Surveyors in Lewes

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Your local, independent building surveyors for Lewes and towns across East Sussex and the South Downs

For more than 20 years, Tate Surveying Services has helped homeowners make the right property decisions across East Sussex. Whether you’re buying your first home, maintaining your current one, or managing an insurance claim, we’re here to help with clear, expert advice.

We provide RICS Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys, party wall guidance and insurance claim assistance – all delivered by qualified, local surveyors who understand the varied property styles of Lewes and the surrounding area.

Our reports are written in plain English, with practical recommendations and clear next steps so you can make informed decisions about your property. We’re always happy to talk you through any parts of your survey that you’d like explained.

There’s a reason so many homeowners in East Sussex trust Tate Surveying.

FAQ's

No. They are very different. A mortgage valuation is carried out for the lender’s benefit – it confirms the property’s value for loan purposes only. A RICS HomeBuyers Survey Level 2 or Full Building Survey Level 3 gives you an independent, detailed picture of the building’s true condition and highlights any defects or repairs before you buy.

Once your offer has been accepted but before you exchange contracts. This ensures you’re fully informed about the property before committing. Our Lewes surveyors can often arrange inspections quickly to keep your purchase moving.

The type of survey you have depends on the property’s age, type and condition.

  • Level 2 (HomeBuyers Survey): for newer, standard homes in reasonable condition.
  • Level 3 (Full Building Survey): for older, altered or listed buildings – common in and around Lewes.

Our local surveyors can help you decide which option is right for your purchase.

A RICS Level 2 survey identifies major issues such as damp, movement or roof defects and gives a clear overview of the property’s general condition. However, it doesn’t include intrusive checks like lifting floors or drilling walls. For older or unusual homes, a Level 3 survey provides a more in-depth review.

Even new homes can benefit from an independent survey. Although most properties less than 10 years old come with a builder’s warranty, a survey can uncover workmanship issues or defects you’ll want addressed before the warranty expires. Our Lewes surveyors provide impartial advice to protect your investment.

No, surveys aren’t a legal requirement but they are highly recommended. A survey helps you understand exactly what you’re buying and can save you from unexpected costs later. Many Lewes buyers use their survey findings to renegotiate or plan repairs before completion.

The level of survey you have depends on the detail you need and the type of property.

  • Level 2: for modern, conventional homes in good order.
  • Level 3: for older, extended or non-traditional properties, or if you plan renovations.

We’ll always recommend the level that best suits your situation – never more than necessary.

Look for a RICS-registered surveyor with strong local knowledge and clear, accessible reporting. Our Lewes-based surveyors know the area’s Georgian, Victorian and modern housing stock well, and provide honest, practical guidance throughout the process.

A party wall is the shared wall or structure separating two properties – most often found between terraced or semi-detached homes. If you plan to extend, convert a loft or carry out work near a boundary, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply.

We’ll guide you through each step, serving the necessary notices and acting as impartial party wall surveyors.

If your property suffers damage from fire, flood, storm or another insured event, we can assess the damage, prepare reports for your insurer and oversee reinstatement works. We don’t carry out the repairs ourselves, but our Lewes team ensures all reinstatement works are completed to a professional standard.

Damp is one of the most common issues found in both older and newer properties. Your report will outline the likely cause. If further investigation is needed, we can carry out a detailed damp assessment in your Lewes home and suggest practical, cost-effective remedies.

We’ll assess the size, condition and proximity of trees to the building and flag anything that might need attention in future.

Trees add value and character when managed well, and we can advise if an arborist inspection would be worthwhile.

Need advice before booking your survey?

Our RICS-qualified and experienced surveyors are happy to answer any questions and recommend the most suitable survey – with clear, honest advice and no pressure to commit.

Call us today on 01273 031616.

Life in Lewes: full of history, culture and character

Lewes is one of East Sussex’s most distinctive market towns, known for its medieval streets, independent shops and strong sense of community. It’s the county town and home to 18,000 people, with 80,000 more people populating the many surrounding villages and district.

Set within the South Downs National Park and overlooking the River Ouse, it offers a perfect balance of rural charm and modern convenience. Property-wise, you’ll find a history lesson of houses from the medieval and Tudor, to Georgian and Victorian, right up to modern and contemporary homes.

Public transport

Lewes Railway Station has direct services to London Victoria, Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings, while the A26 and A27 link the town with the coast and surrounding countryside – making it ideal for both commuters and those seeking the sea.

Schools and health services

Lewes is very well served for primary and secondary schools, both state run and independent. For healthcare, residents benefit from GP surgeries, several under the umbrella of Foundry Healthcare Lewes. NHS-managed Lewes Victoria Hospital also sits in the town.

Shops and leisure

The High Street is lined with independent retailers, galleries, cafés and restaurants, along with weekly and farmers’ markets. There’s a thriving arts and cultural scene, with the Depot Cinema, Lewes Little Theatre and multiple festivals throughout the year, including the legendary Lewes Bonfire Night.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the many walking trails across the Downs and along the River Ouse.

Places of interest

Lewes Castle, Anne of Cleves House and the historic Cliffe Bridge are key landmarks, dating back through time. In fact, Lewes is steeped in history, filled with landmarks, and features prominently in many books and historical studies of Sussex.

Brighton, Glyndebourne, Worthing and the Sussex coast are all within a short drive – making Lewes a fantastic place to live, work and explore.