We wont let your dream home become a nightmare

Witcombe Surveying and Conservation Ltd. is a distinguished practice based in Hastings, dedicated to the surveying and preservation of period and Listed properties across Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill, Cranbrook, and Rye. Our expertise lies in advising clients on the acquisition, maintenance, or improvement of their properties, alongside providing clear guidance on the costs associated with such works. We offer a range of professional services, including Level 2 Home Buyers Reports, ideal for houses constructed from the 1920s onwards with cavity walls or modern timber framing, and Level 3 Building and Structural Surveys, suited to larger homes, properties built before 1920, or buildings with solid walls. Additionally, our single-issue Defect Inspection Reports address concerns such as dampness or structural cracking, providing practical recommendations for remedial action.

Our approach is informed by a deep respect for historic architecture, ensuring that our building conservation and planning services safeguard the character and integrity of heritage properties. All inspections are personally conducted by our principal, David Witcombe (BSc, MSc, RICS, IHBC), an award-winning historic building specialist with over two decades of experience. We operate independently, free from referral fees or commissions, and focus exclusively on pre-purchase surveys. Our clients benefit from bespoke, highly detailed reports, rich with illustrative photographs, enabling informed decisions regarding their property investments while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

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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Level 2 Survey Report

Our Level 2 Survey is specifically designed for modern and conventional properties built from the 1920s onwards, including those with cavity walls or modern timber frames. The survey identifies essential repairs that require prompt attention to prevent building deterioration, alongside non-urgent maintenance needs. All findings are detailed in a comprehensive report, though costs and valuations are excluded. Clients can request a free sample survey to understand the level of detail provided.

Level 3 Building Survey Report

Our Level 3 Building Survey is designed for larger or period properties, particularly homes constructed before 1920 or those with solid walls. We dedicate several hours to a thorough inspection, far beyond a brief viewing, ensuring every aspect of the property is assessed. Following our visit, we provide a detailed, personalised report to guide your purchase decisions.

Building Conservation Report

Witcombe Surveying and Conservation delivers expert building surveys for house purchasers, with a focus on protecting the historic integrity of each property. In addition, we provide consultancy services for historic buildings, including assistance with Listed Building Consent and compliance with planning and building regulations. Clients can also receive preliminary guidance and referrals to our network of professional partners.

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.

Mike Zaki

Jul 10, 2025

Report

I recently engaged David for a Level 3 survey on a period property that I was thinking about buying. I have to say my experience with David Witcombe surveying has been fantastic. Easily a five star. The quality, clarity and detail of the survey was phenomenal. It highlighted issues for the property which helped me renegotiate the price but also gave me a roadmap of works that I would do in my own time once Id moved in. The service was professional, timely, and friendly with open means of communication. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend him do anybody looking for a quality service. Mike

Jenna French

Feb 26, 2025

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I have always been impressed with surveys David has carried out for my clients because of how thorough and detailed his reports are leaving no stone unturned. David is always so approachable and goes the extra mile, particularly if a client has a specific query. David's reports are bespoke with a number of photographs demonstrating each of his points. I have known clients to be reluctant as to whether to incur the expense of having a survey carried out, but are grateful they did as David's reports have uncovered instances of subsidence or chimney defects which wouldn't have been obvious upon inspection by an untrained eye. They were then able to make an informed decision as to whether or not to proceed and negotiated a price reduction. Had this not been identified by David then they may have ended up with an unexpected and significant bill to carry out such works and may have experienced problems marketing the property for future sale. I cannot emphasise how important it is to have a survey carried out on a property but more particularly so with David Witcombe who is, in my opinion, the best there is in the business!

Ciarn Wilson

Dec 14, 2024

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David provided a fantastic service when surveying the house we intend to buy, the report was clear, detailed and comprehensive. David provided lots of additional assistance over email and went above and beyond in helping us, and was a pleasure to deal with. We can heartily recommend his services

Stuart Crosby

Aug 25, 2024

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David provided an absolutely first rate survey for us on what is now our home. It was very thorough, highly detailed and he provided further explanation on anything I required. Ive since recommended him to other friends. Excellent service.

Samara Tompsett

Apr 22, 2024

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David provided us a very detailed report and telephone support which facilitated us in making informed decisions regarding our prospective home. His expertise gave us peace of mind.

Marian Cronin

Aug 23, 2023

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Communication was excellent, the office always stayed in touch with us about our quote for a Level 3 Survey even though we had many delays before we could book it in. David was very thorough and patient. He explained potential problems in a way we could understand, and suggested solutions. The survey is very detailed and clearly laid out. Highly recommend!

Chloe Roach

Jun 30, 2023

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David was absolutely wonderful. He went above and beyond to help us on both the surveys we commissioned. He's very thorough and detailed, and always wants to do the best job he can. Great communicator and very helpful, even after delivering the survey. We will definitely be using him again, should the need arise.

Jessica Chapman

Mar 20, 2023

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If I could give more stars I would! We have had multiple surveys done in the last year and this was far superior! The detail is extensive, David has been so helpful and his communication is brilliant. Hoping I never move house again but if I do I will be using witcombe surveying!

Felicity Scott

Feb 04, 2022

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I would highly recommend David's services. Calm, thorough, professional, patient - he went above and beyond to satisfy all of our requirements. As first-time buyers we felt like were in safe hands. The property we are purchasing is Grade II listed and David was very knowledgeable and clear in his advice, he really knows his stuff! We wouldn't hesitate to use his services again.