RICS Level 2 Survey in Hellifield

Our RICS Level 2 survey, often called a Homebuyer Survey, is designed for properties in conventional condition. We conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the Hellifield property you are purchasing, including the roof space where accessible, the walls, floors, windows, doors, and the condition of the plumbing and electrical installations. We look for signs of damp, structural movement, wood rot, roof defects, and any other issues that might not be visible during a normal viewing. The survey also includes an assessment of the property's energy efficiency where visible.

In Hellifield, where many properties are constructed from local stone and date back to the Victorian era or earlier, our surveyors pay particular attention to the condition of stonework, traditional roof coverings, and any signs of settlement or movement that might be present in older buildings. We also check the condition of any extensions or alterations that may have been carried out over the years, as these can often reveal issues with building regulations compliance or structural integrity. Our report will categorise any defects found using RICS traffic light ratings, making it easy for you to see which issues require immediate attention and which are less urgent.

We inspect the exterior of the property including walls, roofs, gutters, and foundations, as well as the interior including ceilings, walls, floors, doors, and fireplaces. We also examine the services such as water, drainage, heating, and electrics, though we do not test them professionally. The resulting report provides a clear, professional assessment that helps you make an informed decision about your Hellifield property purchase.

Our surveyors are particularly experienced in identifying issues specific to traditional Yorkshire stone construction. We check for mortar deterioration between stone courses, which is a common issue in older properties where lime-based mortars have weathered over time. We also assess the condition of traditional slate and stone tile roofs, which require specific knowledge to evaluate properly. These details matter significantly in Hellifield where the character of many homes depends on the integrity of these traditional building elements.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Identification of defects and their severity
• Assessment of property type and construction
• Energy efficiency observations
• Clear RICS traffic light ratings
• Professional advice on next steps

Hellifield is a village in the Craven district of North Yorkshire, situated between Settle and Gargrave along the A65 road. The village has grown in popularity in recent years, with new developments bringing modern properties to the area alongside the traditional stone cottages and houses that have characterised the village for generations. The local housing stock includes Victorian stone terraced houses along the main thoroughfares, semi-detached properties from various eras, and detached homes on the outskirts, with newer build properties also available on developments off Main Street. The average property price in Hellifield currently stands at around £222,000, though this varies significantly depending on the type and condition of the property.

Many properties in Hellifield are constructed from local stone, which gives the village its distinctive character but also requires specific knowledge when assessing condition. Stone walls can be susceptible to weathering and mortar deterioration over time, and traditional roofs with stone tiles or slate require regular maintenance. Our surveyors are familiar with these construction methods and know what to look for when inspecting older properties in the area. We also check for any signs of previous flooding or drainage issues, which is important given the rural location of the village and its proximity to watercourses in the Yorkshire Dales.

The property market in Hellifield has seen some correction in recent years, with prices down around 19% from their 2022 peak of £354,619. This makes it particularly important to have a thorough survey carried out, as properties may have issues that are not immediately apparent during viewings. A Level 2 survey can reveal defects that might cost significantly to put right, giving you leverage to renegotiate the price or request repairs before completion. The current market conditions mean that buyers should be particularly vigilant about the condition of properties they are considering.

Hellifield contains a number of Grade II listed buildings, which are protected for their historical and architectural significance. If you are purchasing a listed property, our surveyors will assess the condition of historically significant features while noting any alterations that may have been made over the years. Listed buildings often require specialist consideration, and we will advise you if a more detailed Level 3 survey might be appropriate for your particular property.

Hellifield has seen new housing development in recent years, with properties becoming available on small developments on the outskirts of the village. These new build properties, including semi-detached houses on sites off Main Street, offer modern construction and contemporary design. However, even new build properties can benefit from a Level 2 survey to identify any construction defects or snagging issues that may not be apparent during a normal viewing.

Our surveyors have experience inspecting new build properties in the Hellifield area and understand the common issues that can affect newly constructed homes. We check the quality of construction, the condition of fixtures and fittings, and look for any defects that might not be covered by the builder's warranty. Having a survey on a new build property gives you an independent assessment of its condition and documentation that can be valuable if any issues arise later.

If you are purchasing a new build property in Hellifield, we recommend booking your survey as close to the completion date as possible so that any issues can be identified while the builder is still responsible for addressing them. Our report can be used to request that the developer rectify any defects before you move in or to negotiate a contribution towards remedial work if issues are found.