RICS Level 3 Building Survey Eye, Peterborough

Our RICS Level 3 survey, also called a building survey, goes much further than a basic visual inspection. When our inspectors visit a potential property in Eye, they look closely at the whole structure, walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, doors and windows. They assess the condition of each part, pick out defects or likely problems, and set out what that means for the property’s overall condition and your future maintenance duties. We photograph all significant findings and give clear, plain-English explanations so you know exactly what you are buying.

Eye’s geology means our inspectors keep a close eye out for movement, cracking or subsidence linked to the clay soils found across the Peterborough area. The shrink-swell behaviour of those clay soils is made worse by the region’s seasonal weather, with prolonged dry summers followed by wet winters often leading to noticeable ground movement. Our surveyors are trained to pick up the subtle clues, such as diagonal cracking near windows and doors, doors that stick or fail to close properly, and uneven floors. We will tell you if a further specialist check is needed, perhaps a structural engineer’s assessment or an underpinning inspection.

We also look carefully at flat roofs on garages and extensions, which are common on properties throughout the village and can deteriorate over time. Flat roofs usually have a limited lifespan, typically 15-25 years depending on the materials used, and many properties in Eye still have original coverings that are now nearing, or have passed, that point. Our inspectors note the condition of any flat roofs, check for ponding water, and advise on replacement timescales and likely costs. That matters especially where garages have been added to properties over the years.

The survey includes a detailed check of the property’s services, including electrical and plumbing installations, which matter even more in older homes that may have outdated systems. We cannot test behind walls or inside the electrical consumer unit, but we can identify visual signs of age, wear or non-compliance with current regulations. Where we find older fuse boxes, original plumbing with lead or galvanised steel pipes, or incomplete electrical testing records, we recommend specialist reports from qualified electricians and plumbers before you complete the purchase.

For anyone looking at newer properties in Eye, including the homes at Cranmore House on Thorney Road or the Allison Homes development off Eyebury Road, our Level 3 survey still adds real value. Newer builds may have fewer structural concerns, but we can still spot snagging issues, judge the quality of construction, and check that everything has been finished to an acceptable standard. Even new homes can have defects that need attention before they turn into bigger problems. With Cranmore House offering 2-4 bedroom houses at prices from £255,000 to £350,000, and the Allison Homes development providing 265 new homes, these are major purchases that deserve the same careful scrutiny as older properties.

Eye has changed a great deal over recent decades, shifting from a traditional Cambridgeshire village into a busy commuter settlement for Peterborough. The housing stock shows that change clearly, with historic homes in the village centre built in traditional Fletton brick sitting alongside newer brick and render properties from different phases of development. Knowing what to expect from each type of property is essential when buying in the area. The village’s historic core also includes several listed buildings, so understanding how those homes have been altered over the years is a key part of our assessment.

Many of the older homes in Eye were built using methods common across Cambridgeshire, including solid walls that can be vulnerable to damp if they are not properly maintained. These properties often still have older roof coverings that may now need renewal, plus original windows and doors that, while full of character, may not meet modern expectations for insulation or security. Our Level 3 survey looks at these features in detail and gives you realistic views on their condition and how long they are likely to last. We will check for penetrating damp, rising damp and condensation, all common issues in older solid-walled properties built before modern damp-proof courses became standard.

The newer developments, especially those built since the early 2000s, bring a different set of points to think about. While they are generally constructed to modern standards, defects can still emerge as the buildings settle. The Allison Homes development off Eyebury Road, which received planning approval for 265 homes with construction starting in early 2025, is the latest addition to Eye’s housing stock. Properties on that scale need the same careful inspection as any other purchase so you know you are getting what you pay for. New build defects can include poor insulation in cavity walls, badly fitted windows and doors, and problems with the original fixtures and fittings.

Eye’s location near the River Nene and the Nene Washes means the village itself is generally at lower flood risk than the low-lying Fenland areas to the east, but surface water flooding can still happen during heavy rainfall. We check for signs of previous water ingress, look at how effective the existing drainage systems are, and advise on any flood resilience measures that may suit the property. If you are looking at a home in an area with any flood history, we can talk you through the steps that may help protect your investment.

Knowing how properties in Eye are built helps our inspectors give accurate assessments and practical advice. Brick is the main building material in the area, with traditional Fletton brick especially common in older homes. Fletton brick, made from clay found locally in the Peterborough area, has been used widely in Cambridgeshire construction since the 19th century. It is durable, but it can be more porous than modern bricks, so homes may be more exposed to damp penetration if they are not properly maintained with decent eaves ventilation and pointing.

Many older properties in Eye were built with solid walls rather than the cavity walls that became standard from the 1920s onwards. Solid walls have no cavity to provide insulation or moisture resistance, so they can be more prone to damp, especially where external render or pointing has deteriorated. Our surveyors assess the condition of any render or external wall finishes and advise on whether existing, or possible, internal wall insulation is suitable. If you are considering a solid-walled property, we can also talk through ways to improve thermal efficiency without creating damp problems.

Roof construction in Eye varies according to the age of the property. Traditional homes usually have pitched roofs with slate or clay tile coverings, while newer properties may have concrete tile roofs or flat roofs on extensions and garages. We inspect all roof types, checking the structure, covering, flashing and gutters. For properties with original slate roofs, we assess the slates and any lead flashings, which may have reached the end of their expected lifespan. Flat roofs, often found on garage additions and kitchen extensions across Eye, need special attention because they have a limited lifespan and can develop leaks that lead to structural damage if they are left unresolved.

Extensions and alterations are common across Eye’s housing stock, and our inspectors pay particular attention to how these have been built and whether they meet building regulations. Many older properties have been extended over time, sometimes using less than ideal construction methods. We check the junction between the original building and any extension, look for movement or water penetration, and assess whether the extension has been properly tied into the main structure. That is especially important for homes with conservatories added, as these often suffer from condensation, leaks or structural movement.