RICS Level 2 Survey in KW15 1 Kirkwall

Kirkwall's unique housing landscape presents specific considerations for property buyers. The town features a rich mix of property ages, from centuries-old stone buildings in the historic core around the Cathedral and Palace Street to more modern developments. Our chartered surveyors understand these construction variations and can identify issues common to Orkney properties, including damp problems prevalent in older stone buildings and the effects of coastal weather exposure on roof coverings and external joinery. We have surveyed properties throughout Kirkwall, from traditional sand-coloured sandstone cottages to contemporary builds, giving us intimate knowledge of how each property type performs in the local climate.

The KW15 1 area encompasses diverse neighbourhoods, from the quieter residential areas like KW15 1JG, where average prices sit around £120,500, to more premium locations such as KW15 1SU averaging £227,550. purchasing a traditional terraced house or a modern detached property, our Level 2 survey adapts to thoroughly assess the specific construction type and identify any defects typical to that style of property in the Orkney climate. We know that properties in areas like KW15 1TW, which has seen significant price fluctuations including a 59% increase recently, may present different condition issues compared to more stable areas of Kirkwall.

With ESPC data showing over 2,000 properties sold in the KW15 1 area recently, the market remains active. Our inspectors have extensive experience surveying properties throughout Kirkwall, from the conservation area with its listed buildings to newer builds. This local knowledge proves invaluable when assessing properties that may have specific vulnerabilities related to Orkney's geology, coastal exposure, or traditional construction methods. We have seen firsthand how the Devonian sandstone geology underlying much of Kirkwall can occasionally present challenges, and we know exactly what to look for.

Many properties in Kirkwall, especially those in the older conservation area, feature traditional construction with local sandstone. These buildings often have shallow stepped gables formed from slabs of local stone and may have been historically rendered with harl. Understanding these construction methods helps our surveyors identify potential problem areas specific to Orkney's traditional housing stock, from deteriorating pointing in stone walls to issues with traditional roof structures that may have been adapted over centuries of use.

Properties in KW15 1 face specific challenges that our surveyors know to look for. Orkney's climate, characterised by high rainfall and strong winds from the North Sea, accelerates wear on building fabrics. Traditional stone buildings, while solid, can suffer from penetrating damp if pointing deteriorates, and the Devonian sandstone geology underlying Kirkwall can occasionally present shrink-swell issues in clay-containing soils. Our surveyors understand these local factors and tailor their inspection accordingly, checking for the specific defects that affect properties in this area.

Coastal erosion is a significant concern throughout Orkney, with around 860km of soft coastline vulnerable to erosion. While KW15 1 itself isn't directly on the coast, properties in surrounding areas may have varying degrees of exposure to coastal elements. Our surveyors assess drainage around properties carefully, as Kirkwall has experienced surface water flooding during heavy rainfall events, particularly in 2006 when significant flooding affected the town. We check damp-proof courses, ground levels, and drainage systems to identify potential flood risk.

The unique construction methods used in Kirkwall require specialist knowledge to assess properly. Many traditional properties feature local flaggy siltstones and sandstones, with shallow stepped gables unique to the region. Some older buildings may have been harled historically, and understanding how these renders perform in the Orkney climate is essential. Our surveyors have extensive experience with these traditional building methods and know exactly what to look for when assessing their condition.

Newer properties in Kirkwall, such as those in the Walliwall area, present their own considerations. These developments use a range of materials from natural slate, stone, and timber to man-made concrete tiles and cladding. While generally in better condition than older properties, our survey still identifies any construction defects, snagging issues, or problems with fittings that might not be apparent to the untrained eye. Even new builds can have hidden defects that our experienced surveyors will spot.