Business Details
20 Years
experience
Chartered Building Surveyors in Eastbourne
Established in 2006, Southdown Surveyors is a multi-disciplined chartered surveying practice based in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Our team of RICS-certified professionals specialises in residential and commercial property surveys, block management, party wall matters, and project management. With over 15 years of experience, we combine technical expertise with a client-focused approach to deliver tailored solutions for property-related challenges. Our services are underpinned by a commitment to transparency, technical excellence, and adherence to the highest professional standards. We serve clients across East Sussex and the South East, providing expert advice on property condition assessments, regulatory compliance, and construction projects. Our directors bring extensive industry experience from leading London surveying firms, ensuring a blend of technical rigour and practical problem-solving.We maintain active memberships with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Pyramus and Thisbe Club, reinforcing our dedication to industry best practices. Our block management services prioritise clear communication and efficient property administration for residential developments. Through continuous professional development, our team stays at the forefront of surveying methodologies and regulatory changes. We pride ourselves on delivering detailed, actionable reports that empower clients to make informed property decisions. From initial feasibility studies to project completion, we provide end-to-end support for property transactions and renovations. Our approach combines technical precision with accessible, jargon-free communication to ensure client understanding and satisfaction.
Services
Home Surveys
Block Management
Party Wall Surveys
Project Management
Snagging Inspections
Commercial Valuations
Residential Lettings
Property Management
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience in chartered building surveying
- Our team consists of RICS-certified professionals with CAD expertise
- We offer tailored residential block management services for East Sussex properties
- We provide party wall surveying services with Pyramus and Thisbe Club membership
- Our survey reports include detailed defect analysis and remedial recommendations
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
What people say
Thorough and reassuring
Excellent communication
Detailed breakdown
Completed on time
Highly recommend
Services
Home Surveys
Our RICS Level 2 and Level 3 home surveys provide comprehensive property condition assessments for residential transactions. Using traffic light ratings, we identify structural issues, maintenance needs, and potential defects to inform purchasing decisions. With over 15 years of experience, our chartered surveyors deliver clear, actionable reports that help buyers understand property risks and costs.
Block Management
We offer tailored residential block management services covering service charge administration, contractor supervision, and regulatory compliance. Our RICS-accredited managers handle day-to-day operations for leasehold properties across East Sussex, ensuring efficient maintenance and adherence to landlord-tenant legislation while maintaining open communication with residents.
Party Wall Surveys
As members of the Pyramus and Thisbe Club, we provide expert party wall services under the 1996 Act. Our surveyors prepare award documents, resolve disputes, and ensure compliance with legal requirements for shared wall modifications. We represent both building owners and adjoining owners across East Sussex and the South East.
Snagging Inspections
Our independent snagging surveys identify construction defects in new-build properties before completion. Chartered surveyors inspect all property elements, from brickwork to electrical installations, providing photographic reports with defect classifications. We offer pre-completion and post-handover inspections with 5-day report turnaround.
Project Management
We provide cost-effective project management for residential and commercial developments. Our RICS surveyors oversee works from feasibility to completion, managing contractors, budgets, and regulatory compliance. We specialise in major refurbishments and property improvement schemes across East Sussex and the South East.
People
Matthew Symmonds
Director
BSc (Hons) MRICS, founded Southdown in 2006 after working at major London surveying firms. Specialises in party wall matters and dilapidations, with CAD expertise. Member of the Pyramus and Thisbe Club, committed to technical excellence and client-focused service.
Lisa Symmonds
Director
Co-director since 2008, oversees practice management and compliance. Provides strategic leadership while maintaining focus on client service standards. Combines professional expertise with hands-on management of the surveying team in Eastbourne.
Michael Buroni
Building Surveyor
BSc (Hons) AssocRICS, handles pre-acquisition surveys and party wall matters. RICS Registered Valuer with property sector experience covering lettings and block management. Known for analytical approach and clear reporting, currently working towards chartered status.
Sat Sahota
Property Manager
AssocRICS, manages residential block portfolios with 12 years' leasehold sector experience. Holds MIRPM qualification, provides practical property management solutions while studying for a building surveying degree and RICS APC assessment.
Jake Ashdown
Property Manager
Joined Southdown in 2023 with extensive leasehold management experience. Progressing professional accreditations while delivering pragmatic property management advice. Combines technical knowledge with client-focused communication for residential developments.
Questions
What survey type should I choose for an older property?
For older or unique properties, we recommend the RICS Level 3 Home Survey (Building Survey) to identify structural issues and provide detailed defect analysis.
Do you provide party wall services for commercial properties?
Yes, our party wall expertise covers both residential and commercial properties across East Sussex and the South East under the 1996 Party Wall Act.
How quickly will I receive my snagging report?
Our photographic snagging reports are issued within 5 working days of inspection, with copies sent to both clients and developers if required.
What areas do your block management services cover?
We manage residential blocks across East Sussex including Eastbourne, Hastings, and Bexhill, providing tailored leasehold administration and maintenance coordination.
Can you help with major property refurbishment projects?
Yes, our project management team oversees major refurbishments from initial planning through to completion, ensuring regulatory compliance and budget adherence across the South East.
How do I request a survey quote?
Use our online quote form or contact our Eastbourne office directly to discuss your survey requirements and receive a tailored quotation.
Reviews (7)
Dave Harrod-Edwards
Apr 03, 2024
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We have written and emailed Lynne Maguire 14 times and never received a reply. They are incapable of sending out accurate accounts and srvice charge demands. Absolutely hopeless!! Don't use them!!
Kevin Lock
Sep 01, 2023
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I would thoroughly recommend Southdown surveyors. I used them for a snagging report on a new build and their service was top notch. Lisa and Caroline coordinated excellently from the office while Mike made a thorough review of the property and produced a fantastic report with numerous observations which were extremely useful. At first I was hesitating whether to do a snagging report but I would strongly recommend it for any new build buyer - the specialists simply see so much more than you can - and secondly I would have no hesitation in recommending Southdown.
In my case, they even went the extra mile by revisiting the property at my request to look at something I felt had been missed, though which was not technically their mistake.. in other words, they listened reasonably and came to a good and fair solution which showed their excellent customer service credentials.
In my case, they even went the extra mile by revisiting the property at my request to look at something I felt had been missed, though which was not technically their mistake.. in other words, they listened reasonably and came to a good and fair solution which showed their excellent customer service credentials.
Sarah Wise
Sep 20, 2021
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Southdown have been managing our block for the past year. Always calm and helpful. Friendly and very experienced, and keen to provide best service and value for the leaseholders when handling projects and dealing with contractors. Thank you especially to Laura - you are doing a fab job :)
Graham Fender
Jul 31, 2021
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Very professional company, Caroline and Lisa took care of everything to do with organising survey on behalf of my daughter. Mike the surveyor produced a very comprehensible survey and was available to discuss relevant all relevant points
I would have no hesitation in recommending this company
I would have no hesitation in recommending this company
AnOrdinarySimRacer
May 28, 2021
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Used this company twice now and both times they have been helpful, efficient, dedicated and just so easy to deal with! These guys really do a fantastic job! Thank you Lisa, Matt and all the team!
Oana Anton
May 14, 2021
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South downs surveyors have done a party wall award for us. They have communicated clearly and delivered the award in a timely manner.
Raven Moore
Nov 01, 2020
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Southdowns have mismanaged our property from the day they took over the contract. We had a small leak when it rained and they did nothing that was a year ago. Now we have a large leak which is finally being addressed but the problem behind it has become more substantial. When contacted for small jobs lights blown in the communal hallway, lift not working they have to be badged into doing something. Avoid them save your money.
