RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey in CF99 (Cardiff)

Our chartered surveyors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of your Cardiff property, examining the roof, walls, foundations, windows, doors, and internal fixtures. We check for signs of structural movement, dampness, rot, and other common defects that could affect the property's value or require expensive repairs down the line. The survey includes a detailed assessment of the property's condition, with clear ratings that help you understand the severity of any issues discovered during the inspection. We examine the visible fabric of the building, including walls, floors, ceilings, and stairs, as well as the condition of built-in appliances where it is safe to do so.

Given Cardiff's housing stock, which predominantly features Victorian and Edwardian properties alongside modern developments, our inspectors pay particular attention to the specific issues that affect these construction types. Many properties in areas like Llandaff, Cathays, and Roath were built using traditional materials including Bath stone, blue Pennant stone, and red brick, all of which can suffer from specific defects over time. Our surveyors are familiar with the common problems affecting Cardiff's older properties, including deteriorating pointing, spalling bricks, and the effects of decades of weather exposure on traditional building fabrics. We also check for issues that are particularly relevant to the Cardiff area, such as the potential for subsidence due to shrink-swell clay soils that affect many parts of South Wales.

During the inspection, we assess the property's construction type and materials, paying close attention to elements that are typical of Cardiff's built environment. For properties constructed before 1919, which make up a significant portion of the city's housing stock, we look for issues related to traditional building methods such as lime mortar pointing that may have been inappropriately replaced with cement, solid walls lacking cavity insulation, and original timber sash windows that may need restoration rather than replacement. For more modern properties, we check the quality of construction, the effectiveness of insulation, and any signs of recent building defects that may be covered by warranty schemes.

• Structural integrity and signs of movement
• Damp and moisture penetration
• Roof condition and insulation
• Windows and door operation
• Electrical and plumbing visible conditions
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Cardiff's unique geological conditions mean that properties in the area face specific risks that our surveyors are trained to identify. The city is built on reclaimed marshland over Triassic stones, and much of South Wales, including Cardiff, is susceptible to subsidence due to clay-rich soils and the shrink-swell phenomenon. When clay soils become saturated with water, they expand, and when they dry out, they contract, leading to ground movement that can affect structural integrity over time. Our inspectors look for tell-tale signs of subsidence, including cracking patterns, sloping floors, and misaligned doors and windows that may indicate underlying ground movement.

The flood risk in Cardiff cannot be overstated, as the city is the local authority area facing the highest risk of flooding in the UK. Properties in low-lying areas or those near the River Taff, River Rhondda, and coastal areas face particular vulnerability to both river flooding and surface water flooding. Our Level 2 survey includes an assessment of flood risk indicators, and we provide practical advice on what to do if the property has a history of flooding or is in a designated flood risk zone. We also check for adequate drainage around the property and identify any potential issues with water ingress that could lead to damp problems in the future.

Many properties in Cardiff are over 100 years old, with significant development occurring during the Victorian and Edwardian periods when Cardiff grew rapidly as a major coal port. These older properties often have character and charm, but they also come with their own set of challenges that our surveyors are well-equipped to identify. Common issues in Cardiff's older housing stock include dampness (both rising damp and penetrating damp), outdated electrical and plumbing systems, inadequate ventilation, and deterioration of traditional building materials. Our detailed report will flag any of these issues and provide you with practical advice on how to address them, whether through immediate repairs or planned maintenance.

Cardiff also has approximately 1,000 listed buildings across the city, protected for their special architectural, historical, or cultural significance. If you are purchasing a listed property, there may be specific considerations regarding permitted alterations and maintenance requirements that our surveyors can advise on. Properties in designated conservation areas such as Llandaff, which has a high concentration of scheduled monuments and listed buildings around the Cathedral Green, may also face additional restrictions. Our report will highlight any relevant heritage considerations that may affect your plans for the property.

Your RICS Level 2 HomeBuyers Survey report is designed to be clear and easy to understand, with a standardized format that makes it simple to compare the condition of different properties. The report provides an overall condition rating for the property, along with individual ratings for each main element, including the walls, roof, foundation, and internal fixtures. Each section includes a clear assessment of the condition, with any defects or issues clearly highlighted and explained in plain English. We avoid technical jargon wherever possible, ensuring that you can fully understand the findings regardless of your prior experience with property surveys.

The report also includes a market value assessment, which is useful for insurance purposes and can be used to confirm that the property is being purchased at a fair price. Additionally, we provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) summary, giving you an idea of the property's energy efficiency and potential running costs. Where relevant, we include specific advice on flood risk, particularly important given Cardiff's vulnerability to flooding, and we highlight any conservation area or listed building considerations that may affect your plans for the property.

Each condition rating is accompanied by clear guidance on the action needed. Properties rated as requiring urgent attention will have specific recommendations for immediate repairs, while those with lower ratings will receive advice on planned maintenance and improvements. Our reports also indicate where further specialist investigations may be advisable, such as for structural issues, asbestos removal, or electrical testing, ensuring you have a complete picture of the property's condition before you commit to the purchase.