RICS Level 3 Survey in Oare

Oare sits in the ME13 postcode area of Kent, a patchwork of property ages and building styles. The village has Grade II Listed English cottages that speak to its history, and many homes may date from the 18th or 19th century. Charming as they are, older properties often hide issues that only a proper structural survey will pick up. Brick, timber and lime-based mortars are all part of the story, and they need specialist eyes.

Housing here is far from uniform, with detached properties averaging around £725,000, semi-detached homes at approximately £470,000, and terraced properties at £280,000. That spread says plenty about the financial weight of buying in Oare, so a Level 3 Survey is a sensible spend. Age-related problems can sit beneath the surface, from roof structure concerns and damp penetration to foundation movements, and a quick viewing will not always spot them.

Kent’s geology brings its own set of quirks. The county includes chalk, clay and greensand formations, all of which can influence ground conditions and how foundations perform. We did not identify specific shrink-swell data for Oare, yet clay soils in parts of Kent can still trigger movement when the seasons turn. Our RICS Level 3 Survey looks at those ground-related risks and gives a fuller picture of the building’s structural integrity.

Oare sits within the wider Faversham area, where new build activity includes the Faversham Lakes development. A modern home and a historic cottage ask for very different checks, so a survey makes sense either way. Our inspectors know traditional Kentish construction as well as newer methods, and that helps us spot problems linked to age, materials and build type.

• Complete structural assessment
• Detailed defect analysis
• Insurance reinstatement calculations
• Specialist inspection of accessible areas

Some homes benefit more than others from a RICS Level 3 Survey. A Grade II Listed property in Oare is one of them, and we would strongly recommend this level of inspection. Listed buildings often have unusual details and call for knowledge of older building methods. We understand the implications of listing status and can point out issues that may affect future alterations or renovations.

Properties built before 1900 often raise questions that a basic survey will not touch. These older buildings tend to use traditional methods that differ sharply from modern construction. Lime mortar, timber frame elements and historic roof structures all need an experienced assessment. With Listed cottages in Oare, that kind of property is not a rare find.

Large houses, unusual buildings and homes that have been heavily altered all justify the more detailed approach of a Level 3 Survey. If the Oare property you are buying has been extended or modified, we will assess the quality of those works and flag any construction concerns. The result is a report that gives you the facts you need before deciding how to proceed.

Even newer homes around Faversham Lakes can benefit from a Level 3 Survey if they have been significantly changed or if you want the fullest assessment available. Given the average property values in Oare, where even a small percentage of the purchase price is a meaningful sum, that extra detail often proves worthwhile.

• Pre-1900 properties
• Listed buildings
• Unusual construction methods
• Extended or modified properties
• Large detached homes

Your RICS Level 3 Survey report is laid out clearly, so the condition of the property is easy to follow. Each defect gets a severity rating, which helps you work out what needs attention first. We include photographs of key findings too, so the issues are easier to picture. The aim is simple, to give you the information needed to move ahead with confidence.

The report also covers legal considerations and flags anything that may need further review by your conveyancing solicitor. That could include rights of way, planning permissions for alterations or building regulation compliance for extensions. Dealing with these points early can save headaches later in the transaction.

After the report is delivered, our team stays on hand if any part of the survey needs explanation. Buying a property is a major financial commitment, and we want you to understand the condition of your potential new home in full. That after-sales support is part of how we look after people through the survey process.

We set out estimated repair costs in the report, along with professional advice on the most suitable way to put defects right. That helps with budgeting and gives a clearer view of the property’s long-term maintenance needs. For listed buildings in Oare, we also give specific guidance on traditional building methods and materials that may be needed for repairs.