South Shields sits where the Tyne meets the sea. We survey and value homes across the town, from riverside terraces to the coast road.
South Shields has been settled since Roman times. Arbeia fort, built around AD 160, stood guard at the mouth of the Tyne. Most of today’s town grew in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when shipping and industry brought large numbers of Tyneside flats and terraces. Many of these homes are now more than a century old.
Our RICS-qualified surveyors are based in Houghton le Spring, south of the town. We carry out RICS Level 2 Home Surveys and Level 3 Building Surveys for buyers. We also prepare Red Book valuations for probate, capital gains tax, matrimonial cases and Help to Buy, for homes anywhere in South Tyneside.
Tyneside flats and two-storey terraces fill many streets between the town centre and the river. Westoe has some of the town’s larger Victorian houses.
Inter-war and post-war estates spread south and west, and newer homes have been added since. Along the seafront and at the Lawe Top, homes face the full weather of the North Sea.
These are the things surveyors look at closely on local property types. They are not problems every home has.
Salt air and driven rain affect pointing, render, windows and metalwork. We pay close attention to walls facing the sea.
Upper and lower flats share the roof, walls and drainage. We report on these so your conveyancer can check repair responsibilities.
Tall, exposed stacks on period homes take a lot of weather. We check for leaning, open joints and worn flashings.
Parts of South Tyneside are in former mining areas. We look for signs of past movement, and your conveyancer should order a CON29M coal mining search.
In South ShieldsA Level 2 Home Survey suits most Tyneside flats, terraces and semis in South Shields that are in reasonable condition. For larger Victorian houses in Westoe, exposed seafront homes, or any property you plan to alter, a Level 3 Building Survey gives a fuller picture of the structure and weathering.
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.
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. We cover South Shields, Westoe, Harton, Cleadon, Whitburn, Jarrow and Hebburn.
Ownership varies. Many are held on linked long leases between the upper and lower flats. Your conveyancer will confirm the exact arrangement.
It speeds up weathering of mortar, render, paint and metal. Expect more frequent maintenance on walls and windows facing the sea.
Yes. Our RICS Registered Valuers prepare Red Book valuations for CGT, including at a past date.
"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.
