RICS Level 2 Survey in Angle

A RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of all accessible areas of your Angle property. Our chartered surveyors examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and important fixtures, identifying any defects that could affect the value or safety of the property. We focus on both obvious issues and hidden problems that a buyer might not notice during a casual viewing. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's construction, condition, and any urgent repairs that may be needed.

Given the local geology around Angle, with its Old Red Sandstone base and Carboniferous limestone formations, our inspectors pay particular attention to structural indicators that might suggest movement or settlement issues. The presence of clay deposits in the area means we carefully examine foundations and walls for signs of shrink-swell activity. We also assess the impact of the coastal environment on the property, as properties near West Angle Bay and the Milford Haven Waterway can be affected by salt air and moisture penetration that accelerates weathering of external materials.

The Level 2 survey report uses a clear traffic light rating system, making it easy to understand which areas require immediate attention and which are in satisfactory condition. We provide practical advice on any repairs or maintenance needed, along with estimated costs where possible. For properties in Angle's Conservation Area, designated by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in 1995, we highlight any issues that might affect listed building status or require consent from the local authority.

Our surveyors specifically assess the condition of traditional features common in Angle properties, including sash windows (often four-paned from the late 19th century), stone chimneys, and slate roofs with plain ridges. We note any alterations that may have been made to period properties, particularly relevant in this tourist area where many homes have been converted to holiday lets. Any unapproved changes could affect your ability to obtain listed building consent for future alterations.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Windows and doors
• Damp and timber decay
• Electrical and plumbing basics
• Energy efficiency considerations
• Conservation Area considerations
• Traditional feature assessment

Understanding the construction methods used in Angle properties is essential for accurate survey assessment. The older buildings in this village, particularly those from the 19th and early 20th centuries, are predominantly constructed from cement rendered stone using local materials. Traditional walls were typically built from local limestone or red sandstone rubble, most of which was rendered. Some 19th-century houses in the village are constructed from painted brick, adding to the architectural variety that our surveyors must account for when assessing condition and potential defects.

A distinctive feature of Angle's built environment is the use of rock-faced concrete blocks in some buildings, sourced from the former Angle Brickworks that operated from the 1880s. These locally-made blocks represent an important part of the village's industrial heritage and require specific assessment expertise. Roofs in Angle are predominantly slate with plain ridges, though some properties feature grout or Pembrokeshire slate, and the church roof uses red clay tiles. Chimneys were traditionally constructed from stone, with brick construction becoming more common from the later 19th century onwards.

The village's architecture displays a unique character that reflects its planned origins dating from around 1100 AD. The 19th-century houses often feature unusual flat parapets that give a "colonial" character unusual for Pembrokeshire, with most houses directly fronting the village street. This traditional layout means many properties have limited rear access, which our inspectors consider when planning the survey. The medieval street pattern, combined with important medieval buildings like the 'Castle' (a ruined late medieval hall-house) and the 14th-century Angle Tower House, creates a varied architectural landscape that requires experienced assessment.

Properties in Angle face several area-specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. The coastal location means salt air penetration can accelerate weathering of external render and metalwork, with properties near the Milford Haven Waterway particularly affected. Many properties have solid walls without modern cavity insulation, which can lead to condensation issues, particularly in the older stone-built homes that dominate the village. Our inspectors assess the condition of render, looking for cracks or delamination that might indicate structural movement or water penetration.

The geology of Angle, with its mix of Old Red Sandstone, Carboniferous limestone, and clay deposits, creates specific considerations for foundations and subsidence risk. The thick cover of Quaternary deposits (mostly clays and stony clays) behind West Angle Bay suggests potential for shrink-swell related movement. Properties built on the valley floor, only a few metres above sea level, may be susceptible to dampness and moisture rising through solid floors. We examine walls at low level carefully, checking for signs of penetrating damp or historic water damage that might not be visible during a property viewing.

The age of Angle's housing stock means many properties will have outdated electrical systems and plumbing that does not meet current regulations. We highlight these issues in our reports, advising on the importance of obtaining specialist electrical inspections for older properties. The presence of traditional features such as sash windows, often with single glazing, also affects energy efficiency assessments. For properties currently used as holiday lets, which are common in this tourist area, we note any alterations that may require planning consent from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Flood risk is a consideration for properties in Angle due to the village's position in a sheltered valley between two bays, with the valley floor only a few metres above sea level. While not a formal flood risk assessment, our surveyors note visible signs of past flooding or water damage, examine drainage conditions, and assess the property's position relative to potential flood zones. This is particularly relevant for properties near the inter-tidal mud flats of Angle Bay or those with basements or cellars.

• Coastal weathering of external materials
• Rising damp in valley floor properties
• Outdated electrical installations
• Solid wall insulation issues
• Traditional window condition
• Potential flood risk in low-lying areas
• Render and structural movement
• Holiday let alteration compliance