RICS Level 2 Survey in Aylesbeare

Our RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible parts of your Aylesbeare property. The survey covers the condition of the walls, roof, foundations, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems. We check for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and other common defects that affect properties in the East Devon area. Our inspectors use their training and experience to identify issues that an untrained eye might miss, from subtle signs of movement to early-stage timber decay.

In Aylesbeare, where we see a mix of older properties including late 1800s cottages and more recent constructions, our inspectors pay particular attention to the unique characteristics of each building type. The survey includes a thorough assessment of any visible defects, from missing roof tiles to signs of subsidence, and provides an easy-to-understand condition rating system that helps prioritises issues by severity. We examine the condition of thatched roofs on period properties, check the state of traditional lime mortar pointing, and assess any alterations that may have been made to the original structure over the years.

The Level 2 survey includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, which proves particularly valuable in Aylesbeare where property values can vary significantly between older character properties and newer builds. This valuation aspect gives you confidence that you are paying the right price for the property and ensures you have adequate insurance cover. Our valuation is based on current market data for the Aylesbeare area, including recent sales evidence from streets like Village Way and Oak Road.

Our report uses a clear traffic light system to rate the condition of each element inspected. Properties in Aylesbeare often present a mix of traditional and modern construction, so our ratings help you understand which issues are cosmetic and which might require immediate attention. This system makes it easy to prioritise any necessary repairs or negotiations with the seller based on the severity of any defects found.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber decay assessment
• Plumbing and electrical visible defects
• Boundary and outbuilding condition

Our surveyors regularly inspect properties throughout Aylesbeare and have identified several defect patterns that appear frequently in the local housing stock. Older properties built before 1900, such as the late 1800s cottages found throughout the village, often present challenges related to traditional construction methods. These may include deteriorating lime mortar pointing, worn thatch requiring specialist maintenance, and outdated electrical installations that do not meet current regulations.

Properties along Village Way and Oak Road, which have seen significant price adjustments in recent years, sometimes show signs of structural movement or subsidence that our inspectors look for during every survey. We examine walls for cracking patterns, check door and window frames for binding, and assess the ground conditions around foundations to identify any concerns. The clay soils common in parts of East Devon can cause shrink-swell movement that affects older properties, particularly during periods of drought or excessive rainfall.

Damp remains one of the most common issues we identify in Aylesbeare properties, particularly in period buildings with solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction. Our inspectors use moisture meters and thermal imaging equipment to detect dampness that may not be visible to the untrained eye. We check for rising damp in ground floor walls, penetrating damp caused by defective roof coverings or pointing, and condensation issues in properties with inadequate ventilation.

Roof conditions vary significantly depending on the age and type of property. Thatched roofs on Grade II listed properties require specialist knowledge to assess properly, while newer properties may have concrete or slate tiles that have their own set of potential issues. We inspect roof coverings from both inside the roof space and externally where accessible, looking for damaged tiles, failed flashings, and signs of past or current leaks.

The Aylesbeare property market has shown interesting dynamics in recent years, with some roads experiencing significant price adjustments. Historical data for Village Way shows prices 32% down on the previous year and 59% down from the 2023 peak of £860,000, while Oak Road properties have seen declines from their 2020 peak of £1,380,000. These fluctuations make it even more important to understand exactly what you are purchasing through a professional survey.

The East Devon area generally saw prices rise 4.1% in the year to December 2025, with semi-detached properties performing particularly strongly with a 5.8% increase. However, buying in a market with this level of variation requires careful due diligence. Our Level 2 survey gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase knowing the true condition of the property and any issues that might affect its value or require investment.

Properties in Aylesbeare benefit from their proximity to Exeter while maintaining a rural village character. Whether you are purchasing a family home near the village centre or a countryside property with land, our survey ensures you have all the information needed to make a sound investment decision in this desirable part of East Devon. The average property value of around £456,600 means that even minor defects identified during our survey could represent significant sums in repair costs.

For buyers considering properties in Aylesbeare, the survey provides essential protection against purchasing a property with hidden problems. Our inspectors have detailed knowledge of local property types and common issues, allowing us to provide context-specific advice that generic surveys cannot match. This local expertise, combined with the rigorous RICS framework, gives you the best possible information to support your purchase decision.

Aylesbeare's housing stock reflects the village's long history, with properties ranging from medieval thatched cottages to contemporary builds. The older properties often feature traditional Devon construction methods including cob walls, stone masonry, and timber-framed structures. These older methods create beautiful character homes but require specific maintenance approaches that differ from modern construction.

Many period properties in Aylesbeare feature solid walls rather than the cavity walls found in modern construction. Solid walls have different thermal and moisture properties that owners need to understand. Our survey report explains how the construction type might affect your heating costs, ventilation requirements, and long-term maintenance planning. We can identify where traditional features have been altered and advise on appropriate conservation approaches.

Thatched roofs remain a distinctive feature of some Aylesbeare properties, including Grade II listed buildings. These roofs require specialist knowledge to assess properly, as the maintenance requirements differ significantly from tiled or slate roofs. Our inspectors understand the unique characteristics of thatched roofing, including the different types of thatch materials used historically in the Devon region and the typical lifespan of different roof types.

The more recent developments in Aylesbeare, including properties along the newer sections of Village Way and Oak Road, typically feature conventional modern construction with cavity wall insulation and pitched roofs. Even these newer properties benefit from our survey, as we can identify any construction defects, inadequate workmanship, or issues arising from the original building process that might not be apparent to buyers.