RICS Level 2 Survey in Bucksburn and Newhills

The RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is designed for conventional properties built after 1890 that appear to be in reasonable condition. Our surveyor will conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe access is available, the external walls, windows and doors, plumbing and electrical installations, and the overall structural integrity of the building. You will receive a detailed report that highlights any defects found, categorises them by severity, and provides clear advice on what repairs or further investigations may be required before completing your purchase.

In Bucksburn and Newhills, where over half of Aberdeen's housing stock is over 50 years old, our surveys frequently identify issues that are common to older properties in this region. These include damp problems arising from single-glazed windows and original construction methods, roof deterioration on properties that have not been re-roofed in decades, and outdated electrical wiring that may not meet current safety standards. The report also assesses the property's energy efficiency and highlights any potential health hazards such as asbestos or lead paint, which may be present in homes built before the 1980s. Our inspectors have first-hand experience identifying these exact issues in properties throughout the Bucksburn area, from Victorian-era terraces on Old Meldrum Road to post-war semis on Kepplehills Road.

Our surveyors pay particular attention to the local environmental factors that affect properties in Bucksburn and Newhills. Given the known flood risk in the area, particularly around Newhills Avenue where residents have experienced repeated flooding incidents, we include a thorough assessment of drainage, the condition of any nearby watercourses, and the property's vulnerability to water damage. We also note the proximity to the Bucks Burn and assess whether the property lies within any identified flood risk zones, providing you with crucial information to make an informed decision about flood resilience measures.

• Structural integrity assessment
• Damp and condensation inspection
• Roof condition and insulation
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Energy efficiency rating
• Flood risk evaluation

The property market in Bucksburn and Newhills has shown steady growth, with prices increasing by 5% in Bucksburn and 7% in Newhills over the past year. Despite this growth, property prices remain attractive compared to central Aberdeen, making this area particularly popular with first-time buyers and families looking for more space for their money. However, with the majority of properties sold in both areas being terraced homes, followed by flats and semi-detached properties, understanding the condition of the property you are purchasing is essential to protect your investment.

Many properties in this area were built during the mid-to-late twentieth century housing boom, meaning they are now approaching or exceeding 50 years old. This age profile brings specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. Common issues include deteriorating concrete foundations in some post-war construction, rusting reinforcement in concrete elements, and the gradual breakdown of original damp proofing systems. Our inspectors have extensive experience surveying properties throughout Aberdeen and understand exactly what to look for in homes of this age and construction type. We know how to spot the early signs of structural movement that might indicate foundation issues, and we can assess whether previous repairs have been carried out to a proper standard.

The proximity to Aberdeen Airport and the presence of major employers in the energy sector make Bucksburn and Newhills attractive locations for commuters. However, this also means properties may have been subject to different standards of maintenance depending on whether they have been owner-occupied or rented. Our surveyors assess the overall condition of each property individually, taking into account the specific circumstances of the current owners and any recent renovations or alterations that may have been carried out. We have surveyed numerous properties in developments like Kinion Heights and the Greenferns landward development area, giving us insight into the construction quality of newer builds in the region.

The area also contains several listed buildings, including Bucksburn Church of Scotland on Old Meldrum Road and St. Machar's Episcopal Church, both of which are important local landmarks. If you are considering purchasing a property in proximity to these historic buildings or any property that may have historical significance, our surveyors can advise on whether a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey might be more appropriate for your needs.

• Protects your investment
• Identifies hidden defects
• Provides negotiation leverage
• Ensures safety compliance
• Gives