The Tyneside flat began in Gateshead. We survey and value these and every other kind of home across the borough.
The first known Tyneside flats were built in Gateshead in 1866, on the Shipcote Estate. The type spread across Tyneside, and many streets of them still stand in Bensham, Saltwell and nearby areas. Gateshead also has inter-war semis, post-war estates and leafy suburbs on the higher ground to the south and west.
Our RICS-qualified surveyors are based in Houghton le Spring, a short drive down the A1. We carry out RICS Level 2 Home Surveys and Level 3 Building Surveys for buyers, and Red Book valuations for probate, capital gains tax, matrimonial cases and Help to Buy. We cover all of Gateshead, from Felling and Wrekenton to Low Fell and Whickham.
Closer to the river, housing is mostly Victorian and Edwardian: Tyneside flats, two-storey terraces and some larger houses near Saltwell Park. Many have been modernised, some several times.
Further out, Low Fell, Whickham and Ryton have a mix of period villas, inter-war semis and later private estates. The borough also has large council-built estates from the 20th century, some of which include non-traditional construction.
These are the things surveyors look at closely on local property types. They are not problems every home has.
Upper and lower flats share the roof, walls and drainage. We report on shared elements so your conveyancer can confirm repair responsibilities.
Much of Gateshead is on a slope down to the Tyne. We look at retaining walls, steps, paths and drainage around the house.
Parts of Gateshead are in former mining areas. We look for signs of past movement, and your conveyancer should order a CON29M coal mining search.
Older homes may have dated wiring, heating or drainage. We note what we can see and recommend specialist tests where needed.
In GatesheadA Level 2 Home Survey suits most Tyneside flats, terraces and semis in reasonable condition. Choose a Level 3 Building Survey for a larger period villa in Low Fell or Saltwell, a home on steeply sloping ground with retaining walls, or anything you intend to renovate. If a flat has unusual shared arrangements, tell us when you book.
Your new home is a standard house, bungalow or flat, built in the last hundred years or so, and looks to be in reasonable condition. A Level 2 HomeBuyer survey flags anything that needs attention — damp, movement, roof issues — without paying for depth you don't need.
The property is pre-war, stone-built, listed, significantly extended or converted — or you're planning major work. A Level 3 Building Survey digs into the structure itself: what's wrong, why it happened, and what putting it right will involve.
Still not sure? Call us on 0191 250 8258 — we'll tell you honestly which one you need, in about two minutes.
Photos: Pexels.
Three straightforward options, fixed fees, plain-English reports. Not sure which? Try the survey finder — it takes about 20 seconds.
from £425 inc. VAT
Best for conventional houses, bungalows and flats in reasonable condition — the classic HomeBuyer report.
from £950 inc. VAT
Best for older, larger, extended or unusual properties — a full structural picture before you commit.
from £250 inc. VAT
Best when you need a formal, RICS-backed figure — for a mortgage, a sale or probate.
The first known example was built in Gateshead in 1866. They were then built widely across Tyneside until the First World War.
All of the borough, including Bensham, Saltwell, Low Fell, Felling, Wrekenton, Dunston, Whickham, Ryton and Birtley.
Often, yes. Older, lower-priced homes can need the most repair. A survey helps you budget and negotiate before you commit.
Yes. Our RICS Registered Valuers prepare Red Book valuations for probate and inheritance tax.
"A very professional and helpful company who did the level 2 survey on the property I will be buying in Peterlee. The surveyor talked through any concerns I had following receipt of the survey report. I would highly recommend this company for property surveys."
"We had a level two survey on a 1980s build. I was unsure between a level 2 and 3, and was advised a level 2 in our circumstances, which impressed me as I wasn't oversold a more expensive service. Mark and Nichola were great throughout and answered multiple questions after our survey, which was invaluable as it is our first time buying."
"Excellent service from start to finish. Nicola was prompt and helpful with all communications, and Mark's report was thorough, clearly written and delivered quickly. A professional and approachable firm. I would not hesitate to recommend Fife & Kimmitt to anyone requiring a survey."
Send a few details and we'll come back with a fixed fee and the earliest available date — usually within one working day.
Every survey carried out under RICS professional standards.
Need us sooner? Call 0191 250 8258.
