Fast turnaround
The reports are a fast turnaround while still being accurate, so you'll have everything you need in no time.
RICS qualified
You can trust our reports as they are all regulated by RICS, assuring standards and professional guidance.
Traffic-light ratings
Each report comes with a handy traffic-light system to illustrate all aspects of the property clearly.
Leicestershire's property market
Leicestershire's housing stock ranges from stone-built villages around Charnwood Forest to Georgian and Victorian market town properties in Loughborough and Melton Mowbray, with farmhouses and converted barns throughout the rural Vale of Belvoir and the wider countryside.
Which survey do you need?
Property surveys in Leicestershire - what to look out for
Ancient rock and quarrying around Charnwood Forest
Charnwood Forest contains some of the oldest exposed rocks in England, dating back over 600 million years, and the Mountsorrel quarry nearby is one of the largest sources of igneous rock aggregate in Britain, producing around 15 million tonnes a year. Villages close to active or former quarrying operations, including those around Mountsorrel and Markfield, can experience blasting vibration or dust as a normal feature of living in the area. A Level 3 survey will assess the condition of any property near these quarries and flag visible signs of vibration-related wear.
The Vale of Belvoir coalfield
The Vale of Belvoir in north-east Leicestershire sits above a concealed coalfield, though only the Asfordby colliery was developed before closing in 1997, meaning the mining legacy here is far more limited than in traditional coalfield counties. Buyers in this part of the county can still ask their solicitor to check Coal Authority records as a precaution, particularly for older properties showing signs of ground movement. A Level 3 survey is the appropriate choice if any structural cracks are found.
Swithland slate roofing on older properties
Villages throughout Charnwood, including Swithland itself, traditionally used local slate for roofing, a material quarried from the same ancient rock formations found across the forest. Swithland slate has a distinctive grey-green colour and texture that differs from Welsh slate, and matching repairs can be more difficult to source. A Level 3 survey will assess the roof's condition and note whether any previous repairs used a compatible material.
Listed buildings in stone-built Charnwood villages
Villages including Woodhouse Eaves and Quorn contain a concentration of stone-built listed buildings reflecting their long history as settlements on the edge of Charnwood Forest. Any external or internal alteration to a listed property in these areas requires consent, and unauthorised work can affect a buyer's ability to obtain a mortgage or insurance. A surveyor familiar with the area will flag any alterations that appear to lack the necessary approval.
Rural farmhouses and converted hosiery buildings
The countryside around the Vale of Belvoir and the wider county is dominated by period farmhouses, many with later additions of varying quality, alongside a number of smaller former hosiery buildings in villages that have been converted into residential use, distinct from the larger factory conversions found in Leicester itself. These properties frequently rely on private drainage systems and may include outbuildings that fall outside the scope of a standard residential survey. A Level 3 survey is the appropriate choice for any rural property of this type, and buyers should ask specifically about private drainage and the condition of any converted outbuildings.
Damp and old wiring in market town terraces
Georgian and Victorian terraces in Loughborough and Melton Mowbray typically have solid walls without a cavity, making them prone to penetrating and rising damp where original damp proof courses have failed. Old wiring is also a frequent finding in properties of this age that have not been fully modernised. A Level 3 survey will assess both more thoroughly than a Level 2.
A smooth and informative service
From making my initial enquiry for an estimate online to speaking to Joshua to accept the estimate was smooth and informative. Joshua was polite, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, he explained the next process clearly and within a few hours, I had an email confirming that I had a date book for my survey within a week. I cannot ask for a better level of service.
Arrange your Leicestershire survey with Surveyor Local
Get an online quote or call now on to talk to our friendly team.
Property surveys in Leicestershire - what to look out for
Is a survey a legal requirement?
No. There is no legal requirement in England or Wales for a buyer to commission a survey before purchasing a property. However, it is strongly recommended. A mortgage valuation arranged by your lender only confirms the property is worth what you are borrowing. It does not assess the building's condition. Without an independent survey, structural problems, damp, roof defects and other costly issues can go undetected until after completion.
What is the difference between a mortgage valuation and a survey?
A mortgage valuation is arranged by your lender to confirm the property is suitable security for the loan. It is not a structural inspection and will not flag defects. An independent RICS survey, whether Level 2 or Level 3, is commissioned by you as the buyer and assesses the actual condition of the building, giving you the information you need before committing to the purchase.
Can I use survey findings to negotiate the price?
Yes, and it is common practice. If a survey reveals significant defects such as roof repairs, damp, structural movement or outdated services, you can use the estimated cost of remedial works to renegotiate the agreed price with the seller. In some cases buyers also request that the seller carries out repairs before exchange. A survey report from a RICS qualified surveyor carries weight in these negotiations.
Do I need a survey if I am a cash buyer?
Yes. Without a mortgage lender commissioning their own valuation, there is no independent check on the property's condition at all. A survey protects your investment regardless of how you are funding the purchase, and cash buyers in particular have no fallback if serious defects emerge after completion.
How long does a property survey take?
A Level 2 survey typically takes two to three hours on site. A Level 3 survey on a larger or more complex property can take a full day. Reports are usually returned within five working days of the inspection.
Is a mining search necessary in the Vale of Belvoir?
It is worth checking as a precaution, although the mining legacy here is far more limited than in traditional coalfield counties. Only the Asfordby colliery was developed in this concealed coalfield before it closed in 1997. A coal mining search through your solicitor will confirm whether any records exist for a specific address, and a Level 3 survey is advisable for any property showing signs of ground movement.
What survey do I need for a property near a quarry in Charnwood?
A Level 3 building survey is a sensible choice for any property close to an active or former quarry around Mountsorrel or Markfield. Vibration from blasting and general quarry activity can affect older buildings over time, and a Level 3 will assess the property for any wear linked to this. It will also note whether previous repairs to a slate roof used a compatible material.
Is a Level 2 survey suitable for a Georgian terrace in Loughborough or Melton Mowbray?
For most Georgian and Victorian terraces in these market towns, a Level 3 building survey is the stronger choice. These properties have solid walls without a cavity, and damp is a frequently recorded issue where damp proof courses have failed over time. A Level 3 will assess the likely cause of any damp or movement and give a clearer picture of the repairs needed before you commit.