Whether you're buying your first home in Maidstone, investing in a cottage near Canterbury, or renovating a property in Ashford, Kent’s housing market offers a wide range of opportunities — and hidden risks.
At BuildPerception, we carry out hundreds of property surveys in Kent every year. Here are the five most common issues we find — and why it pays to uncover them early.
1. Damp and Moisture Penetration
Damp is one of the most widespread problems in Kent properties, particularly in older homes or poorly ventilated spaces.
Look out for:
Musty smells
Peeling paint or wallpaper
Staining on ceilings or walls
Mould in corners or around windows
Where in Kent?
Coastal towns like Folkestone, Whitstable, and Herne Bay are more prone to condensation and penetrating damp due to high humidity and sea air.
2. Roof Defects
Roof problems are often missed during viewings but can lead to serious repair costs later. Common issues include missing tiles, faulty flashing, or sagging roof structures.
Spotting signs:
Uneven roofline from the street
Water stains in the loft
Interior leaks after heavy rain
Debris or moss in gutters
Where in Kent?
Many properties in Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells feature older, pitched roofs with clay tiles that degrade over time.
3. Subsidence and Ground Movement
Subsidence is more common in areas of clay-rich soil, which expands and contracts with moisture changes. This can cause movement in the structure and serious long-term issues.
Warning signs:
Diagonal cracks near windows or doors
Doors sticking or not closing properly
Sloping floors
Where in Kent?
Parts of Maidstone, Gravesend, and the Medway towns are known for clay soils that contribute to shifting foundations.
4. Poor Loft Insulation or Ventilation
A lack of insulation or ventilation in loft spaces can cause energy inefficiency, condensation, and even timber decay.
Signs to look for:
Cold drafts upstairs
Water marks on the loft timbers
Black mould or mildew in the attic
Where in Kent?
Newer builds in areas like Ashford may meet minimum insulation standards but still suffer from poor airflow.
5. Unregulated Extensions and Alterations
DIY or poorly executed extensions and loft conversions are common — but often done without proper building regs or planning permission.
Check for:
Uneven flooring
Out-of-place materials
No certification or sign-off paperwork
Rooms that “don’t feel quite right”
Where in Kent?
Popular commuter towns like Dartford and Tonbridge often see heavy renovation activity as homeowners expand instead of moving.
How a Property Survey Helps
A professional RICS Homebuyer Report or Building Survey from BuildPerception identifies all of these issues (and more) before you commit. We provide:
In-depth inspections by qualified surveyors
Clear, easy-to-read reports with photos
Advice on repairs and estimated costs
Peace of mind before purchase
Don’t risk buying blind — especially in Kent, where older homes and mixed soil conditions can hide expensive surprises.
Final Thoughts: Don't Let Hidden Issues Cost You
Every home has quirks, but some can become serious money pits. A professional survey gives you the information you need to negotiate, plan repairs, or walk away with confidence.
Based in Kent, our team at BuildPerception brings local insight, RICS expertise, and friendly advice — with no jargon.
Need a property survey in Kent?
📞 Call us on 01303 656066 or visit www.buildperception.com/instant-quote
📧 Or email us at alan@buildperception.com – we’ll respond within 24 hours.
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