RICS Level 2 Survey in Llanbadarn Fawr

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough visual inspection of the property's visible and accessible elements. Our chartered surveyors assess the overall condition of the building's structure, including load-bearing walls, floors, ceilings, and the roof structure. We check thoroughly for signs of dampness, which can be a particular concern in older properties in the Llanbadarn Fawr area given the local climate with its high rainfall and proximity to the rivers Ystwyth and Rheidol. The survey also examines the condition of windows, doors, and joinery, as well as any extensions or alterations that may have been made to the property over the years.

We evaluate the condition of key building services such as plumbing, heating, and electrical installations, noting any obvious defects or areas where further specialist investigation may be required. Our report includes clear ratings for each element: condition is rated as acceptable, requires attention, or requires urgent repair. For properties in Llanbadarn Fawr's conservation area, which was established in 1987, our surveyors pay particular attention to the preservation of original features, including exposed stone walls typical of the area's traditional cottages, traditional windows with their original ironmongery, and historic details that may affect the property's value or require specialist maintenance by contractors familiar with historic building methods.

The survey also includes an assessment of the property's exposure to environmental risks that are specific to this location. Given Llanbadarn Fawr's position between two major river systems, we provide detailed information on flood risk areas, including those near the Llanbadarn industrial estate, the A44 road at Lovesgrove, and the A4120 road. Our inspectors can identify visible signs of previous flooding or water damage, giving you essential information for insurance purposes and long-term maintenance planning. The 2009 flood risk assessment identified surface water runoff as the main risk for eight sites in the Llanbadarn area, and our surveyors are trained to look for indicators of these specific risks.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof, loft space, and chimneys
• Dampness and timber decay
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Energy performance assessment
• Flood risk indicators

Llanbadarn Fawr has seen significant development activity in recent years, with the Brynteg development at Primrose Hill bringing 44 new homes to the area. This development, which received final planning approval in May 2023, consists of 28 semi-detached houses, 8 detached houses, 4 one-bedroom flats, and 4 two-bedroom flats, with six of these homes designated as affordable housing. Access to the site is built off the road opposite the entrance to Coleg Ceredigion. If you're purchasing a new build property in Llanbadarn Fawr from this development or others like it, our RICS Level 2 Survey can identify any construction defects or unfinished work that may not be apparent during a visual viewing.

The Maes y Fallen development offers semi-detached townhouses with three-storey accommodation, and these properties, like all new builds, benefit significantly from a professional survey to verify the quality of construction. Even with new build warranties provided by developers, our survey provides an independent assessment of the property's condition that you can trust. Our inspectors can identify issues such as inadequate insulation, poorly fitted windows, or construction defects that may not be covered by warranty claims, giving you before completing your purchase. For first-time buyers in the Llanbadarn Fawr area, particularly those looking at terraced homes or apartments near the university, a survey is a valuable investment that can save thousands in unexpected repair costs.

The local market in Llanbadarn Fawr is influenced significantly by Aberystwyth University, which drives demand for rental properties throughout the area including in Llanbadarn Fawr. Many properties in the village are purchased by landlords seeking to rent to students or young professionals working at the university, Bronglais Hospital, or the National Library of Wales. If you're considering a buy-to-let purchase, our survey can identify any issues that might affect the property's rental appeal or require expensive maintenance that could impact your investment returns. The average terraced property in the area costs around £177,667, and identifying any structural issues before completion can save substantial sums in repair costs.

Flood risk is a significant consideration for property buyers in Llanbadarn Fawr, given the village's position between the rivers Ystwyth and Rheidol. Properties near the Llanbadarn industrial estate, the A44 road at Lovesgrove, the A4120 road, and the playing fields and pavilions at Llanbadarn face potential flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The area has experienced significant flooding events in the past, including in 2012 when the Parc yr Onnen housing estate was particularly affected, prompting the installation of flood protection works. Our survey includes a specific assessment of flood risk indicators and can advise on appropriate insurance coverage.

The primary flood risks in the wider Aberystwyth area include tidal flooding from the sea, fluvial flooding from the Afon Rheidol and Afon Ystwyth, coastal flooding from wave overtopping, and flooding from ordinary watercourses and sewers. A 2009 assessment identified surface water runoff as the main flood risk for eight sites in the Llanbadarn area, with fluvial flooding from ordinary watercourses posing a risk to three additional sites. Our surveyors are trained to identify visible signs of previous flooding or water damage, including tide marks, water staining, warped flooring, and damp smells that may indicate past flood events even if the property appears dry at the time of inspection.

When our surveyors identify potential flood risk at a property in Llanbadarn Fawr, we provide specific advice in the report about steps you can take to mitigate the risk. This may include recommendations for flood-resilient building materials, the installation of flood barriers or airbrick covers, and advice on appropriate insurance products that cover flood damage. We can also advise on the property's location relative to the Environment Agency's flood warning areas and whether the property has been included in any previous flood events. This information is particularly valuable for buyers seeking properties in lower-lying areas near the river courses or the industrial estate.