We wont let your dream home become a nightmare
At Witcombe Surveying and Conservation Ltd., we take pride in delivering expert surveying and conservation services for period and Listed buildings in Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill, Cranbrook, and Rye. Our practice assists clients in determining whether to purchase, maintain, or enhance their properties, providing detailed estimates of the costs involved. We conduct Level 2 Home Buyers Reports for conventional properties built from the 1920s onwards, as well as comprehensive Level 3 Building and Structural Surveys for older or more substantial buildings, including those with solid walls. For those with specific concerns, our Defect Inspection Reports offer targeted analysis and practical guidance on issues such as dampness or structural faults.Our philosophy combines thorough technical expertise with a commitment to preserving historic character. David Witcombe (BSc, MSc, RICS, IHBC), our principal, personally oversees every survey, bringing over 20 years of award-winning experience to each assessment. By remaining fully independent and eschewing commissions or referral incentives, we ensure our advice is impartial and aligned with our clients' best interests. Specialising exclusively in pre-purchase surveys, we provide highly tailored reports that are both clear and comprehensive, equipping clients with the knowledge to make confident, informed decisions about their property investments while safeguarding the long-term heritage value of their homes.
Served areas
- Hastings, Rye, Bexhill, East Sussex, Cranbrook, Kent, Tenterden
Business details
- Year established: 2015
- Employees: 2
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- Level 3 Surveys
- Level 2 Surveys
- Defect Inspections
- Damp Surveys
Associations and certifications
- RICS
- MSc
- BSc
Payment methods
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Bank transfers
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Services
The Level 2 Survey offers a thorough inspection of homes constructed from the 1920s onwards, including those with cavity walls or timber framing. Our report highlights urgent repair requirements to safeguard the property, while also noting minor maintenance issues. It provides clear guidance without including cost estimates or valuations. Prospective clients may obtain a complimentary example survey to review the format and depth of analysis. 
We provide Level 3 Building Surveys tailored to period and substantial homes, offering meticulous examination from roof to foundation. Prior to inspection, we establish your priorities, then deliver a comprehensive report outlining key findings and recommendations. This ensures prospective buyers have expert guidance and clarity before committing to the purchase of their property.
At Witcombe Surveying and Conservation, we specialise in providing thorough building surveys for prospective homeowners, ensuring that every historic feature is carefully considered. For select projects, we also act as Historic Building Consultants, guiding clients through Listed Building Consent and planning regulations. Our team offers initial advice and can connect clients with trusted professionals to support their projects.
People
David Witcombe
MRICS MSc BSC (Hons)
David has had a long-standing interest in architecture, dating back to his early years. He began his BSc in Building Surveying in 1999 and gained work experience as a Surveyor from 2001 as part of his degree program before becoming a Chartered Surveyor in 2006. He went on to complete a part-time MSc in Building Conservation in 2012 and is scheduled to start another MSc in Timber Building Conservation.
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Reviews (9)
Californian Classics
Jan 07, 2025
Having had a meeting with David from Witcombe surveyors and subsequent discussions about the detail and thoroughness of their surveys I can categorically state that they are in my opinion the most thorough building surveyors we have ever dealt with and have a fantastic knowledge of traditional buildings, certainly we would not look anywhere else.
If you are looking for a surveyor with integrity and attention detail for your traditional house purchase look no further
If you are looking for a surveyor with integrity and attention detail for your traditional house purchase look no further
Ciarn Wilson
Dec 14, 2024
Charlotte
Nov 20, 2024
Vanessa Sauls
Aug 21, 2024
David Witcombe provided an exceptional service with his Level 3 Survey on a late Victorian property we had made an offer on.
The report he provided was thorough and realistic, which helped manage our expectation of the property's condition and necessary remedial works.
David went above and beyond in providing advice and reassurance, and his experience surveying period properties came through in the technical and anecdotal evidence he provided.
David was also available to answer a few follow up questions, which was great because it didn't make us feel as though his service ended on the day he delivered the Survey. Of course, we were mindful of his time commitments, but really appreciated his client service and approachability.
We will undoubtedly engage Witcombe's services again in the future, should the need arise. The value for money for the service we received was outstanding.
We highly recommend using Witcombe Surveying and Conservation for your property survey, particularly if you are looking to buy or sell a period property.
The report he provided was thorough and realistic, which helped manage our expectation of the property's condition and necessary remedial works.
David went above and beyond in providing advice and reassurance, and his experience surveying period properties came through in the technical and anecdotal evidence he provided.
David was also available to answer a few follow up questions, which was great because it didn't make us feel as though his service ended on the day he delivered the Survey. Of course, we were mindful of his time commitments, but really appreciated his client service and approachability.
We will undoubtedly engage Witcombe's services again in the future, should the need arise. The value for money for the service we received was outstanding.
We highly recommend using Witcombe Surveying and Conservation for your property survey, particularly if you are looking to buy or sell a period property.
Daxa Parmar
Jun 03, 2024
We have used David's excellent surveying services twice this year and each time they have proven to be exceptional. David provides the perfect balance between being highly professional and personable, providing detailed reports with invaluable follow-up calls and support as well as responding in a timely manner. If you're searching for a Surveying company I would highly recommend using Witcombe Surveying. Thank you David.
Odina Nzegwu
May 30, 2024
I requested a single defects survey from Witcombe Surveying and Conservation. I would wholeheartedly and thoroughly recommend David from Witcombe Surveying. I found him to be exceptionally thorough, extremely professional, knowledgeable, and approachable. He talked through all his findings with me prior to producing a comprehensive report that was easy to follow. The report and David's advice provided me with vital information that I could then use as an action plan for order of works, where I was initially feeling pretty overwhelmed. I was also able to follow up with any further queries I had about the defects highlighted and again the response was extremely helpful. I would not hesitate to use Witcombe Surveying again and have already and will continue to recommend David's and Witcombe Surveying services to friends and family.
Courtney Prettejohn
Apr 24, 2024
We've used David a number of times for level 3 surveys over the past year due to a string of complicated house purchases that fell through, and each and every time we received exceptional service from David. We truly felt supported during what was a very stressful time, and were extremely grateful to him for his knowledge and advice. I can't recommend Witcombe Surveying enough.
Tom Mcshane
Jan 31, 2022
Witcombe surveyors have been fantastic providing me with my survey, the home buyers survey I received was incredibly detailed. Their knowledge and professionalism is unparalleled.
I run a roofing company and I often come across David's surveys when clients ask us to quote for work highlighted by David. David's surveys are exceptionally descriptive and I can often quote work from the survey directly without seeing the property.
I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Witcombe Surveying and Conservation to home buyers in the future, David is a exceptional surveyor and provides an excellent service.
I run a roofing company and I often come across David's surveys when clients ask us to quote for work highlighted by David. David's surveys are exceptionally descriptive and I can often quote work from the survey directly without seeing the property.
I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Witcombe Surveying and Conservation to home buyers in the future, David is a exceptional surveyor and provides an excellent service.
David Ardron
Apr 21, 2021
House purchase - full structural survey
As probably your single largest investment in life, it's important to know all you can about your potential new home. As a result we cannot recommend David Witcombe of Witcombe Surveying and Conservation enough. His obvious experience and wealth of knowledge produced an extremely comprehensive and detailed report (more than we expected), which you can easily understand. The report really opens your eyes to all issues (large or small), allowing you to make a fully informed decision. Not only that, David is keen to discuss any issues and help you find realistic solutions. The survey report has been invaluable in our purchase process - which hasn't concluded yet ! We are very appreciative of David's continued assistance in our journey. We would definitely recommend Witcombe Surveying and Conservation. Again, our thanks.
As probably your single largest investment in life, it's important to know all you can about your potential new home. As a result we cannot recommend David Witcombe of Witcombe Surveying and Conservation enough. His obvious experience and wealth of knowledge produced an extremely comprehensive and detailed report (more than we expected), which you can easily understand. The report really opens your eyes to all issues (large or small), allowing you to make a fully informed decision. Not only that, David is keen to discuss any issues and help you find realistic solutions. The survey report has been invaluable in our purchase process - which hasn't concluded yet ! We are very appreciative of David's continued assistance in our journey. We would definitely recommend Witcombe Surveying and Conservation. Again, our thanks.