RICS Level 2 Survey in Toft with Lound and Manthorpe

A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, previously called the HomeBuyer Report, gives you a thorough inspection of the property's accessible areas and flags issues that could affect the home's value. Our inspectors check the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows and other visible parts of the building, then set out a clear red, amber or green rating for every area assessed. That traffic light format makes it simple to spot what needs immediate attention and what appears to be in good condition. We inspect inside and out, covering all areas that are safe and reasonably accessible.

We cover the main building elements, including the roof structure, chimney stacks, walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, damp proofing and insulation. We also review the condition of sanitary fittings, heating systems and any visible evidence of rot, pest infestation or structural movement. In Lincolnshire, and particularly in places such as Toft with Lound and Manthorpe, our surveyors pay close attention to issues often seen in the local housing stock, including the state of older brickwork and signs of movement in homes built on the area's clay subsoil. We specifically check for past or current structural movement that could point to foundation problems.

After the inspection, we send the report over, usually within 3-5 working days. It includes clear photographs showing specific defects, estimated costs for repairs and advice on any urgent issues that need immediate attention. The property may be a modern detached home or an older character property in the village, but either way our assessment gives you the detail needed to make an informed decision about your purchase. We also set out which maintenance jobs should be prioritised over the coming years to help keep the property in good condition.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof and chimney condition
• Damp and timber decay
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical visible elements
• Exterior finishes and drainage

Toft with Lound and Manthorpe is in the South Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, around three miles from Bourne and within easy reach of Stamford. Property values have risen steadily, with recent data showing prices 7% above the 2019 peak of £500,000. In a market that is appreciating like this, buyers need to be clear about exactly what they are purchasing. Sales activity in the parish is limited, so when a property does come up, it often attracts strong interest, and that makes proper due diligence all the more important.

Across this part of Lincolnshire, the housing stock runs from modern developments to older homes built with traditional local brick and stone methods. That variety means no 2 surveys are ever quite the same, and each property can bring its own issues. Our local surveyors know the problems commonly seen in the region, including movement linked to clay soils and the need to check older roof structures carefully. In the surrounding villages, traditional construction is common, and it takes experienced eyes to assess it properly.

Quite a few properties nearby fall into the older age bracket, where outdated electrical systems, failing damp proofing and worn roof coverings are seen more often. A RICS Level 2 survey is intended to pick up exactly these kinds of issues, giving you what you need either to proceed with confidence or renegotiate your offer in light of the repair costs involved. There were five recorded sales in the parish in 2023, and interest in the area continues, so the market remains active for first-time buyers as well as those moving to larger properties. In a competitive setting like that, having a survey in hand can make your decision much more grounded.

Lincolnshire properties come with some specific risks, and our surveyors are trained to spot them. The clay soils found across South Kesteven can lead to foundation movement in older homes, especially after dry weather followed by heavy rain. We look for signs of subsidence, such as cracking to external walls, doors and windows that stick or do not close properly, and uneven floors. We also check for evidence of earlier movement that may have been repaired but could still suggest an ongoing issue.

In many villages around Toft with Lound and Manthorpe, traditional brick and stone construction is part of the local character, but it can be vulnerable to failing mortar pointing if upkeep has slipped. We inspect the external brickwork for spalling, where the face of the brick has deteriorated, salt efflorescence, the white powdery deposits that point to damp penetration, and vegetation growth that can damage brickwork over time. Where stone features are present, we give them careful attention too, as exposed locations can leave them prone to erosion.

Roofs are a regular point of concern here, especially on older properties with original coverings that may be nearing the end of their serviceable life. We inspect tiles or slates for damage, check lead flashing around chimneys and roof windows, and assess any flat roof sections that are present. Many homes in the region also have chimneys needing ongoing maintenance, so we report any signs of deterioration or possible safety concerns. You will know exactly what sort of maintenance responsibilities come with the property.