RICS Level 2 Survey in East Allington

The RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a detailed assessment of a property's condition without the exhaustive analysis of a full building survey. Our chartered surveyors visually inspect all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe access is available, walls, floors, windows, doors, and permanent fixtures. The survey identifies defects that affect the value of the property and highlights issues that may require specialist attention from contractors or structural engineers.

In East Allington, where many properties are of traditional construction including stone-built homes and period properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues found in older Devon properties. This includes assessing roof conditions on properties with traditional slate or clay tiles, checking for signs of damp in solid wall construction, evaluating the condition of historic windows with single glazing, and inspecting traditional lime mortar pointing that may require specialist repair rather than modern cement mortar. The survey also covers electrical and plumbing visible elements, though we always recommend a full electrical or plumbing inspection by registered contractors for complete .

Each RICS Level 2 Survey in East Allington includes a clear traffic light rating system, giving you immediate understanding of the property's overall condition. Red ratings indicate serious issues requiring immediate attention such as structural defects or significant damp, amber ratings flag defects that should be investigated further such as deteriorating pointing or worn roof coverings, and green ratings confirm satisfactory condition. This straightforward system helps you prioritise repair work and negotiate appropriately with sellers based on the survey findings. Our reports also include a market value assessment and insurance rebuilding cost estimate specific to the East Allington area.

The survey report we provide for your East Allington property follows the standardised RICS format, ensuring consistency and reliability regardless of which of our surveyors conducts the inspection. We take photographs of all significant findings and include these in your report so you can see exactly what we are referring to when we describe a defect. The report also includes advice on the likely causes of issues and what options are available for addressing them, whether through negotiation with the seller or through your own planned renovations after purchase.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition rating system (Red/Amber/Green)
• Market value assessment
• Insurance rebuilding cost estimate
• Advice on defects and repairs

East Allington's housing stock reflects its rural Devon location, with properties ranging from traditional stone cottages to larger period homes within the Fallapit Estate. Properties in this area often feature traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern builds, including solid wall construction without cavity insulation, traditional roof timbers with pegged joints, and historic features such as inglenook fireplaces that require knowledgeable assessment. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and can identify issues specific to Devon properties, distinguishing between normal wear and tear and genuine defects that require attention.

The presence of Grade II listed buildings in the area, particularly Fallapit House with its origins dating back to the 13th century, indicates that East Allington has a significant number of older properties that may require additional consideration during the survey process. Properties over 50 years old often present issues such as outdated electrical systems that do not meet current regulations, original plumbing with lead or galvanised steel pipes that may need updating, and wear on traditional roofing materials including slate and clay tiles. Our Level 2 surveys flag these issues and provide appropriate guidance on whether further specialist investigation is needed.

While specific flood risk data for East Allington was not immediately available, properties in South Devon can occasionally be affected by surface water issues, particularly those near watercourses or in low-lying areas of the village. Our surveyors note any signs of past water damage or potential drainage concerns during the inspection, including evidence of damp in ground floor walls or staining that might indicate previous flooding. For properties in areas of potential flood risk, we recommend additional investigations through the Environment Agency flood maps before completing your purchase.

The recent price adjustments in East Allington's property market, with prices falling 37% from the previous year and 31% from the 2022 peak of £518,071, make thorough surveying even more important for buyers. Current market conditions mean sellers may be more willing to negotiate on price or repairs identified in the survey, but you need accurate information about the property's condition to negotiate effectively. Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides that essential information, helping you make a confident decision whether to proceed, renegotiate, or walk away from a property that does not meet your requirements.

• Traditional stone and cob construction
• Historic windows and doors
• Older roofing materials
• Potential drainage concerns
• Listed building considerations

Properties in East Allington predominantly feature traditional construction methods that reflect the building materials available in South Devon over the centuries. Stone-built homes are common throughout the village, using local stone that was quarried from deposits around the South Hams area. These solid wall constructions typically lack the cavity insulation found in modern properties, which means they can be more susceptible to damp penetration and may require specific ventilation strategies to maintain healthy indoor conditions.

Many properties in East Allington, particularly those along the village centre and around Fallapit Estate, feature traditional lime mortar pointing between stone or brickwork. This historic mortar technique allows the building to breathe but deteriorates over time, requiring re-pointing with compatible lime mortar rather than modern cement-based products. Our surveyors are trained to identify inappropriate previous repairs using cement mortar, which can trap moisture and cause accelerated deterioration of the underlying fabric. We note these issues specifically in our reports so you understand the maintenance implications.

Roofing in East Allington typically uses traditional materials including natural slate from Devon quarries or clay tiles, both of which have long lifespans but require periodic maintenance and occasional replacement of individual tiles or slates. The roof structure in older properties often uses traditional timber carpentry with mortise and tenon joints secured by wooden pegs rather than metal fixings. Our surveyors inspect these roof structures carefully, looking for signs of timber decay, past water penetration, or structural movement that might indicate issues with the underlying structure.

• Solid wall construction without cavity insulation
• Traditional lime mortar pointing
• Natural slate and clay tile roofing
• Historic timber roof structures
• Stone-built walls using local materials