RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey in Swine

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey gives a clear, visual assessment of the property's condition, with attention on the main matters that could affect your investment. We look at the roof structure, walls, floors, windows, doors and damp-proof courses, and we pick out defects such as dampness, rot, timber infestation and structural movement, all of which are especially common in older properties across the East Riding. Using moisture meters and torch inspections, our surveyors pick up issues that are easy to miss on a casual viewing, so you get a fuller picture of the home.

Swine has many Georgian and Victorian properties, so traditional construction often brings its own set of concerns. We check for penetrating damp in solid-walled homes, worn roof coverings on period houses and the condition of original features that may need regular upkeep. Any extensions or alterations are also reviewed for possible Building Regulations issues. Original fireplaces, staircases and decorative plasterwork are all noted, because they add charm, but can also need attention.

We also inspect the property's services, including electrical wiring, plumbing and drainage, and we flag anything that falls short of modern safety standards. Across the East Riding, it is still common to find original lead water pipes or Victorian-era wiring that no longer meets current regulations, and we highlight those points so you can plan for upgrades. Septic tanks and private drainage systems are checked as well, which matters in rural properties around Swine where mains drainage may not be available.

In Swine's conservation area, we identify any works that may need planning permission or listed building consent, helping to avoid legal headaches after completion. Our surveyors know the local planning constraints and can say whether a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey would be the better choice for a historically important property.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, dampness and structural movement
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Drainage and gutters
• Outbuildings and grounds

There are several local issues in Swine and the surrounding East Riding that our surveyors keep in mind. Clay soils are widespread across the plain of Holderness, and during prolonged dry spells, shrink-swell ground movement can lead to subsidence or structural movement in properties with shallow foundations. We examine walls, floors and ceilings for cracking or settlement that might point to this kind of movement. The British Geological Survey has identified parts of the East Riding as vulnerable to clay shrinkage, especially during the hot summers we've had in recent years.

Flood risk also needs to be considered in this low-lying area. Swine itself has not suffered severe flooding in recent years, but the wider East Riding saw major flood events in 2007 and 2013, affecting thousands of properties across the region. We assess drainage around the house, look for signs of previous water damage and note the property's position in relation to flood risk zones. More than 20,000 households in the East Riding sit within high-risk flood zones, and our report will point to any flood resilience measures or further investigations that may be needed. Soakaways and land drainage are checked too, because they matter in this naturally low-lying landscape.

Because much of the local housing stock is older, we often come across outdated electrical systems and plumbing. Original lead water pipes and Victorian-era wiring are still found in many homes, and neither meets current regulations. We identify these hazards and give recommendations for upgrades, so you can budget for the work after completion. Outdated consumer units, poor earthing arrangements and plumbing materials that are no longer considered best practice are common findings. The East Riding has a higher than national average of properties built before 1919, which is why these issues crop up so often.

The local economy around Swine is mainly agricultural, with Main Street acting as a no-through road that links a handful of homes and three farms. That rural setting means many properties come with large gardens, outbuildings or agricultural structures that may fall within the survey. We inspect all ancillary buildings and record their condition, since they can carry real value, or a real liability, depending on repair. Homes here may also rely on private water supplies or septic tanks, both of which need specific checks to see whether they meet current regulations.

Our team of RICS chartered surveyors has extensive experience with properties across the East Riding of Yorkshire, including the HU11 postcode area. We know the local construction methods, from the traditional brick cottages on Swine High Street to the Georgian and Victorian farmhouses spread through the parish. That local knowledge helps us spot what matters in homes built from the materials common to this area, including the distinctive gray go brick seen in historic buildings such as Benningholme Hall. We have surveyed properties throughout Swine and understand the particular challenges facing homes in this rural parish.

Every surveyor in our network is fully qualified and regulated by RICS, so you receive a professional, independent assessment of the property's condition. Our reports are written in plain English, without jargon, and we use photographs plus condition ratings to make the seriousness of any defects easy to follow. The RICS traffic light system runs through each report, giving you instant clarity on what needs urgent attention and what can wait for later.

In Swine, our RICS Level 2 survey pricing is competitive, with standard residential properties starting from around £400. The final figure depends on factors such as property size, age and type, with 2-bedroom properties averaging around £420 and 4-bedroom properties around £495. Quotes are transparent and there are no hidden fees, and you can add a property valuation if your mortgage application needs one. We keep our pricing in line with the local market, where Level 2 surveys in the East Riding usually sit between £400-£500 depending on the property.

The East Riding property market has continued to grow, with average prices rising by 4.8% in the year to December 2025. At the same time, sales volumes fell by 15.3% over the same period, so a careful inspection matters more than ever. Our survey shows you exactly what you are buying and gives you a stronger position if any problems turn up. Buying a family home on Main Street or a period property in the village, our Level 2 survey gives you the information needed to make a sensible decision and negotiate with confidence.