into account, all of which can matter in country homes.

We inspect properties across all the NE65 postcode areas, including NE65 7EL, NE65 7EH, NE65 7EJ and NE65 7EQ. Because we know these specific postcode areas, we understand the common issues affecting homes in this part of Northumberland. From the older stone cottages in the village centre to the more substantial detached properties we’ve seen sell on Snitter’s edge, we know the sort of things to look for.

• Roof and chimney condition
• Wall structure and pointing
• Damp and timber decay
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Drainage and external areas

Traditional stone construction is the norm in Snitter, and that brings its own set of issues for our surveyors to pick up. Stone-built homes, such as those we’ve seen sell at Burnside House and Goldspink in the area, often need attention to mortar pointing as time goes on. Lime-based mortars used in Northumberland properties can break down, letting water in and leading to damp problems. We inspect the pointing carefully throughout the property, and we flag places where repointing may be needed before the damp gets worse.

Many properties in the Snitter area are older, so we give roofing materials and roof structure particular attention. Homes such as Ivy Cottage, originally built several decades ago, may still have roof coverings that are nearing the end of their useful life. We check tiles or slates, look for slipped or damaged coverings, and inspect flat roofs and dormer windows where they are present. Chimney stacks and flashings are checked too, as they are common leak points in period properties.

Solid wall construction is widespread in Snitter, and it behaves differently from modern cavity wall construction. Without a cavity, these walls are more prone to damp penetration, especially at ground floor level where outside ground levels may sit higher than the internal floor. We measure damp with calibrated moisture meters and assess any damp proof course that is already in place. For single-skin stone walls, we give specific guidance on condensation and on keeping ventilation at a sensible level.

Older Snitter homes can also need a careful look at electrics and plumbing. Properties built before modern standards may still have electrical installations that no longer match current regulations. We visually inspect the consumer unit, wiring where it can be seen, and the position of sockets and switches. On the plumbing side, we check visible pipework, the hot water system and any lead pipes that may still remain in older homes. That helps you plan any upgrades after completion.

Snitter, in the Northumberland countryside near Morpeth, has a range of property types that reflect its rural character and history. The village and the surrounding area are mainly made up of detached and semi-detached homes, with stone construction a noticeable feature. Properties such as Burnside House show the standard of stone-built homes in the area, while older cottages like Ivy Cottage reflect the building methods that have served the village for generations. That mix makes a thorough RICS Level 2 Survey worthwhile for any purchase here.

The recent sale of 1 Silverdale Cottage, which sold for £275,000 in January 2025 having previously sold for £235,000 in June 2022, shows continued market interest in Snitter. With 33 properties having changed hands in the last twelve months according to homedata.co.uk property data, the village still draws buyers looking for a quieter Northumberland rural setting while staying within reach of larger towns. If you’re buying a period cottage or a more modern home, knowing the condition through a professional survey is a key part of the process.

Older Snitter properties, especially those built before 1980, can show the sorts of issues our surveyors are trained to spot. Outdated electrical systems, original plumbing that may now need updating, roof areas needing attention and years of weathering on stonework all turn up from time to time. Our RICS Level 2 Survey sets these out clearly, giving you the information you need to negotiate repairs with the seller or budget for improvements after completion. Homes such as Lady Bank, which has changed hands several times over the years, are a good example of why a condition check matters.

The NE65 postcode area covers a number of different property types, and our surveyors understand those local differences. Homes in NE65 7EL, which includes the Silverdale area, may have different construction details from those in NE65 7EH around the village centre. We adjust our inspection to suit the property type and where it sits in Snitter, so the report is relevant to the home in front of us.