RICS Level 2 Survey in Jacobstow

Our RICS Level 2 survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a comprehensive visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property. Our inspectors examine the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows, as well as the roof, chimneys, gutters, and foundations. We assess the condition of services such as plumbing, heating, and electrics where it is safe and practical to do so. The survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure for the property.

In Jacobstow, where detached properties make up approximately 80% of transactions in certain postcode areas like EX23 0BY, our surveyors pay particular attention to roof conditions, given the exposed Cornish weather these homes often face. The proximity to the coast means we also check for signs of salt weathering, damp penetration, and any structural movement that might indicate foundation issues. These coastal properties require specific attention to mortar condition, render integrity, and the durability of external timber elements.

Properties in the EX23 area have shown significant price variation, with some postcodes like EX23 0BX averaging £592,500 while others hover around £360,000 in areas like Southcott Meadows. This variance underscores why our detailed inspection is valuable: a property that appears priced to sell may hide costly defects that affect its true worth. Our survey highlights these issues in a clear, colour-coded format that makes it easy to understand the severity of any problems found. We provide Condition Ratings of 1, 2, or 3 so you immediately know which issues require urgent attention.

The long-term trends in this area show a 63.5% increase in property values over the past decade, with a 21.1% rise in the past five years alone. This significant growth makes it essential to understand exactly what you are purchasing, as even small defects can impact the long-term value of your investment. Our surveyors have extensive experience with the types of properties common to this area and know what to look for.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Market valuation and rebuild cost
• Condition ratings (Condition 1-3)
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Thermal element assessment
• Energy efficiency considerations

Your survey report arrives in a clear, easy-to-understand format that categorises each element of the property with a Condition Rating. Condition Rating 1 means no repair is currently needed, Condition 2 indicates repairs are required but are not urgent, and Condition 3 highlights serious issues that require urgent attention or further specialist investigation. This system helps you prioritise any work that may be needed after purchase. Each rating comes with a clear description of the issue and our recommendation for how to proceed.

The report also includes a market valuation specific to your Jacobstow property, based on current local market conditions. With the EX23 area showing such variability, from £360,000 average prices in some developments to £592,500 in others like EX23 0BX, this valuation provides essential context for your purchase. We also provide a rebuild cost for insurance purposes, ensuring you have the information needed to arrange adequate cover. This rebuild cost is calculated using RICS guidelines and reflects the cost of reinstating the property if it were to be destroyed.

For properties in Jacobstow that may fall within any conservation considerations or that are of traditional construction, our surveyors note any specific features that may require future maintenance attention. While the research data did not indicate specific conservation areas in Jacobstow itself, we always check for typical issues affecting older Cornish properties, including damp, roof condition, and the integrity of traditional stone or rendered walls. We also assess the thermal efficiency of the property, identifying any insulation gaps or issues with windows and doors that could affect energy efficiency.

One important aspect of our Level 2 survey is the advice we provide on ongoing maintenance. For properties in Jacobstow, this might include recommendations for maintaining roof coverings in exposed locations, checking gutters regularly given the tree-lined approaches to many properties, and monitoring any signs of movement in older structures. This proactive advice helps you budget for future maintenance and avoid costly surprises down the line.