RICS Level 2 Survey in Burra and Trondra

A Level 2 survey, formerly known as a HomeBuyer Report, provides a comprehensive inspection of the property's condition focusing on issues that affect value and safety. Our chartered surveyors examine all accessible areas of the building, from the roof and chimneys to the foundations and damp levels. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's construction, identifying defects that might not be visible during a casual viewing.

The report categorises issues using traffic light ratings - red for urgent defects requiring immediate attention, amber for matters that should be addressed soon, and green for satisfactory conditions. This clear system helps you prioritise repairs and negotiate with sellers based on the survey findings. In the Burra and Trondra area, where properties range from traditional stone-built croft houses to more modern constructions, this detailed approach proves invaluable.

We specifically check for structural issues, damp and rot, roof condition, electrical safety, plumbing and drainage, and the condition of windows and doors. Our surveyors use specialized equipment to detect hidden problems that might escape a buyer's notice. The survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth.

Given the local property market dynamics, this valuation element proves particularly useful. In Trondra, where average prices have seen modest movement over the past year, understanding whether a property is priced correctly relative to the local market matters. Meanwhile, Bridge End has experienced significant price growth of 78% year-on-year, making accurate valuations essential for informed purchasing decisions.

• Structural integrity and wall condition
• Roof, chimneys, and rainwater goods
• Damp and timber decay
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and drainage systems
• Electrical installations
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Properties in Burra and Trondra reflect the islands' distinctive architectural heritage. Traditional Shetland houses were typically constructed using local stone, often granite or flagstone, with thick walls designed to withstand the harsh Atlantic climate. These buildings were commonly rendered with harling, a protective coat that helps shed water while allowing the structure to breathe. Understanding these traditional construction methods is essential for identifying potential issues that might not be apparent in newer properties.

Many older properties in the area feature traditional slated roofs, which require specific expertise to assess properly. The exposure to Atlantic weather means roof conditions can deteriorate faster than in more sheltered locations. Our surveyors know to pay particular attention to the condition of slate fixings, flashing, and the overall roof structure, looking for signs of storm damage or age-related wear that might not be immediately obvious to an untrained eye.

Traditional joinery in Shetland properties often includes locally crafted windows and doors that may not meet modern thermal efficiency standards. While these features add character to period properties, they can also be a source of heat loss and condensation issues. Our inspections thoroughly assess the condition and performance of these elements, helping you understand what maintenance or upgrades might be needed to bring the property up to comfortable living standards.

The combination of traditional construction and exposed coastal conditions means that damp penetration remains a common concern in older Burra and Trondra properties. Our surveyors use moisture detection equipment and their expertise to identify areas where water ingress may be occurring, even when visible signs are minimal. This thorough approach helps ensure you have a complete picture of the property's condition before committing to your purchase.

Your RICS Level 2 survey report provides far more than a simple pass or fail. The document runs typically between 20-30 pages and includes a detailed condition summary with specific ratings for each area inspected. The report opens with an executive summary that highlights the most significant findings, followed by sections examining each part of the property in detail, from the roof down to the foundations.

Each section includes a description of the element inspected, any defect found, and the likely cause and implications. Our surveyors use their professional judgment to distinguish between minor cosmetic issues and serious structural problems that could affect the property's value or safety. The report also includes a market valuation, which compares the property against recent sales in the Trondra and Bridge End areas, helping you understand whether the asking price reflects current market conditions.

Perhaps most importantly, the survey provides recommendations for further investigations where necessary. If our surveyor identifies a potential issue that requires specialist assessment - such as electrical work, pest infestation, or structural engineering - this will be clearly flagged with an amber or red rating. This means you enter the purchase with your eyes open, knowing exactly what to expect in terms of maintenance and repair costs.

In the current market, where Bridge End has seen prices rise 78% year-on-year while Trondra prices have softened slightly, having accurate, professional valuation context is invaluable. Your survey report gives you this insight alongside the detailed condition assessment, ensuring you can negotiate from a position of knowledge whether you are purchasing a traditional croft house or a modern detached property.

The property market data for Burra and Trondra reveals an interesting picture. Trondra's average property price sits at £200,269, with Bridge End showing higher values averaging £277,500 due to a predominance of detached properties. The wider Shetland market has shown resilience, with average prices rising 9.9% in the year to December 2025. Understanding these local market conditions helps contextualise your survey findings and ensures you are paying a fair price for the property.

Our Level 2 survey provides the information you need to confidently proceed with your purchase. Whether the report reveals a property in excellent condition or identifies issues requiring attention, you make the final decision based on facts rather than assumptions. Many buyers in the Burra and Trondra area have found that their survey revealed issues that would have been expensive to discover after moving in, from roof repairs needed due to storm damage to damp treatment required in traditional stone properties.

The investment in a professional survey typically amounts to a small fraction of the property value but can save thousands in unexpected repair costs. Given the unique considerations of property ownership in Shetland's exposed Atlantic climate, including potential weather-related wear and the specific maintenance needs of traditional stone buildings, a thorough survey proves especially valuable in this region. The cost of identifying issues before purchase is always money well spent compared to facing unexpected repairs after you have moved in.