RICS Level 2 Survey in EH99 1 Edinburgh

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Report provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, focusing on the main structural elements and any significant issues that might affect the value or safety of the property. We examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and boundaries, providing a clear red, amber, or green rating system that makes it easy to understand the severity of any problems we find.

In Edinburgh's historic housing stock, our inspectors pay particular attention to common issues found in older sandstone properties. This includes checking for damp penetration through solid stone walls, assessing the condition of traditional slate roofs, and evaluating any signs of structural movement that might indicate subsidence - a particular concern in areas with clay soils and mature trees.

The survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, giving you a clear picture of the property's worth in the current Edinburgh market. If we're concerned about any aspect of the property, we'll recommend further investigations by specialists, such as structural engineers or damp specialists, so you know exactly what additional costs you might face.

For properties in the EH99 1 area specifically, our surveyors are experienced in assessing traditional Edinburgh sandstone construction. Many buildings here use local "honey-coloured" sandstone from Craigleith or other local quarries, which has different properties to modern brickwork. We understand how this material responds to weather, age, and moisture, and we know what to look for when assessing its condition.

• External walls and roof structure
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Damp and timber condition
• Electrical and plumbing visible evidence
• Boundaries and outbuildings
• Market valuation and rebuild cost

Edinburgh's geology is remarkably varied, with volcanic rock formations including Arthur's Seat and the bedrock beneath Edinburgh Castle creating distinctive conditions for property construction. The city sits on a complex foundation of igneous and sedimentary rocks, overlaid in many areas by glacial deposits and clay-rich soils that can pose specific challenges for buildings. Our surveyors understand these local ground conditions and know how to identify signs of movement or instability that might indicate subsidence risk.

The clay soils present in parts of Edinburgh, particularly in areas with mature trees, are prone to shrink-swell movement. During prolonged dry spells followed by heavy rainfall, clay ground can expand and contract, putting stress on foundations and causing structural movement. This is especially relevant for older properties with shallower foundations that were built before modern engineering standards. We carefully examine walls, floors, and windows for signs of this type of movement, including diagonal cracking and uneven floors.

Properties in certain areas of Edinburgh may also be affected by historical mining activity, particularly to the south and east of the city centre where coal mining was extensive. The Canongate area, which falls within the broader EH99 1 catchment, has historical mine workings beneath it. Our surveyors are trained to identify signs of mining-related subsidence, such as characteristic cracking patterns or floors that have dipped over time, and we'll recommend a mining report if the location warrants it.

The EH99 1 postcode encompasses some of Edinburgh's most historic and architecturally significant properties, many of which are listed buildings subject to strict preservation requirements. purchasing a Georgian flat with original features or a Victorian terrace with traditional sash windows, our Level 2 survey provides the detailed assessment you need to make an informed decision. These properties often have hidden defects that only an experienced eye will spot, from decaying lime mortar pointing to outdated electrical systems that don't meet current regulations.

Many properties in central Edinburgh, including those near the Scottish Parliament in EH99 1, are constructed from traditional sandstone with solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction. These buildings require specialist knowledge to assess properly. Our surveyors understand how solid wall construction performs over time, particularly in Edinburgh's climate with its significant rainfall and occasional freezing temperatures. We know to check for spalling stone surfaces where water has penetrated and caused the outer face to crumble, and for eroded mortar joints that may be allowing damp to enter.

The prevalence of historic properties in Edinburgh means that electrical wiring and plumbing systems are often outdated and may not meet current regulations. We highlight these concerns in our reports, ensuring you're aware of any updating works that might be required. Many Victorian and Georgian properties in the city also have traditional lime mortar pointing and original sash windows that require specialist conservation knowledge. Our reports will flag any concerns about the condition of these features and recommend appropriate specialists where needed.

Our experience surveying properties across Edinburgh, including the EH99 1 area and surrounding districts, means we've seen every type of defect common to the city's housing stock. Damp is perhaps the most frequent issue we encounter, particularly in older sandstone properties where rising damp or penetrating damp has occurred due to failed damp-proof courses, inadequate ventilation, or weathering of the stone pointing. In solid-wall properties, moisture can travel through the stone itself, causing staining and deterioration that isn't immediately visible.

Roof condition is another major concern in Edinburgh's traditional properties. Many homes still have original slate roofs that are now approaching or exceeding their expected lifespan. We regularly find slipped or broken slates, deteriorated lead flashing, and signs of past or current leaks. In some properties, the roof structure itself may have been weakened by wet rot or woodworm infestation. The Scottish climate, with its heavy rainfall and occasional severe frosts, accelerates wear on roofing materials, making regular inspection essential.

The city's older electrical systems also feature prominently in our survey reports. Rewiring is frequently recommended for properties that haven't been updated since the 1960s or 1970s, as these installations may not cope with modern electrical demands and could pose a fire risk. Similarly, old lead or galvanised steel plumbing is often in need of replacement. We check the consumer unit, visible wiring, socket outlets, and plumbing to identify any obvious safety concerns that need addressing.

Masonry defects are common in Edinburgh's older stone buildings. Spalling occurs when water penetrates the stone and causes the surface to crumble away, leaving the underlying structure exposed to further damage. Eroded mortar joints allow water ingress and can lead to structural problems if left untreated. Our surveyors examine all visible stonework carefully, noting any areas of concern that may require attention from a stonemason or structural engineer.