RICS Level 2 Survey in Arlington, North Devon

The North Devon property market has shown remarkable resilience, with average house prices increasing by 8.1% according to earlier annual reports, and the most recent data showing continued growth in certain sectors. Semi-detached properties in the region saw a 1.9% increase over the past year, while terraced properties remain popular among first-time buyers seeking entry into the Arlington market. With property values averaging £287,000 across North Devon and significant investment in the area's housing stock, a Level 2 survey represents a modest relative cost that can reveal issues worth thousands in remedial work. The relative cost of a survey is minimal compared to the potential savings from identifying defects early.

Arlington's housing stock reflects the broader North Devon pattern, with terraced properties accounting for approximately 33.5% of recent sales, followed by detached homes at 28.7%, semi-detached properties at 22.8%, and flats at 14.9%. This mix means that buyers encounter a variety of construction types and conditions, each with their own potential issues. Our surveyors understand these local patterns and tailor their inspections accordingly, paying particular attention to the common defects associated with each property type found in the Arlington area. We know which issues to look for in a Victorian terrace versus a 1970s semi-detached.

The presence of historic properties in Arlington, including the notable Arlington Court estate and various listed buildings, adds another dimension to the local property market. While most transactions involve standard residential properties, the area does contain period farmhouses and older cottages that may require more specialized attention. Our Level 2 survey provides a thorough visual assessment that highlights any areas of concern, allowing you to factor potential renovation or repair costs into your purchasing decision. If we identify a listed building or one requiring more detailed assessment, we will recommend the appropriate survey level for your specific property.

Devon County saw 15,500 property sales in 2025, with North Devon accounting for a significant portion of this activity. The area remains popular with buyers seeking the Devon lifestyle, but with only 2.5% of sales being new builds, the majority of properties are existing homes that may have hidden defects. Our surveyors regularly find issues ranging from damp and timber decay to structural movement and outdated electrical systems. These findings can be crucial negotiation tools when discussing the purchase price with sellers.

Your RICS Level 2 Survey report follows a clear, standardized format that makes it easy to understand the condition of your Arlington property. Each section of the property receives a specific condition rating: Condition Rating 1 means no repairs are currently needed, Condition Rating 2 indicates repairs are required but are not urgent, and Condition Rating 3 denotes serious defects that require urgent attention. This clear rating system helps you prioritize any work that may be needed after you move in. The traffic light system makes it simple to see at a glance which areas need attention.

The report also includes a market valuation and an insurance re-instatement value for the property. The valuation reflects the current estimated market value based on comparable properties in the Arlington and North Devon area, while the insurance figure provides the amount you would need to rebuild the property from scratch in the event of total loss. These figures are particularly useful when arranging your mortgage and home insurance. Our valuation is based on current market data for the Arlington area and surrounding North Devon districts.

In addition to the visual inspection, our surveyor will provide professional advice on any specific issues discovered during the survey. This might include recommendations for further specialist investigations, guidance on maintenance schedules, or advice on how to address particular defects. All of this information is presented in plain English, without unnecessary technical jargon, so you can easily understand the implications of our findings. We want you to feel confident in your understanding of the property's condition.

The report includes detailed sections covering the roof, walls, joinery, ceilings, floors, doors, bathrooms, kitchens, and services. Each element is assessed for condition and any defects are described clearly with recommendations for remediation. Our surveyor will also note any environmental concerns such as the proximity of the property to areas of flood risk or other potential hazards relevant to the Arlington location.