RICS Level 2 Survey in G72 6

A RICS Level 2 Survey, also known as a HomeBuyer Report, provides a thorough inspection of the property's visible and accessible areas. Our surveyors examine the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, and plumbing and electrical systems, flagging any defects that could affect the property's value or require costly repairs. The survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element, with red highlighting serious issues requiring urgent attention, amber for matters requiring future repair, and green for satisfactory condition. This clear visual system helps you quickly identify which issues need immediate action versus those that can be planned for over time.

For properties in G72 6, our inspectors pay particular attention to common issues found in the local housing stock. Given the mix of older sandstone buildings from the Victorian and Edwardian periods alongside mid-century properties built between 1945 and 1980, we routinely identify concerns such as damp penetration in solid wall constructions, roof deterioration on older slate-covered properties, and timber defects in suspended flooring systems. The report also includes a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost, which proves invaluable for ensuring you have adequate cover. In the current market where property prices have decreased by 1.6% over the past year, having an accurate rebuild cost ensures you are not underinsured.

The Level 2 Survey is particularly suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition, including the semi-detached homes that make up 35.5% of the housing stock in this area, the terraced properties accounting for 30.6%, and the detached houses representing 17.5% of local properties. Flats, which comprise 16.2% of the market, can also benefit from this level of inspection, though our surveyors will advise if a more detailed assessment might be appropriate. Given that a significant proportion of properties in G72 6 are over 50 years old, the Level 2 Survey provides an excellent balance between comprehensive inspection and cost-effectiveness for most buyers in this area.

• Visible structural elements
• Roof condition and materials
• Damp and timber decay
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• External walls and finishes

Properties in G72 6 face several area-specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to detect. The underlying geology of South Lanarkshire includes Carboniferous sedimentary rocks with superficial deposits of glacial till, also known as boulder clay. This glacial till has a moderate to high shrink-swell potential due to its clay content, meaning properties built on this type of ground may experience movement during periods of wet or dry weather. Our inspectors look for signs of subsidence, heave, or structural movement that could indicate problems with the foundations or ground conditions. This is particularly important for properties with mature trees nearby, as tree roots can extract moisture from clay soils, causing shrinkage and subsequent ground movement.

The local housing stock presents various construction challenges that require experienced eyes to assess properly. Older properties built before 1945 often feature solid sandstone or brick walls with lime mortar, slate roofs, and timber suspended floors. These buildings, which represent a significant proportion of the housing stock given the area's Victorian and Edwardian heritage, commonly suffer from rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation issues, particularly where ventilation is poor or render finishes have failed. Many of these older properties also contain traditional lime-based mortars and renders that can be damaged by modern cement-based repairs, so our surveyors note where inappropriate modern materials may have been used in previous maintenance work. Mid-century properties built between 1945 and 1980 typically have cavity wall construction, but these can still experience issues with timber rot, deteriorated pointing, and aging roof coverings that need attention.

Roof defects are among the most frequently identified issues in G72 6 surveys. Missing or slipped slates, damaged flashing, blocked gutters, and general wear on older roofs require prompt attention to prevent water ingress and subsequent damage to internal timbers and plasterwork. Our surveyors also inspect chimney stacks, which commonly show signs of deterioration including cracked mortar, leaning stacks, and damaged pots. These issues are particularly prevalent in properties over 50 years old, which represents a substantial portion of the local housing market. For properties in areas like the older parts of Cambuslang near the Main Street and in parts of Blantyre, Victorian and Edwardian roofs are particularly prone to deterioration given their age. Additionally, we check for asbestos-containing materials in properties built before 2000, as Artex coatings and some roofing felts may contain asbestos fibres.

The proximity to the River Clyde and its tributaries means some properties in lower-lying parts of G72 6 may have flood risk to consider. While the area is not at significant coastal flood risk, surface water flooding can occur during heavy rainfall, particularly in areas with inadequate drainage. Our surveyors note any signs of previous flooding or water damage and can advise on appropriate flood risk assessments if needed. This is especially relevant for properties in the valley areas near local watercourses or those with basements or cellars.

• Subsidence from clay soils
• Roof slate and tile defects
• Damp and condensation
• Timber rot and woodworm
• Chimney stack deterioration
• Outdated electrical systems