RICS Level 2 Survey in EH6 6 Edinburgh

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a detailed inspection of all accessible areas of the property. We examine the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows, along with the roof space (where safe and accessible) and any outbuildings. The survey includes a visual assessment of services such as plumbing, electrical installations, and heating systems, identifying any obvious defects or areas requiring specialist attention. Our report uses a clear condition rating system that makes it easy to understand the severity of any issues identified.

In EH6 6, many properties are traditional sandstone tenements or Victorian-era buildings constructed between the mid-1800s and early 1900s. These properties feature characteristic blonde Craigleith sandstone or red sandstone external walls, typically 1-2 feet thick, constructed with traditional lime-based mortars rather than modern cement. Our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues in these older properties, including damp penetration through solid walls, stonework deterioration particularly on exposure to Edinburgh's wet climate, and the condition of traditional sash and case windows which often require ongoing maintenance.

The Leith Conservation Area covers significant portions of EH6 6, meaning many properties are listed or fall within conservation boundaries. Our surveyors assess any extensions or alterations, which are particularly common in the Leith area where commercial buildings have been converted to residential use. We flag any issues that may affect listed building consent requirements or conservation area obligations, as unauthorized work can create significant complications for future owners. For properties near the waterfront, we also note potential flood risk considerations and the impact of coastal exposure on building materials.

The resulting report includes a clear condition rating system (1, 2, or 3) for each element, making it easy to prioritise repairs and negotiate with sellers. Properties rated as condition rating 3 indicate serious issues requiring urgent attention, while condition rating 2 highlights issues that need attention but are not immediately urgent. This traffic light system helps you understand which defects warrant negotiation with the seller and which require specialist follow-up inspections.

• Visible and accessible walls, floors, and ceilings
• Roof structure and covering
• Windows and doors
• Chimneys and flues
• Garages and outbuildings
• Visual inspection of services
• Drainage and gutters
• Thermal efficiency observations

While new build activity specifically within EH6 6 is limited, there are proposals for residential developments including 154 apartments at Western Harbour View (EH6 6PG) under planning application 25/01762/FUL. Additionally, conversions of commercial premises to residential use, such as the proposals at 96-98 Constitution Street (EH6 6AW) to form three dwellings, are becoming more common in the area. These conversions require particular scrutiny as they often involve significant structural changes and may have implications for building regulations compliance.

If you're purchasing a new build or recently converted property in EH6 6, our Level 2 Survey can still identify issues such as incomplete snagging items, inadequate ventilation in converted buildings, or problems with newly installed systems. For new builds, we recommend considering additional checks on guarantees and warranty coverage, as well as ensuring any conversion work meets current building regulations. The transition from commercial to residential use often reveals hidden defects that only become apparent after occupation.

The coastal location of EH6 6 also means that new developments and conversions must address flood risk considerations. Our surveyors will note any visible signs of water damage or damp and can recommend further investigation if the property is in a designated flood risk area, particularly given the predicted coastal flooding risks for Leith Harbour areas by 2030-2050. Properties in lower-lying areas near the waterfront should receive particular attention regarding flood resilience measures.

Once our surveyor completes the inspection, you'll receive a comprehensive RICS Level 2 Survey report that follows the standardized RICS format. The report begins with a property summary including details of the construction type, approximate age, and any obvious deviations from the building regulations. This is followed by a detailed section-by-section assessment of the property's condition, with each element given a condition rating.

The condition rating system provides immediate clarity on the severity of issues found. A rating of 1 means no repair is currently needed - the element is in good condition. A rating of 2 indicates defects that require attention but are not serious or urgent - these are typically maintenance items that should be addressed but won't cause immediate problems. A rating of 3 denotes serious defects that require urgent attention - these are issues that could affect the property's value or safety and may require specialist contractors.

For properties in EH6 6, we often find condition rating 2 or 3 issues related to damp penetration in solid sandstone walls, deterioration of traditional sash windows, and electrical installations that don't meet current standards. Our report explains these issues in plain English, with photographs to help you understand exactly what was found. We also provide recommendations for appropriate next steps, whether that's simple maintenance, obtaining quotes from specialists, or further investigations by structural engineers.