RICS Level 2 Survey in Cardigan

The RICS Level 2 Survey provides a comprehensive visual inspection of the property's accessible areas, identifying defects that affect the value or safety of the property. Our surveyors examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and internal joinery, providing ratings for each area: Condition Rating 1 means no repair is needed, Condition Rating 2 indicates defects requiring attention, and Condition Rating 3 denotes serious defects requiring urgent repair. This systematic approach ensures that every aspect of the property is assessed and any issues are clearly communicated to you before you commit to the purchase.

In Cardigan, where many properties date from the Georgian and Victorian periods, our inspectors pay particular attention to common issues found in older construction. This includes checking for damp penetration through solid walls that lack modern damp-proof courses, examining roof conditions where traditional slate or tile coverings may have deteriorated over many decades, and assessing the condition of timber joinery that may be affected by woodworm or rot. The underlying geology of the area, with its Ordovician and Silurian mudstone bedrock covered by glacial till and alluvial deposits, can also contribute to ground movement issues that our surveyors are trained to spot.

The survey also includes a market valuation figure, which is particularly useful if you are arranging a mortgage. Our local knowledge of the Cardigan market, including recent sales data from the SA43 area showing 128 transactions in the past year, allows us to provide an accurate valuation that reflects current market conditions. If our survey identifies significant defects, we will provide a rebuild cost for insurance purposes, helping you understand the full financial implications of your purchase. This valuation is based on our understanding of local market trends, including the 7% year-on-year price increase and the current position 4% below the 2023 peak.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings for key building elements
• Market valuation based on local data
• Rebuild cost for insurance purposes
• Advice on repairs and maintenance

The geological conditions around Cardigan present specific challenges for property owners. The underlying bedrock consists of Ordovician and Silurian marine sedimentary rocks, primarily mudstone with sandstone beds, while the surface is covered by glacial till and alluvial deposits. This combination can create ground movement issues, and landslips have been mapped in coastal areas of the Cardigan Bay coastline. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of subsidence, settlement, or ground instability that may be related to these geological conditions. Properties built on or near areas with clay-rich superficial deposits may be particularly susceptible to shrink-swell movement.

Given the age of much of Cardigan's housing stock, electrical safety is another key concern. Properties built before the 1980s often have outdated electrical installations that do not meet current regulations. Our survey includes a visual inspection of the electrical consumer unit and visible wiring, and we will recommend a qualified electrician to conduct a fuller inspection if we identify any concerns. This is particularly important in older properties where original wiring may still be in place. Many Georgian and Victorian properties in the town predate modern electrical standards entirely, meaning their wiring systems may be decades old and potentially hazardous.

The significant number of listed buildings in Cardigan, with 103 listed structures including properties along the High Street and St Mary's Street, also means that many properties may have been subject to historic alterations. Our surveyors check for signs of unauthorized work that could affect the property's compliance with building regulations or that may require retrospective Listed Building Consent from Ceredigion County Council. Cardigan Castle, with parts incorporated into Castle Green House and listed at Grade II*, represents the heritage significance that characterises much of the town's built environment. Any work on listed buildings requires consent from the local planning authority in consultation with Cadw, and our surveyors understand these complexities.

• Signs of damp and penetrating moisture
• Roof condition and defects
• Foundation movement or subsidence
• Electrical safety concerns
• Timber decay and woodworm
• Windows and doors condition

Cardigan's housing stock is remarkably diverse, reflecting its long history as a market town and port. The predominant property types include detached houses, which averaged £331,192 in the current market, semi-detached properties at around £222,083, and terraced houses at approximately £190,462. This variety means that buyers need a survey that can adapt to different construction methods and property ages. The town saw its most significant development during the Georgian period, when many of the buildings that now define the Conservation Area were constructed along the High Street and surrounding streets.

Many properties in Cardigan were built before 1919, during the Georgian and Victorian periods when the town prospered as a port and market centre. These older properties often feature solid masonry walls, traditional timber roofs, and original joinery that can be prone to issues such as damp, rot, and general wear and tear. The town's Conservation Area, designated in 1989, covers much of the historic core, meaning many properties may have restrictions on alterations. Historical buildings such as the Guildhall and Market Hall, which opened in 1860, and the town's oldest inns like the Black Lion (established in the 12th century and enlarged in the 17th century) demonstrate the age of the built environment.

The SA43 postcode area saw 128 property sales in the past year, with the majority of properties selling in the £140,000-£268,000 range. While prices have increased by 7% year-on-year, they remain 17.5% below the national average, making Cardigan an attractive option for buyers seeking more affordable property in west Wales. However, this affordability should not distract from the need for proper survey work, particularly given the age and condition of many properties in the area. The town's economy, historically reliant on its port functions and agriculture, now emphasises tourism, with regeneration strategies focusing on independent businesses, cultural heritage, and events to boost visitor numbers and local income.