RICS Level 2 Survey in DD4

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed visual inspection of the property using the standardised RICS Home Survey Standard. The report uses condition ratings - 1 (no repair needed), 2 (repair or replacement needed, but not urgent), and 3 (urgent attention required) - to describe the state of each element. This structured approach means you can see at a glance which elements need attention and prioritise accordingly.

Our inspectors carry out a thorough visual inspection of all accessible and visible parts of the property. We do not lift carpets, open up voids, or carry out tests on services, but we inspect every element that can be seen during a standard visit. The report covers:

• Roof covering, chimney stacks, and roof space (where accessible)
• External walls, cladding, pointing, and render
• Windows, doors, and external joinery
• Internal walls, ceilings, and floors
• Dampness, timber condition, and signs of woodworm or rot
• Drainage and rainwater goods
• Heating, electrics, and plumbing (visual check only)
• Gardens, boundaries, outbuildings, and garages
• Legal issues to raise with your solicitor
• Risks and recommendations for specialist reports where needed

The written report includes a market valuation and insurance reinstatement figure as standard features of our Level 2 Survey service. The valuation is carried out by the same RICS-qualified surveyor who inspects the property, giving you an independent view of what the property is worth in the current DD4 market.

Alongside the condition ratings, our surveyors provide narrative commentary explaining each finding in plain language. We highlight what requires action before exchange, what can be monitored, and what represents normal wear and tear for a property of the type and age being surveyed. This helps you make an informed decision and gives you a factual basis for any price negotiation.

The DD4 area of Dundee includes a mix of property ages and construction types, from Victorian-era stone terraces to mid-century brick-built semis and modern apartments. Our surveyors have experience across all of these, and know the common defect patterns that emerge in each era of construction.

In older properties, our inspectors look carefully at the following:

• Damp penetration - both rising damp at ground level and penetrating damp through external walls and roof elements
• Roof coverings - slipped, cracked, or missing slates and tiles, especially on properties with pitched roofs over 30 years old
• Chimney stacks and flaunching - common source of water ingress in properties with original masonry chimneys
• Timber decay and woodworm - particularly in roof spaces and ground-floor timbers in older properties
• Outdated electrics - older wiring systems may not meet current safety standards and can affect insurability
• Single-glazed windows - original timber-framed single glazing in period properties affects energy efficiency and can require costly replacement
• Drainage - older clay or iron drainage systems can be prone to blockages or structural failure, especially in properties over 50 years old

In newer properties and apartments, our surveyors pay particular attention to communal areas, roof terraces, flat-roof sections, and the condition of shared services. For leasehold apartments, the survey report will highlight issues relating to the building's structure and common parts that may affect service charges or require collective action from other leaseholders.

Our Level 2 Survey report includes recommendations for any specialist investigations that our inspector identifies as necessary - such as a drain CCTV survey, a damp specialist report, or an electrical installation condition report. These referrals are an important part of giving you the full picture, and our team can help you arrange follow-up reports once you have received your survey.

DD4 covers a substantial area of east Dundee, encompassing a range of residential neighbourhoods with distinct characters. The postcode district's property market has performed strongly over the last 12 months, with Rightmove recording an average sold price of £157,965 - a 9% increase year-on-year. Zoopla's data shows a slightly higher average of £178,812 for the same period, reflecting different methodologies and sample sizes.

The price increase represents a significant jump - the 2021 peak was recorded at £144,323, meaning the current average is 9% above that previous high. For buyers, this context matters: purchasing at or near market peak prices makes thorough due diligence particularly important. A survey that identifies significant defects can provide factual grounds for renegotiating the price, or for withdrawing from a purchase that does not represent value at the asking price.

The new-build market in DD4 is also active. Keiller's Rise at Mains Loan (DD4 7DF) by Barratt Homes offers a range of property types:

• 2-bedroom apartments (Isla apartment) from £199,995
• Additional apartments available from £180,995 and £190,995
• 3-bedroom semi-detached homes (The Craigend) from £269,995 to £282,995
• 4-bedroom detached homes from £319,995

Buyers purchasing new-build properties from Keiller's Rise or other developments in DD4 should consider a snagging survey rather than a Level 2 homebuyer survey. Snagging surveys identify defects and unfinished work in newly built homes before legal completion, giving buyers a punch list to present to the developer. We offer snagging surveys alongside our homebuyer survey service.