Chartered Surveyors in Portsmouth

As independent chartered surveyors serving Portsmouth and Hampshire, Whitecroft Surveyors provides comprehensive property surveys backed by years of local expertise. Our team provides detailed reports on residential and commercial properties, which are RICS-regulated, thereby helping you to make informed decisions.

Whether you are looking for home buyer reports or complete building surveys, we offer professional advice at every stage. You may be buying your first house or even doing some renovations; our personal and trustworthy approach will make sure that you know what you are buying.

Why is Portsmouth a Good Place to Buy a Property?

Portsmouth offers an exceptional blend of maritime heritage and modern living. As the UK's only island city, it has a distinctive character shaped by its naval history and coastal location. The Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, sits alongside the striking Spinnaker Tower and the bustling Gunwharf Quays development, where waterside apartments overlook the harbour.

Around the waterfront, there are great educational institutions like the University of Portsmouth and transport connections that have direct trains to London and ferries to the Isle of Wight and France. There is something to be found in the city, whether it is a small independent cafe or a wide variety of restaurants in Southsea and Old Portsmouth.

The architecture of Portsmouth is very diverse. Many residential areas are typified by Victorian and Edwardian terraces, with the waterfront being altered by modern apartment developments. The local property market is typified by large family homes, converted flats and new builds. Whatever property you see, a professional survey by Whitecroft Surveyors will help you know the state of the property before you commit to buying it.

Home Condition Report Portsmouth (RICS Level 1)

For modern properties in good condition, our RICS Level 1 Condition Report offers a straightforward assessment. This option checks for urgent structural problems using a traffic light system to highlight any issues requiring immediate attention.

While less detailed than other surveys, it provides peace of mind for newer builds or recently constructed properties. However, we generally recommend at least a Level 2 survey for most property purchases, as it offers significantly more insight into the building's condition.

HomeBuyer Report Portsmouth (RICS Level 2)

If you're considering a conventional property built in the last century without extensive alterations, our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report typically provides the right level of detail. This mid-range option suits standard homes where you're not planning major renovations.

Our survey uses a straightforward traffic light rating system to assess the property's condition. The report covers:

Background information on the property and its location.
Assessment of all key building elements.
Identification of timber and damp issues.
Review of drainage and insulation.
Evaluation of services, including electrics and heating.

You may also add a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost in case you would like to know that the price asked is the true value of the property. This extra information is useful to many clients in making their final decision.

Your report will give you all you need to move on with the deal or raise any issues with the vendor.

Building Survey Portsmouth (RICS Level 3)

Our RICS Level 3 Building Survey provides an in-depth investigation in the case of older properties, or homes that were built without using proper standards. This detailed analysis is particularly handy when you are planning significant renovations.

This thorough survey examines:

Serious defects, including subsidence, structural movement, and dampness.
Woodworm infestations and timber decay.
Potential problems from hidden flaws.
All visible defects throughout the property.
Detailed repair recommendations with photographs.
Guidance on further investigations that may be needed.
Implications of not addressing identified issues.

Portsmouth's property stock ranges from Georgian townhouses to Victorian terraces, many with unique construction methods or period features. Our Level 3 survey gives you a complete understanding of the building's condition and what work may be required.

Specialist Survey Services in Portsmouth

Beyond our core RICS surveys, Whitecroft Surveyors offers a comprehensive range of property inspection and consultancy services:

Property Inspections

Damp and Timber Reports for moisture and infestation concerns
Roof Surveys for detailed condition assessments
Cavity Wall Tie Surveys to check structural integrity
Schedules of Condition for documenting the property state
Snagging Surveys for new build properties

Limited Defect Reports

If you've noticed a specific issue like cracks, roof problems, damp patches, or signs of deterioration, we can investigate and provide a focused report. This targeted approach examines the particular concern in detail and recommends appropriate action.

Architectural Design Services

Planning extensions, renovations, or repairs? Our architectural design services include measured surveys and design work to help bring your property vision to life.

Construction Consultancy

We also provide project management, procurement advice, contract formation, and site inspections to ensure your building work runs smoothly and to specification.

Valuations

Our matrimonial valuation services provide accurate, RICS-compliant property valuations for divorce and separation proceedings.

Our Coverage Area

Based in Hampshire, Whitecroft Surveyors serves Portsmouth and the wider South Coast region, including Southampton, Winchester, Chichester, Bournemouth, and areas across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey, and West Sussex. Our local knowledge extends throughout the New Forest, Salisbury, Romsey, and the surrounding communities.

Why Choose Whitecroft Surveyors?

Being an independent company of RICS-registered chartered building surveyors, we take pride in providing a reliable and professional service. We are community-based, which implies that we take time to know what you need and what concerns you and give you straightforward advice that you can rely on.

Whether you are looking to book a survey or just want to talk about which service fits your property, our friendly staff is ready to assist you. Our long-term experience in the local property environment, including Southsea and Old Portsmouth, Victorian terraces and modern apartments, helps us to know the peculiarities and difficulties of local structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a Level 2 and Level 3 survey?

A Level 2 survey Portsmouth (Previously Homebuyers Report) is suitable for modern, standard homes. An RICS Home Survey Level 3 (Previously Building Survey or Full Structural Survey) goes into far greater detail and includes itemised costs of repairs suitable for older, larger, and non-standard homes.

2. What areas in Portsmouth do you cover?

Our surveying services in Portsmouth cover Southsea, Old Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quays, Fratton, Eastney, Copner, North End, Hilsea and surrounding Hampshire areas.

3. Can you help with advice after the survey is done?

Yes, our expert surveyors are happy to provide you with valuable inputs and advice once the survey is completed.

4. Do I need a survey for a new-build property?

For a new property, you may not require any survey; however, a Level 1 survey or snagging survey can be done to detect any construction defects in the property or cosmetic issues.