RICS Level 2 Survey in Ermington

Ermington sits in the beautiful South Hams district of Devon, a region known for its mix of historic cottages, period farmhouses, and newer developments. The village maintains its rural character while being within reasonable distance of Plymouth for commuters. Properties in this area range from traditional stone-built cottages that are likely over 100 years old to more modern homes built in the latter part of the twentieth century. Each construction era brings its own typical defects and maintenance requirements, which is why a professional RICS Level 2 Survey is so valuable.

Recent market data shows that Ermington property prices have increased by 19% over the last twelve months, though they remain 4% below the 2023 peak of £506,993. This strong market activity means buyers are competing for properties, making it even more important to understand the true condition of any home before committing your capital. A Level 2 Survey helps you avoid expensive surprises after the sale completes.

The presence of the notable church with its crooked spire indicates that Ermington has historic building stock, and with older properties come specific concerns such as damp penetration, outdated electrical systems, roof condition, and potential issues with foundations. Our surveyors inspect properties of all ages and types throughout the Ermington area, giving you a detailed picture of what you are actually buying.

Many properties in Ermington sit within or near the village conservation area, where older buildings may have specific maintenance requirements and where alterations may require listed building consent. Our surveyors understand these considerations and will flag any potential compliance issues we identify during our inspection, ensuring you are fully aware of any restrictions or requirements affecting the property.

The Ermington area features a diverse range of properties that our surveyors regularly inspect. Detached properties dominate the local market, accounting for the majority of sales in the village. These homes typically command the highest prices, with an average of £648,000, reflecting their desirability and the generous plot sizes they often enjoy. Many detached properties in the area were built during the twentieth century and feature traditional Devon construction methods including cavity wall construction and pitched roofs with slate or concrete tiles.

Terraced properties in Ermington average £281,875, offering a more accessible entry point to the local market. These older terraced homes often have character features but may require updating of systems such as electrics and plumbing. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues common to terraced properties, including shared wall concerns, the condition of period features, and any alterations that may have been carried out without proper building regulation approval.

The South Hams region, including Ermington, has seen steady property value growth, making it an attractive location for both primary residence buyers and those seeking holiday homes. However, this growth does not mean all properties are in excellent condition. A professional survey is your best protection against buying a property with hidden defects, regardless of how attractive it appears on initial viewing.

Properties in Ermington that predate the 1970s may have been constructed with traditional solid walls rather than modern cavity wall construction, which can affect thermal efficiency and moisture resistance. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and will assess whether any remedial work has been carried out to improve the property's performance. We also check for the presence of asbestos in properties built before the 1990s, particularly in roof spaces and around old pipework.

Properties in Ermington and the surrounding South Hams area were built using construction methods typical of rural Devon. Traditional stone walls, often rendered or pointed, are common on older cottages and farmhouses. These properties may have solid walls rather than cavity walls, which can be more susceptible to damp penetration if not properly maintained. Our surveyors know how to identify the signs of damp in these older properties and can advise on appropriate remediation.

Roof construction in the area varies depending on the age of the property. Older properties may have original slate roofs that, while attractive, can suffer from broken or slipped tiles, deteriorating pointing, and issues with lead flashings around chimneys. More modern properties typically have concrete tile roofs, which while durable, can still experience problems with tiles cracking or becoming displaced. We thoroughly inspect all accessible roof spaces to assess the condition of the structure, insulation, and any visible defects.

Many properties in Ermington have been extended over the years, with single-storey extensions being particularly common. Our surveyors check these extensions carefully to ensure they were constructed properly and are integrated with the main structure. We look for signs of movement or cracking that might indicate structural issues, and we check that any alterations have been carried out with appropriate building regulation approval.