Building & Property Surveying Services

Level 3 Building Survey in Crowborough

The Level 3 building survey (formerly known as a full structural survey) is the most thorough and detailed survey available. It is the gold standard for property buyers in Crowborough and across East Sussex — particularly for older, larger or unusual properties.

Our RICS building surveyors carry out a meticulous inspection of every accessible part of the building, from the roof structure to the foundations. We use thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters and other specialist equipment to uncover hidden defects that a visual inspection alone might miss.

The resulting survey report runs to dozens of pages, covering the condition of every element, repair recommendations, cost guidance and — crucially — advice on what to do next. We follow up every report with a call to walk you through the findings.

• Full inspection of all accessible parts of the building
• Thermal imaging and moisture survey
• Detailed structural survey report in plain English
• Defect ratings (Condition 1, 2 & 3)
• Repair recommendations and indicative cost guidance
• Post-survey telephone consultation included
• Report delivered within 5 working days

RICS Home Survey & Homebuyer Report

The RICS Home Survey Level 2 — often called a homebuyer report — is the most popular survey choice for buyers of conventional residential properties in Crowborough and East Sussex. It strikes the right balance between depth of detail and cost.

Think of it as a professional health check for the property. Our RICS surveyors inspect the main elements of the building, identify any significant defects and rate each area using a clear traffic-light system (Condition Ratings 1, 2 and 3). The Level 2 report also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure.

One of our clients, a first-time buyer purchasing a 1970s detached house in Crowborough, told us their homebuyer report spotted a significant roof covering defect and issues with the central heating system — information that allowed them to renegotiate over £5,000 off the asking price. The survey cost a fraction of that saving.

• Inspection of all visible and accessible areas
• RICS Condition Ratings for each element
• Market valuation (with Level 2 with Valuation option)
• Insurance reinstatement cost estimate
• Risk assessment for legal and environmental issues
• Post-survey telephone consultation

Party Wall Surveys & Agreements in Crowborough

If you are planning to build an extension, convert a loft, excavate new foundations or carry out any work on or near a shared boundary wall, you will almost certainly need to comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We are experienced party wall surveyors serving property owners throughout East Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

Robert Ashley, our party wall specialist, has handled hundreds of party wall matters — from simple single-storey rear extensions to complex multi-level developments affecting multiple neighbours. He is known for his calm, methodical approach and his ability to resolve disputes without the need for costly litigation.

• Party wall notices served on your behalf
• Party wall awards drafted and agreed
• Acting for building owners or adjoining owners
• Schedules of condition before works begin
• Advice on dispute resolution
• Agreed surveyor appointments available

Property Valuations for Every Purpose

Our RICS registered valuers provide accurate, independent property valuations for a wide range of purposes. Whether you need a valuation for a mortgage, for Help to Buy redemption, for probate or for a matrimonial dispute, we deliver a reliable, RICS-compliant report that will stand up to scrutiny.

Sarah Pemberton leads our valuation work and has an outstanding track record of producing fair, well-reasoned valuations that are accepted by lenders, the Help to Buy agent, HMRC and the courts.

• Mortgage and lending valuations
• Help to Buy equity loan redemption valuations
• Probate and inheritance tax valuations
• Matrimonial and family law valuations
• Shared ownership staircasing valuations
• Capital gains tax valuations
• Insurance reinstatement cost assessments

Schedules of Condition Across East Sussex

A schedule of condition is a detailed photographic and written record of a property's state at a specific point in time. They are essential documents for tenants entering a lease (to limit dilapidations liability), for property owners embarking on renovation projects, and for anyone whose property is adjacent to construction work.

We produce comprehensive schedules of condition for residential and commercial properties throughout East Sussex, Kent and Surrey. Our reports are clear, systematic and stand up to scrutiny — whether that is at the end of a lease or in legal proceedings.

• Tenant protection at lease commencement
• Protection from neighbour's construction works
• Pre-renovation baseline documentation
• Party wall condition records
• Residential and commercial properties

Expert Witness Surveying Services

When a property dispute reaches court or tribunal, you need a surveyor who can present clear, impartial and authoritative evidence. Robert Ashley has provided expert witness reports and oral evidence in numerous county court and tribunal proceedings across the South East.

Our expert witness reports comply fully with Civil Procedure Rules Part 35 and are structured to assist the court rather than simply advocate for one side — which is exactly what a good expert witness should do. Instructing solicitors and barristers consistently praise the clarity and robustness of our reports.

• Single joint expert appointments
• Party-instructed expert reports
• Building defect investigations
• Negligent survey claims
• Construction dispute quantum advice
• Oral evidence at hearings

Dilapidations Surveys & Assessments

Dilapidations disputes — disagreements between landlords and tenants over the condition of a property at lease end — can be costly and contentious. Our dilapidations service helps both landlords and tenants navigate this process fairly and efficiently.

We prepare terminal and interim schedules of dilapidations, assess whether items are reasonable under the lease and the Leasehold Property (Repairs) Act, and provide robust costings for repair works. We also represent clients in dilapidations negotiations, helping to achieve fair settlements without the need for court action.

• Terminal schedules of dilapidations (for landlords)
• Scott Schedule responses (for tenants)
• Dilapidations negotiations
• Interim inspections during lease term
• Diminution valuations
• Residential and commercial properties