RICS Level 2 Survey in Marldon

Our RICS Level 2 Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property's condition, identifying defects that could affect value or require costly repairs. In Marldon, where approximately 50 properties have changed hands in the past year and new developments continue to attract buyers, understanding exactly what you are purchasing is essential. The survey includes a detailed assessment of all accessible areas of the property, from the roof down to the foundations, with clear ratings for each element: condition, repair need, and potential risk.

We specifically check for issues common to Marldon's housing stock. The village has a significant proportion of properties over 50 years old, with many built before 1980 using traditional construction methods. Our surveyors examine walls, floors, ceilings, and joinery for signs of damp, which remains one of the most frequent defects found in older Marldon properties. We assess roof conditions, looking for slipped tiles or degraded felt that could lead to leaks, and we inspect timber elements for woodworm or rot that can compromise structural integrity.

The Level 2 survey also includes evaluation of services such as electrical and plumbing installations. Many homes in Marldon, particularly those built before the 1980s, may have wiring and pipework that does not meet current regulations. Our surveyor will note where systems appear outdated and recommend further investigation by qualified specialists. We also assess the property's exposure to environmental risks, including the local flood risk from surface water in certain low-lying areas and the potential for subsidence related to the clay soils found in parts of the village.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and structure
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Electrical and plumbing visible installations
• Exterior finishes and drainage
• Boundary walls and outbuildings

Marldon presents a diverse mix of property types that our surveyors encounter regularly throughout their work in the village. The housing stock breaks down approximately as follows: 45.4% detached properties, 30.1% semi-detached, 15.2% terraced, and 9.3% flats and apartments. This means detached homes dominate the local market, which explains why the average property price sits at £380,300 with detached properties reaching an average of £474,800.

The age distribution of properties in Marldon varies significantly across the village. Around 15-20% of homes date from the pre-1919 period, particularly in the conservation area around All Saints Church and along Village Road where you will find historic farmhouses and cottages. A further 10-15% were built during the inter-war years between 1919 and 1945, representing early suburban expansion. The largest proportion, approximately 30-35%, came from the post-war period between 1945 and 1980 when Marldon saw substantial development to meet growing demand from workers commuting to nearby towns. The remaining 30-40% of properties are post-1980 builds, including the recent Marldon Way and White Rock developments.

Construction methods differ markedly across these age groups, which affects what our surveyors look for during inspection. Older properties typically feature solid wall construction using local stone or brick with lime mortar, timber floors and roofs, and slate or clay tile roofing. Mid-century homes built between 1945 and 1980 commonly have cavity wall construction with brick or block and render, concrete tiled roofs, and either timber or concrete floors. Modern properties post-1980 predominantly use cavity wall construction with brick, block, render or cladding, pitched roofs with concrete tiles, and uPVC windows. Each construction type has its own typical defect profile that our experienced surveyors understand intimately.

Our inspectors are familiar with the specific challenges that Marldon properties face. The local geology includes areas with clay-rich superficial deposits, which create a moderate to high shrink-swell potential. This means foundations can move with seasonal moisture changes, particularly where mature trees are present. Our surveyors look for signs of subsidence or heave, including cracking patterns in walls and doors or windows that stick or do not close properly. While not widespread, these issues can affect properties in certain locations within the village.

Surface water flooding represents another local consideration. Although Marldon is not on a major river or the coast, topography and drainage capacity can create flooding problems during heavy rainfall in low-lying areas. Our surveyors assess the property's drainage and surrounding land levels, noting any evidence of past flooding or potential risk. We also examine the condition of retaining walls and boundaries, which can be particularly important in a village with the varied topography found in parts of Marldon.

For properties within the Marldon Conservation Area, which covers the historic core around All Saints Church and parts of Village Road, special considerations apply. These properties may have restrictions on alterations and require specialist maintenance approaches. Our surveyors note conservation-related issues and can recommend whether a more detailed Level 3 Building Survey would be appropriate for listed buildings or particularly historic properties. Properties such as Marldon House and various farmhouses and cottages around the village may require the additional depth that a Level 3 survey provides.

The predominance of older properties in Marldon means that damp remains one of the most common issues our surveyors identify. Rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation are frequently found in properties built before 1980, particularly those with solid walls that lack cavity insulation. We use visual inspection and moisture meters to assess affected areas and provide recommendations for remediation. Properties withrendered exteriors, which are common throughout the village, can sometimes mask underlying damp issues that only become apparent during a thorough survey.