RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Wittering

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Wittering takes a close look at the property’s accessible areas and picks up defects or issues that a casual viewing can miss. Our chartered surveyors check the roof, walls, foundations, damp-proof course, plumbing, electrical systems and other key structural parts. Where roof spaces can be reached, we inspect rafters, joists, insulation depth, and the condition of tiles or slates. We also look underneath the property where possible, checking joists, solid ground floors, and any visible damp-proof membranes.

Wittering has homes from a range of periods, from historic properties near the village centre to MOD-related housing, so we pay close attention to the problems that crop up locally. Older damp-proof courses may have failed or been bridged over time, traditional brickwork can suffer frost damage in colder months, and roofing materials often show the effects of age and weather exposure. A lot of the housing stock was built with solid brick walls rather than cavity wall construction, which can leave it more open to damp penetration if the damp-proof course has failed or external ground levels have been allowed to rise.

We use a traffic light rating system to set out the condition of each element, red for serious defects needing urgent attention, amber for issues that will need repair in due course, and green for satisfactory condition. That makes it much easier to see what needs action now and what can wait. Our reports include detailed photographs of every significant finding, so you can see exactly what our surveyors have picked up. For major defects, we also give repair cost estimates, which can be useful in discussions with sellers.

If you choose the valuation element, the survey can also include a market valuation that estimates the property’s current worth using local data and recent sales in the Wittering area. Our surveyors draw on their knowledge of the Wittering property market, including recent transactions in the PE8 6 postcode sector, to give a valuation that is both accurate and well informed. That can be especially helpful when price negotiations are under way, because it gives documented support for the property’s market value.

• Roof structure and covering
• Walls, chimneys, and damp-proof course
• Foundations and structural movement
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical installations
• Floors and ceilings
• Insulation and energy efficiency

Wittering’s property market is varied, with everything from historic buildings near the village centre to newer developments on the outskirts. In recent years there has been a lot of new build activity, with schemes such as Harriers Rest on Lawrence Road offering new homes through Allison Homes and Accent Housing. These newer properties benefit from modern building regulations and current construction methods, but a Level 2 survey can still pick up defects. Harriers Rest includes a mix of 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes, and some are available through shared ownership schemes.

Cambridgeshire’s geology includes clay-rich soils, and that can create a shrink-swell subsidence risk, especially during drought or heavy rainfall. Clay expands when wet and contracts when dry, so foundations can move a little over time. Our surveyors are trained to spot signs of structural movement, cracking, or subsidence linked to soil conditions. We examine foundations, walls and window frames for evidence of movement that may point to underlying structural issues. We also note any trees or large shrubs close to the property that may be drawing moisture from the ground and adding to movement.

Many Wittering properties were built using traditional methods common across the region, with solid brick walls and traditional roofing materials. These older homes often have plenty of character, but they can also suffer from failing damp-proof courses, roof coverings that are starting to deteriorate, and electrical systems that no longer meet current safety standards. A Level 2 survey is especially useful for these properties, because it flags defects that might otherwise stay hidden until they become major problems. We also check the condition of original features and judge whether they have been properly maintained.

The number of listed buildings in Wittering, including the Grade I Church of All Saints and various Grade II structures, shows how historically significant the area is. A Level 2 survey suits most conventional properties, but listed buildings or homes in conservation areas may need the more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey because of their age and complexity. Our team can talk you through the most suitable survey for your particular property. If you are buying a listed home, we will also cover the extra points that apply to historic buildings.

RAF Wittering has also shaped the local housing market over the years. Many homes in the area were first built for military personnel and their families, and some MOD-owned properties were later sold through companies like Annington. That leaves a sizeable amount of post-war housing stock, often with construction details typical of military housing. Our surveyors know these property types well and understand the points that need checking.

Recent years have brought substantial new housing development to the Wittering area, with Harriers Rest on Lawrence Road delivering new homes through Allison Homes and Accent Housing. The scheme offers a mix of 2, 3, and 4-bedroom houses, with shared ownership properties starting from around £185,000 through Accent Housing’s housing association arm. Lancaster Place, developed by Annington, also provides new terraced and semi-detached homes in the village, giving buyers more modern options.

New build homes do come with modern construction and warranties such as NHBC cover, but a Level 2 survey is still valuable for spotting defects that have appeared since construction or problems with build quality. Our surveyors can judge workmanship, check that fixtures and fittings have been installed properly, and identify snagging issues that need the developer’s attention. Even fresh properties can hide defects that a non-specialist might miss, including inadequate insulation, poorly fitted windows, or drainage issues.

One benefit of a Level 2 survey on a new build is that it gives you an independent, professional view of the property’s condition. That matters, because the developer’s own checks may not pick up every defect. If we find issues, the report can support an NHBC warranty claim or back a request for the developer to sort specific problems before completion. Our survey gives you confirmation that the new home is in good condition and meets expected standards.