RICS Level 2 Survey in Marloes and St. Brides

The Marloes and St. Brides area presents unique challenges for property buyers that make professional surveys essential. This coastal community, situated on a peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides, exposes properties to Atlantic weather conditions that can accelerate wear and tear. The geology of the area, featuring Silurian mudstones, shales, and Devonian Old Red Sandstone, influences both ground conditions and the traditional construction methods used in local buildings. Our surveyors understand how these geological factors can affect foundations and structural integrity over time. The distinctive rock formations at Marloes Sands, including the famous Three Chimneys sea stack visible from the cliff path, demonstrate the ongoing coastal processes that shape this landscape.

Many properties in Marloes and St. Brides fall within the Marloes Peninsula Conservation Area, and the community boasts 26 listed buildings including the Grade II* Church of Saint Peter in Marloes and St Brides Castle, whose site dates back to 1298. Properties of this age and historical significance often require careful inspection to identify defects that standard surveys might miss. The presence of older construction techniques, such as the roughcast rubble stone walls seen in buildings like Philbeach dating from the C17, means that issues with damp penetration, timber condition, and outdated plumbing are frequently discovered during our surveys. Our surveyors are familiar with the specific characteristics of these historic Pembrokeshire properties.

Coastal erosion is a genuine concern for properties in this area. Marloes and Musselwick Sands are actively eroding, and the coastline around St Bride's Bay shows signs of ongoing change. At St Bride's itself, existing sea walls would fail with erosion or setback of the beach, potentially leading to the loss of the access road to properties on the eastern headland. Properties near the cliff edges or in areas with sea walls require particular attention during surveys. Our inspectors assess not only the current condition of the property but also potential future risks from coastal processes that could affect property values and insurance eligibility. The shingle storm beaches at Martin's Haven and St Bride's backshore areas are particularly vulnerable to storm damage.

The local economy's reliance on tourism and recreation within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park means that many properties may have been converted from commercial use or designed with holiday lets in mind. This can affect building regulations compliance and the suitability of electrical and plumbing systems for permanent habitation. Our surveyors check for these specific issues when inspecting properties in the area.

Our experience surveying properties across the Marloes and St. Brides area reveals several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Dampness ranks among the most common defects identified, particularly in older properties built with solid walls before modern damp-proof courses were introduced. The traditional roughcast rubble stone construction seen in many historic properties, such as the buildings along the Marloes Peninsula, can allow moisture penetration, especially when the external render deteriorates. The Silurian mudstones and shales underlying much of the area can contribute to ground moisture issues, particularly during wet Welsh winters.

Roofing problems frequently appear in our surveys, with missing or damaged tiles, deteriorating lead flashing, and inadequate insulation being standard findings. Properties in exposed coastal positions suffer particular wear on roofing materials from wind and salt spray. The aggressive marine environment accelerates the degradation of roofing felts, tiles, and mortar pointing. Timber defects, including wet and dry rot, affect many older properties where ventilation is poor or dampness has been allowed to persist. Our surveyors inspect all accessible timber elements, including floor joists, roof rafters, and window frames. Properties like those along Green Meadow Close and Glebe Lane, which have seen multiple sales over the years, often reveal cumulative maintenance issues.

Outdated electrical systems pose another significant concern in older Marloes and St. Brides properties. Many homes still contain original wiring that does not meet current safety standards, creating potential fire risks. Similarly, old plumbing systems with galvanised steel or lead pipes are commonly found in properties built before modern materials became standard. These issues can be expensive to rectify and may affect insurance premiums or building regulation compliance. Our surveys include a visual inspection of the electrical consumer unit and visible wiring, noting any obvious deficiencies that should be investigated by a qualified electrician.

Structural movement and subsidence, while not universal, do occur in some properties in the area. The presence of shrink-swell clay potential in the mudstone geology means that properties with trees nearby or those with original shallow foundations may show signs of movement. Our surveyors are trained to identify the subtle signs of structural issues, including cracking patterns, uneven floors, and doors or windows that do not close properly. Any concerns will be clearly flagged in the report with recommendations for further specialist investigation if necessary.