RICS Level 2 Survey in Bispham

A RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, is designed for properties in reasonable condition. Our surveyors conduct a visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, examining the condition of the walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, and bathrooms. We check for signs of damp, rot, structural movement, and other common defects that could affect the value or safety of the property.

The survey includes a detailed assessment of all major elements of the property, from the foundations to the roof covering. We inspect the services such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems where it is safe and accessible to do so. Our report provides a clear condition rating for each element, highlighting issues that require urgent attention, matters that need negotiating with the seller, and general recommendations for ongoing maintenance.

For properties in Bispham, our surveyors pay particular attention to the common construction methods used in the area. The predominant semi-detached properties in this region were often built using traditional brick construction with solid floors. We check for any signs of movement or subsidence, which can affect properties in this area, and examine the condition of roof coverings which can be vulnerable to the coastal weather conditions.

The RICS Level 2 format uses a traffic light rating system that makes it easy to see at a glance which areas need immediate attention. Red ratings indicate serious defects requiring urgent professional advice, amber ratings show issues that may need negotiation with the seller, and green ratings confirm that elements are in reasonable condition. This clear system helps you prioritise any work needed after completion.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for major elements
• Assessment of services and utilities
• Clear traffic light rating system
• Professional advice on repairs and maintenance

The Bispham area of Blackpool features a diverse mix of property types, with semi-detached homes making up approximately 50% of the housing stock. This predominance of semi-detached properties reflects the residential growth patterns in this part of Lancashire during the mid-twentieth century. Detached properties account for around 20% of housing, with the remaining 22% comprising terraced homes and flats. Understanding the construction methods typically used in these properties helps our surveyors identify potential issues that may be common to this style of housing.

Property prices in Bispham have shown steady growth, with prices increasing by 5% over the last year and now sitting 4% above the 2022 peak of £158,312. The average detached property commands around £250,000, while terraced properties average approximately £142,000 and flats start around £101,000. This range means that even a small percentage of repair costs identified in a survey can represent a significant amount of money.

The Blackpool postcode area saw approximately 4,200 property sales in the last twelve months, though this represented a 16% decrease from the previous year. Despite this cooling in transaction volumes, the Bispham property market remains active, making it essential for buyers to have professional survey information to negotiate effectively. Our surveyors understand the local market dynamics and provide reports that help you negotiate with confidence based on factual property condition assessments.

While new build activity in the immediate Bispham area is limited, the broader Blackpool region saw around 2.2% of sales being newly built properties, with an average price of approximately £292,000. The most common price range for new builds was £250,000 to £300,000, accounting for nearly 29% of new property sales. considering a new build or an established property, our surveyors can advise on the specific considerations for each property type.

The majority of properties in Bispham were constructed during the mid to late twentieth century, using traditional building methods common throughout Lancashire at that time. Semi-detached houses were typically built with solid brick external walls, concrete tile roofs, and solid concrete ground floors. Understanding these construction types helps our surveyors know exactly what to look for when inspecting your potential new home.

Many properties in the area feature cavity wall construction, though some older properties may have solid walls which can be more susceptible to damp penetration. Our surveyors are trained to identify the construction type and assess its condition accordingly. We pay particular attention to signs of damp in solid wall properties, as these can require specialist treatment if issues are found.

The coastal location of Bispham means that properties can be exposed to salt-laden winds which can accelerate the deterioration of external brickwork and mortar joints. Our inspectors look for signs of salt efflorescence on external walls, crumbling mortar joints, and corrosion of any embedded steel or iron components. These are issues that are particularly relevant to this area and may not be flagged by a less experienced surveyor.

Roof conditions are another key focus for our Bispham surveys. The mix of traditional pitch roofs and more modern flat roof extensions means we inspect all roof types thoroughly. Given the exposure to coastal weather, we check particularly for loose or damaged tiles, deteriorating felt on flat roofs, and any signs of leaks that could lead to more serious problems if left untreated.