RICS Level 3 Building Survey in Collier Street

Collier Street’s property market is shaped by high-value period homes that ask serious money from buyers. Recent sales have landed 40% above the 2023 peak, which shows how sharply prices have moved. That premium attracts people who want character, but older houses can hide faults that only a detailed structural survey will uncover. We also see buyers drawn here from urban areas because they want commutable distances to London without losing the feel of a village and the sort of unique properties that come with it.

Chequer Tree Farmhouse is one of several 17th-century Grade II listed buildings that show the area’s architectural history. These homes are appealing, yet they need a surveyor who understands traditional materials and the way they were put together. Our RICS Level 3 surveys look at every accessible part of the property, from the roof structure through to the foundations, so you get a clear picture of its condition. Buying a listed building brings extra duties as well, and our reports cover maintenance advice that helps preserve character while dealing with any structural concerns.

Buildings of this age were put together using methods and materials that are very different from modern construction. Lime mortar, oak framing and traditional roof coverings all have their own maintenance needs and weak spots, and our inspectors know exactly where to look. A Level 3 survey identifies current defects, likely future problems and the kind of ongoing upkeep that can save a lot of money later on. We have inspected many properties in Yalding, Marden and Paddock Wood too, so we know the construction types that are common across this part of Kent.

Collier Street sits in the Kentish Weald, a region with a long tradition of turning agricultural buildings into homes. Those conversions can be tricky, because a barn or oast house was not always designed with domestic use in mind. Our surveys check whether the work was done properly, including whether the right planning and building regulation approvals were in place and whether the standard of work is acceptable. In Collier Street, where these conversions are common, that sort of check matters a great deal.

• Comprehensive structural inspection
• Detailed defect analysis
• Historical construction assessment
• Future maintenance recommendations
• Insurance reinstatement cost guidance

Period properties built with traditional Kentish methods make up most of the housing stock in Collier Street. A lot of the older houses were built with solid brick walls, usually 9 inches thick or more, and without the cavity space found in modern buildings. That matters because solid walls are more prone to damp penetration and need different treatment. Our surveyors inspect them closely, looking for damp, salt migration and mortar joint deterioration.

In older Collier Street properties, timber framing is another feature we often come across, especially in buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. They may have exposed oak beams and joists, which are attractive but can also raise concerns if wood-boring insects or fungal decay have taken hold. Our inspectors probe accessible timber carefully, checking for active beetle infestation or rot that could affect the structure. We also look at any previous timber treatment and judge whether the current condition is stable or needs ongoing monitoring.

The roofs on period homes here were usually made with heavy clay or slate tiles fixed to timber rafters. Over time, that load can cause deflection in the roof structure, so our surveyors check whether the rafters and purlins show signs of stress. We also inspect the tile hangs and look for slipped or missing tiles that could let water in. With so many older houses in Collier Street, we pay close attention to lead flashing and valley gutters, because those are common failure points on older roofs.

Plenty of properties in Collier Street have been extended over the years, and the standard of work varies quite a bit. Our Level 3 surveys include a full review of extensions and alterations, checking that they were properly built and that the junction between old and new work is weather-tight. Where possible, we also confirm that any listed building consents were obtained for changes to historic properties, since that can have real implications for future owners.

The RICS Level 3 Survey is the most detailed inspection option available, and we recommend it for properties in excess of 75 square metres, buildings of non-traditional construction and any home that has been significantly altered or extended. In Collier Street, where many properties date back centuries, that level of detail is essential if you want to buy with confidence. Because the village is dominated by high-value period homes, a Level 3 survey is especially well suited, since the cost of hidden defects can be substantial.

We examine the structure of the property, including the walls, floors, ceilings and roof framework. Our surveyors assess the fabric of the building, look for movement or structural stress, and check the visible damp proofing and insulation. The report includes detailed photographs of specific defects, an explanation of their likely cause and recommendations for remedial work where needed. We also use standardised defect categories, so the work can be prioritised more easily, with issues classed as urgent, important or for future monitoring.

Listed buildings in Collier Street bring extra considerations, and our surveyors understand what those are. We can comment on the condition of historic features, identify previous unsympathetic alterations and advise on maintenance approaches that preserve the building’s character while dealing with structural issues. That knowledge is valuable when you are buying a listed property, because future work may need listed building consent. Our surveyors are familiar with both Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings and can explain the implications of different kinds of deterioration.

The Level 3 survey also looks at the property’s energy efficiency and the condition of its building services. It is not as detailed as a full Energy Performance Certificate, but it does give useful guidance on the general thermal efficiency of the home and highlights any obvious problems with the heating system, plumbing and electrical installation. That is especially relevant for older Collier Street properties, where building services may have been updated piecemeal over the years and may not meet current standards.

• All structural elements
• Roof covering and framework
• Wall construction and condition
• Floor structures
• Damp and timber condition
• Services and utilities