RICS Level 2 Survey in Stevenage

Our Level 2 survey gives you a close visual inspection of every accessible part of a Stevenage property. We check walls, the roof, floors, doors, windows and installed fixtures, watching for defects that could affect value or safety. It goes well beyond a basic mortgage valuation, focusing on the building’s actual condition so you have a clearer picture before you commit to the purchase. Our surveyors work through the property methodically, taking photographs of anything that needs attention and recording detailed notes as they go.

Your report includes a market valuation for Stevenage, based on local property trends, the current housing market across Hertfordshire and the particular features of that property type. We draw on our knowledge of Stevenage, recent sales in the town and nearby areas, to arrive at a valuation that reflects present market conditions. Where our surveyor spots problems such as damp, structural movement or outdated electrical systems, we grade them by severity under the RICS traffic light system and set out what remedial action may be needed.

In Stevenage, we inspect everything from one-bedroom apartments in newer schemes such as The Scene and High Street to larger family houses in established areas including Shephall, Broadhall and Monk's Wood. That range matters. The town has post-war New Town homes from the 1950s-1970s, older period properties in the Old Town and modern new-build homes finished within the last few years, and each brings its own set of likely defects. Our surveyors know what to look for in each construction era and style.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for key building elements
• Market valuation for Stevenage
• Identification of urgent defects
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Energy efficiency assessment

Stevenage homes come with a few recurring issues, and our surveyors know them well. As one of the UK's first New Towns, much of the housing was built between 1945 and 1980 using post-war construction methods. You will often see cavity wall construction, brick exteriors and concrete roof tiles, but age and original materials can create problems. Across the town, brick in shades of red and brown is common, while rendered exteriors and cladding also appear, especially on more modern developments and refurbished properties.

The geology under Stevenage is one reason buyers should look closely at condition. The town sits on chalk bedrock with overlying clay deposits, including shrinkable clay with flints and glacial till (boulder clay). On clay soils, particularly where mature trees are nearby in places such as the Old Town or around St Nicholas, properties can be vulnerable to subsidence or heave as moisture levels change and the ground expands or contracts. We look for movement, cracking and other signs of foundation trouble that may call for further investigation or remedial works.

Plenty of homes dating from the 1950s to the 1970s still have original wiring and plumbing, and that may no longer meet current regulations. We inspect consumer units, wiring and pipework, noting anything that looks dated or potentially unsafe. Properties built before 2000 can also contain asbestos-containing materials, for example in textured coatings (Artex), insulation boards or pipe lagging, and our surveyor will record this where it is identified during the inspection. That is especially relevant on estates built during the New Town expansion period.

Energy performance is another point to weigh up in Stevenage, especially in homes built before current building regulations applied. Original single-glazed windows, limited cavity wall insulation and older heating systems can all mean higher running costs and a less comfortable house. Our survey includes an energy efficiency assessment that points to areas where improvements may be possible, which could save money on bills over time. In conservation areas such as the Old Town, we also note character-related points and any restrictions that might affect later improvements.

Stevenage’s housing makes more sense once you know the town’s background. After the New Towns Act of 1946, Stevenage expanded from a small market town into a planned community intended to house London’s growing population. Most of that building happened between 1945 and 1980, which is why so much of modern Stevenage is made up of distinctive estates. Shephall, Broadhall, Bedwell and St Nicholas are good examples, each with its own character and mix of homes.

According to the 2021 Census, terraced homes make up 34.3% of Stevenage's housing stock, semi-detached properties 33.7%, flats 19.8%, and detached properties only 12.0%. That balance reflects the town’s planned development and the choice to build at higher density for the number of residents the New Town was designed to attract. It also helps explain why some property types are far more common in certain areas than others, and why a proper survey is worthwhile whatever you are buying.

Buyers looking in Stevenage Old Town need to think slightly differently. This part of the town keeps much of its earlier character, with homes that predate the New Town expansion. The Old Town conservation area includes listed buildings and older properties along the High Street and nearby streets, and they often need a different approach during a survey. They can be full of character, but the defects we expect to find there are not always the same as in the post-war housing that covers much of the rest of Stevenage.

We carry out RICS Level 2 Surveys across Stevenage and the surrounding Hertfordshire areas, covering everything from the town centre to outer estates and nearby villages. Our chartered surveyors know the local market well and understand the construction styles and recurring defects in each neighbourhood, whether the property is in a modern central development or an older residential area. We regularly inspect homes across all Stevenage postcodes, including SG1, SG2, and surrounding areas.

Stevenage remains popular with commuters because of its transport links, with trains from the railway station reaching King's Cross in around 25 minutes. Housing demand is also supported by major employers such as GlaxoSmithKline, Airbus Defence and Space, MBDA, and Fujitsu. Those local factors matter to value, and our knowledge of the Stevenage market helps us produce a report and market valuation that reflect current conditions in this part of Hertfordshire.

We do not stop at Stevenage itself. Our coverage also includes nearby Hertfordshire towns and villages such as Hitchin, Letchworth, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, Baldock and Royston. Each has its own property market and character, and our surveyors work across the region regularly. So whether the property is in the town centre, on a residential estate or in a village outside Stevenage, we can arrange a survey around your timeline and provide the detailed assessment you need.