Seaham is a harbour town on an exposed stretch of coast. We survey and value homes from the seafront to the former colliery streets.
Seaham grew around a harbour. The 3rd Marquess of Londonderry began building it in 1828 to ship coal from his inland pits, and a new town grew up beside the docks. Later, collieries at Seaham and Dawdon brought more housing for mining families. The result is a town of terraces, post-war estates and newer homes, all close to the sea.
Our RICS-qualified surveyors are based in Houghton le Spring, a short drive inland. We carry out Level 2 and Level 3 surveys and Red Book valuations across Seaham and the East Durham coast. Mark Fife and Bill Kimmitt have worked in North East property since 1981, so exposed coastal homes are familiar to us.
The older parts of town near the harbour and the centre have Victorian terraces and some larger period houses. Dawdon and New Seaham have long colliery-era terraces, many in brick.
Post-war council estates and a large number of newer private homes now surround the older town. Many homes, old and new, sit close to the cliffs and feel the full force of weather off the North Sea.
These are the things surveyors look at closely on local property types. They are not problems every home has.
Wind-driven rain and salt air wear pointing, render, windows and metal fixings faster than inland. We look closely at the side of the house facing the sea.
Strong winds can lift slates and tiles and damage ridges and flashings. We check the roof from the ground and inside the loft where we can.
Seaham is in a former mining area. We look for signs of past movement, and your conveyancer should order a CON29M coal mining search.
In cavity-walled houses near the sea, steel wall ties can corrode. We look for horizontal cracking in mortar joints that can suggest this.
In SeahamA Level 2 Home Survey suits most Seaham terraces, semis and modern homes in reasonable condition. For older seafront houses, homes near the cliff edge, or anything showing cracking or damp on exposed walls, a Level 3 Building Survey gives more detail on the cause and likely repairs.
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.
Yes. Exposed walls, windows and roofs weather faster. A survey helps you see what maintenance to expect.
Yes. We cover all of Seaham and the surrounding area, including Dawdon, New Seaham, Murton, Seaton and Ryhope.
A Level 2 Home Survey can pick up defects to raise with the builder while warranty cover applies.
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.
