RICS Level 2 Survey in EH12 8 Edinburgh

The RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is designed for properties in reasonable condition and provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the home. Our inspectors examine the roof, walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and joinery, as well as the condition of bathrooms, kitchens, and any outbuildings. The survey includes an assessment of the property's services such as gas, electricity, heating, and drainage, giving you a complete picture of the overall condition. We check the condition of both the main property and any attached or detached garages, fencing, and boundaries that form part of the sale.

In the EH12 8 area, which includes neighbourhoods like Corstorphine, Murrayfield, and the western suburbs of Edinburgh, properties range from traditional sandstone Victorian and Edwardian homes to more modern constructions from the post-war period and contemporary developments. Our surveyors understand the specific construction methods used in these properties and know what to look for when assessing Edinburgh's diverse housing stock. We have extensive experience with the traditional sandstone construction found throughout Corstorphine, where many properties date from the early 1900s, as well as the more recent developments near the Gyle shopping centre and South Gyle business park.

The Level 2 survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element inspected. Red indicates serious issues that require urgent attention, amber highlights defects that need negotiating with the seller or further specialist investigation, and green signifies satisfactory condition. This clear format helps you understand exactly what you are buying and provides ammunition for price negotiations if significant issues are found. The report also includes a summary section highlighting the most important findings, ensuring you can quickly grasp the key issues even if you don't read every detail.

• Roof and chimney condition
• Walls, foundations and damp assessment
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Electrical and gas services
• Floors, ceilings and walls
• Bathrooms and kitchens
• Outbuildings and boundaries

Properties in Edinburgh, including those in the EH12 8 postcode, face several area-specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. The city's traditional sandstone buildings, while beautiful, can suffer from mortar erosion and stone weathering over time. Edinburgh is also known for its varied topography, which can affect drainage and lead to damp issues in some properties, particularly those on lower ground or with south-facing aspects that receive less natural drying. Our surveyors check specifically for these issues, examining external walls for signs of weathering, checking mortar pointing condition, and assessing how water drains around the property.

Many homes in the EH12 8 area were built before modern insulation standards were introduced, meaning they may have solid walls rather than cavity walls. This can result in higher energy costs and potential condensation issues. Our surveyors assess the thermal efficiency of properties and flag any concerns that might affect your ongoing running costs or require investment in retrofitting. We note the type of wall construction where visible and comment on the likely insulation status, helping you understand potential future energy costs. This is particularly relevant for properties in traditional stone-built areas of Corstorphine where solid wall construction is common.

The age of Edinburgh's housing stock means that electrical wiring in many properties will require careful inspection. Properties built before 1990 may still have older fuse boards and wiring that does not meet current regulations, representing both a safety concern and a potential expense for bringing the property up to standard. Our Level 2 survey includes a non-invasive inspection of electrical fittings and will recommend a qualified electrician for further investigation where necessary. We check the consumer unit (fuseboard), test a sample of sockets, and note any visible wiring that appears outdated or potentially dangerous. Given that many properties in EH12 8 date from the 1920s through to the 1970s, electrical condition is a common area of concern.

Once you receive your RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey report, you will have a clear understanding of the property's condition. If the report identifies issues rated amber or red, you have several options. You can request that the seller addresses the repairs before completion, negotiate a reduction in the purchase price to reflect the cost of necessary works, or in some cases, walk away if the issues are too severe. Our reports are formatted specifically to support these negotiations, with clear documentation of each defect that you can share with the seller's agent or your solicitor.

In the EH12 8 area, where property values are substantial, the investment in a Level 2 survey often pays for itself multiple times over. Whether it is identifying a leaking roof, detecting damp problems in traditional stone walls, or highlighting the need for a new heating system, the survey gives you the information needed to make an informed decision about your purchase. For example, our surveys in the Corstorphine area frequently identify issues with flat roofs on extensions and outbuildings that can cost £2,000-£5,000 to properly repair or replace. Identifying such issues before exchange allows you to negotiate these costs with the seller.

Our team is happy to discuss the findings of your survey report with you, helping you understand what each issue means and the potential costs involved in addressing them. We can also recommend specialist contractors if further investigation is required, particularly for structural concerns or listed building regulations. If your property is located in a conservation area or is listed, we can advise on the additional considerations and requirements that may affect any renovation or repair work you are planning.