RICS Level 2 Survey in Malborough

Malborough's property market has experienced considerable growth, with prices rising substantially over recent years and the average property now approaching £440,000 according to Rightmove data. This significant investment deserves thorough protection through a professional survey before you complete on your purchase. The 17.8% increase in property values over the past twelve months reflects strong demand for properties in this sought-after South Hams village, making it even more important that buyers understand exactly what they're paying for.

The village's housing stock primarily consists of terraced properties, which account for over 65% of recent sales, alongside a mix of semi-detached and detached homes. Each property type presents unique considerations during a survey - from the condition of shared walls in terraced houses to the roof and foundation systems of larger detached properties. Our inspectors have thorough knowledge of how these different construction types behave in the local Devon climate and can identify issues that might otherwise be missed by less experienced surveyors.

Our team understands the specific challenges presented by Devon properties. The traditional construction methods found in this region, often using local stone, slate, and render, require experienced eyes to assess properly. We check for common issues that affect properties in this area, including roof condition, damp penetration, and the integrity of older drainage systems. Many properties in Malborough will have been built using traditional techniques that differ significantly from modern construction methods, and our surveyors know exactly what to look for.

With 44.3% of households in Malborough owning their homes outright according to census data, many properties in the area will be older and may have undergone various renovations over the decades. A Level 2 survey identifies any work that may have been carried out without proper building regulation approvals, which could affect your future insurance or resale options. We'll also check whether any extensions or alterations meet current building regulations and flag any potential compliance issues in our report.

Properties in Malborough predominantly feature traditional Devon construction methods that reflect the region's architectural heritage. Terraced houses, which make up the majority of the housing stock, typically feature solid brick or stone external walls with internal timber frame divisions. These construction types perform differently from modern cavity-wall constructions and require specific assessment approaches that our surveyors understand thoroughly.

The semi-detached and detached properties in the area often incorporate traditional slate roofing with timber roof trusses, which can be susceptible to deterioration over time especially in the moisture-laden coastal air that affects this part of South Devon. Our inspectors assess the pitch and condition of these roofs, checking for any signs of sagging, water ingress, or damage to the supporting timber structure that could indicate more serious underlying issues.

Many older properties in Malborough feature original single-glazed windows and traditional door systems that may not meet current energy efficiency standards. While not necessarily a structural concern, these features can significantly impact your ongoing energy costs and comfort levels. Our survey report will highlight these elements and provide guidance on whether replacement or upgrading should be considered as part of your renovation plans.

The foundations of properties in this area were typically constructed using traditional strip foundations, which are generally adequate for the soil conditions found in South Devon. However, our surveyors still assess for any signs of movement, cracking, or settlement that might indicate foundation issues. We'll look closely at any cracks in walls or signs of door and window sticking that could suggest the property has undergone some movement over the years.

Your RICS Level 2 survey report uses a straightforward traffic light system to rate the condition of different property elements. Green indicates no issues requiring attention, amber signals defects that need repair or monitoring, and red highlights serious issues that require urgent attention. This clear system makes it easy to prioritises any work needed after you move in. Each rating is accompanied by a detailed description of the issue and our recommendation for how to proceed.

The report provides detailed findings for each area of the property, from the foundations and structural walls to the kitchen and bathroom fittings. You'll receive clear recommendations on what to do next, whether that's obtaining quotes for repairs, negotiating the purchase price, or requesting further specialist investigations from structural engineers or damp specialists. We always provide practical, actionable advice rather than just identifying problems.

For terraced properties, which make up the majority of sales in Malborough, we pay special attention to the condition of shared walls and any signs of movement that might indicate problems with the overall structure. We'll also check the condition of any chimneys that might be shared between properties, as these can be a source of issues in terraced houses. Semi-detached properties receive similar scrutiny, with particular focus on the condition of the dividing wall and any implications for both properties.

The property's location in South Devon also means we'll assess the drainage systems, which in older villages may connect to private systems rather than the mains network. Understanding these details helps you budget appropriately for any necessary upgrades or repairs, and ensures you comply with any relevant regulations. We'll check all visible drainage pipework and advise on the type of system serving the property.

Our experience surveying properties throughout the South Hams area means we know exactly what defects to look for in Malborough homes. Damp-related issues are among the most common problems we identify, particularly in older properties where original construction methods may not include adequate damp-proof courses or ventilation. The coastal climate in this part of Devon means properties are regularly exposed to moist air, which can penetrate traditional wall constructions over time.

Roof defects feature prominently in our survey reports for Malborough properties. Many roofs in the village will be original or have been re-covered using traditional slate, and these materials can deteriorate significantly over their lifespan. We commonly find slipped or broken tiles, degraded mortar on ridge lines, and worn felt underlay that can allow water ingress into the roof space. Our surveyors will assess the remaining life expectancy of the roof covering and advise on any immediate repair needs.

Outdated electrical installations are another frequent finding in Malborough properties, particularly those that haven't been modernised in recent years. Electrical regulations have changed significantly over the decades, and many older properties will have wiring that doesn't meet current standards. Our surveyors will identify any visible electrical issues and recommend that a qualified electrician conducts a full electrical inspection before you complete your purchase.

Structural movement, while not always present, can affect properties in any area, and Malborough is no exception. We carefully assess walls, ceilings, and floors for any signs of movement or cracking that might indicate foundation issues or ongoing structural problems. While most minor cracking in older properties is simply evidence of age-related settlement, our surveyors can distinguish between harmless cosmetic issues and more serious structural concerns that require further investigation.