RICS Level 2 Survey in Streatham SW16

Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives a detailed look at the property’s visible and accessible condition. We inspect all the main elements, walls, roof, floors, doors, windows and joinery. The survey sets out a systematic review of the property’s construction, its condition, and any significant defects that may need attention. Our inspectors photograph and note all issues, so you have a clear record of the property’s current state. We also check chimney stacks, look at gutters and downpipes, and assess the состояние (condition) of any outbuildings or boundary walls.

In SW16, our surveyors focus closely on the issues that commonly affect the Victorian and Edwardian stock found across the area. Rising damp in solid brick walls is one thing we check for, a familiar problem where many period homes were built without cavity insulation. We look at slate and clay tile roofs too, which are common on Victorian villas in Streatham Hill and Norbury, and we keep an eye out for cracked tiles, defective lead flashing and tired mortar pointing. Timber joists and floorboards are also assessed for rot or woodworm, both of which often show up in ground floor timber structures in older homes.

The report comes back in an easy-to-read format, with traffic light ratings that make the property’s condition much easier to take in. Red points to serious issues needing urgent attention, amber marks defects that ought to be checked further, and green shows areas in satisfactory condition. It is a simple system, but a useful one, because it tells you exactly what you are buying and gives you solid leverage in price talks. Many buyers in the SW16 market have used our reports to secure reductions that more than cover the survey cost.

We also look at any environmental risks that may be specific to the area. Because SW16 sits largely on London Clay, we check for signs of subsidence or ground movement, especially where mature trees can lead to clay shrinkage. We also flag any flood risk linked to the River Graveney tributaries that run through parts of Streatham.

• Wall condition and structural integrity
• Roof covering and flashing
• Damp and timber condition
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

With 79% of properties in SW16 built before 1980, and much of the area lying on London Clay, problems such as subsidence, damp and ageing roofs come up often. A Level 2 Survey can pick these up before completion, which may save you thousands in unexpected repair bills. The geology beneath Streatham brings its own challenges, and our surveyors are trained to spot them. London Clay expands and contracts as moisture levels change, so older properties with shallow foundations can move, and that movement often shows as cracking in walls or uneven floors.

The age profile of housing in SW16 also means a lot of properties still have original wiring, or wiring that was only partly upgraded from the Victorian or Edwardian period. Our surveyors check visible electrical fixtures and record any obvious concerns that should be put to a qualified electrician. Plumbing is another common issue, since period homes often still have old galvanised pipes that may be corroded and can lead to low water pressure, problems that are costly to sort out after you move in.

Original features are common in SW16, and they need a proper look as well. Decorative cornices, ceiling roses and period fireplaces bring character, though decades of use can leave them worn or damaged. Our reports note these features and set out any restoration work that may be needed, so you have a better grasp of the full cost of owning a period property in Streatham.

Several conservation areas sit within SW16, including Streatham Hill, Leigham Court Estate and parts of Norbury, each with planning controls designed to preserve local character. Properties in these areas often have distinctive architectural details that need specialist knowledge to assess properly. The Leigham Court Estate, for example, is known for Edwardian architecture with mock-Tudor detailing, which calls for an understanding of traditional construction methods. Our surveyors are familiar with the extra considerations involved in protected areas like these.

We usually advise a RICS Level 3 Building Survey rather than a Level 2 if you are buying a listed building in SW16. Listed homes often use unusual construction methods and have historical alterations that call for more detailed analysis. Any defects found may also need specialist repair techniques and traditional materials if the building’s historical significance is to be preserved. Our team can talk you through whether a Level 2 or Level 3 survey fits your property best. Grade II listed examples include several Victorian and Edwardian villas along Streatham Hill that have since been converted into flats.

Different inspection points come into play with the new build developments in SW16. At The Switch on Streatham Hill, London Square has delivered modern apartments using contemporary construction methods. The Printworks on Streatham High Road, developed by Notting Hill Genesis, offers one to three-bedroom apartments in a converted building. Streatham Place by Southern Housing gives buyers another new-build option. These homes may have fewer structural concerns, yet construction quality, snagging items, windows, doors and waterproofing can still cause problems. Our surveyors apply the same careful standards to new builds, so the assessment is thorough whatever the age of the property.

Even a new build can benefit from a Level 2 Survey, because builders are often working to tight deadlines and quality control can vary. We pick up issues that developers may need to fix under warranty, giving you before you complete your purchase. Common faults in newer schemes include poor soundproofing between flats, problems with window seals, and small finishing defects that ought to be dealt with before the warranty period ends.