RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey Chittlehamholt

Chittlehamholt boasts an impressive concentration of historic buildings, with over 25 Grade II listed properties scattered throughout the village and surrounding countryside. Properties like Chittlehamholt Manor, the Church of St John Baptist, and the various farmhouses and cottages throughout the area represent centuries of local building tradition. These older properties require a surveyor who understands traditional construction methods, from the cob walls and stone rubble found in buildings like Searles to the thatch roofing that still tops many historic homes in the area. Our team has inspected properties throughout the village and understands the specific challenges that come with assessing these heritage buildings.

The village's proximity to the River Taw means flood risk is a consideration for some properties, particularly those in lower-lying locations. Our inspectors check for signs of past water damage, assess drainage systems, and evaluate how well each property copes with North Devon's wet climate. We examine gutters, downpipes, and drainage channels to ensure they can handle the heavy rainfall that this part of Devon experiences throughout the year. Surface water flooding is a significant risk across much of the South Devon catchment, and our surveyors know how to identify the warning signs.

Many properties in the area also sit on clay-rich soils, which can lead to shrink-swell movement that affects foundations over time. This is particularly important in Chittlehamholt where properties have shallow traditional foundations that may not be designed to cope with modern ground movement. Our surveyors carefully examine walls for signs of cracking that could indicate subsidence or heave, and we assess the condition of foundation walls and any visible movement since the property was built. Properties in the wider EX37 area have shown prices around 9% up on the 2016 peak, making it even more important to understand the structural condition before purchasing.

Given that Chittlehamholt has relatively few new build developments, most properties available will be older construction requiring careful inspection. The traditional building methods used in this part of North Devon, including solid walls without cavities, require specialist knowledge to assess properly. Our surveyors bring this local expertise to every inspection we undertake, having worked on properties throughout Umberleigh, South Molton, and the surrounding villages. We understand that buying a property in this area often means purchasing a home with character and history, but also one that requires ongoing maintenance and careful monitoring.

• Traditional cob and stone construction
• Thatched and slate roofing
• Drainage and flood risk
• Foundation movement on clay soils
• Historic listed building considerations

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's condition, focusing on the main building and any permanent outbuildings. We inspect the roof structure, walls, floors, doors and windows, chimneys, damp proofing, and insulation. We also examine services like plumbing and electrical installations, though we don't test them extensively. For properties in Chittlehamholt's rural setting, we pay particular attention to septic tanks, private water supplies, and drainage systems that may not be connected to mains services. Many properties in this area rely on private water supplies from boreholes or springs, which require specific checks to ensure they are safe and adequate.

The report uses the RICS traffic light system to clearly flag conditions: Red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention, Amber for defects that need attention but aren't urgent, and Green for satisfactory conditions. Each section of the property receives a condition rating, giving you a clear picture of what works are likely to be needed and when. We also provide a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate as part of the standard service. This is particularly useful in Chittlehamholt where insurance rebuild costs for historic listed buildings can be significantly higher than the market value due to the specialized materials and techniques required for repairs.

Our surveyors are familiar with the common issues affecting North Devon properties, from thatch deterioration and slate roof wear to the effects of damp in traditional cob construction. We know what to look for in properties that have been modified over the years, extended, or converted from agricultural use. This local knowledge proves invaluable when assessing properties in a village like Chittlehamholt where many homes have evolved over centuries. We've seen firsthand how simple modifications can hide serious structural issues, and our thorough inspection process ensures nothing is overlooked.

The Level 2 survey is suitable for most properties in Chittlehamholt, including conventional houses, bungalows, and flats. However, for very old, complex, or heavily modified properties, we may recommend a Level 3 Building Survey which provides more detailed information about construction and any special requirements for maintenance and repairs. Given that Chittlehamholt has numerous Grade II listed buildings, some properties may benefit from the more detailed assessment that a Level 3 survey provides.

The housing stock in Chittlehamholt reflects its history as a working village in North Devon. Many properties date from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, built using local materials and traditional methods that have stood the test of time but require ongoing maintenance. The village has a higher proportion of detached properties than national averages, reflecting its rural character and the preference for spacious homes with land. Properties like the various farmhouses and manor houses throughout the area showcase traditional North Devon architecture, with deep red Devon brick, stone rubble, and cob construction being particularly common.

Properties in Chittlehamholt range from small terraced cottages to substantial detached houses, with prices reflecting this variety. The average detached property sells for around £755,800, while semi-detached homes typically fetch around £190,000. Given these significant investments, a professional survey provides essential protection for buyers. The wider EX37 postcode area has seen property prices remain similar to the previous year, with prices around 9% up on the 2016 peak of £522,000, making it a stable but significant investment.

The surrounding countryside adds to the appeal of living in Chittlehamholt, with many properties enjoying rural views and access to walking routes along the River Taw and across North Devon's farmland. However, this rural setting also means some properties rely on private water supplies, septic tanks, or oil-fired heating systems that require specific checks during the survey process. Our surveyors understand these rural property characteristics and know what to look for when assessing the condition of private water supplies and drainage systems.

The geology in this part of North Devon includes clay-rich soils that can cause shrink-swell movement affecting foundations, particularly during periods of drought or when vegetation with high moisture demand is present near buildings. Our surveyors carefully examine walls for signs of movement and assess the condition of foundations, especially in older properties that may have shallow traditional footings not designed to cope with modern ground conditions. This expertise is particularly valuable in Chittlehamholt where many properties are built on traditional strip footings or even directly on the ground.