RICS Level 2 Survey in Rhiwbina

Our Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is designed for properties in conventional condition and provides a comprehensive assessment of the property's visible condition and defects. During our inspection, our surveyor will examine all accessible areas of the property including the roof space where safe access is possible, walls, floors, windows, doors, and fixed joinery. We check the condition of the building fabric and identify any issues that may affect the value or safety of the property.

Given Rhiwbina's significant stock of older properties, particularly in areas like Rhiwbina Garden Village where period architecture is prevalent, our surveyors pay particular attention to common defects found in traditional brick construction. This includes checking for signs of damp, assessing roof condition, and evaluating the condition of outdated electrical installations that are often found in properties built before the 1970s. Our team has inspected hundreds of properties in this area and knows exactly what to look for when assessing a bay-fronted Victorian terrace or a post-war semi-detached house.

Our report includes a clear condition rating system that highlights issues requiring urgent attention, serious defects, and matters requiring future maintenance. We provide practical advice on remedial works and estimated costs where appropriate, helping you negotiate with the seller if significant issues are identified. Each report is written in clear, jargon-free language that helps you understand exactly what you are buying and what maintenance may be required in the years ahead.

• Visible signs of damp and moisture penetration
• Roof condition and tile defects
• Wall crack assessment and structural movement
• Window and door operation and condition
• Electrical installation visible defects
• Plumbing and drainage visible condition
• Timber decay and pest infestation signs
• Boundary wall and outbuilding condition

The Rhiwbina housing market features a diverse mix of property types, from period mid-terrace homes built in the early 20th century to modern detached family houses. This variety means that every property comes with its own set of potential issues and maintenance requirements. Our experienced surveyors understand the local housing stock and know what to look for when inspecting properties in this area, from the traditional bay-fronted terraces on the main routes through to the distinctive homes in the Garden Village conservation area.

Recent market data shows that Rhiwbina house prices were around 6% down on the previous year and 2% down on the 2022 peak of £367,930, making it an attractive time to purchase in this sought-after suburb. The Rhiwbina Station area saw prices fall by 12% in the last year, while properties in the CF14 6QF postcode showed resilience with prices 10% up on their 2023 peak. However, even in a market where prices have softened, buying a property with significant hidden defects can prove costly and the money you spend on a survey is a small investment that can save you thousands in unexpected repair bills.

Our Level 2 survey provides you with the information needed to make an informed decision and, if necessary, renegotiate the purchase price based on our findings. We have helped hundreds of buyers in Rhiwbina and the surrounding Cardiff suburbs understand exactly what they are purchasing before they commit their hard-earned savings. Whether you are buying near the local shops on Church Road, a family home close to the excellent primary schools, or a period property in the Garden Village, our survey gives you the facts you need.

Many buyers are surprised to discover defects that our surveyors identify during the inspection. From missing roof tiles and damp issues to outdated electrical installations and structural movement, our detailed assessment ensures you enter the purchase with full knowledge of the property's condition. This information is particularly valuable in Rhiwbina where the mix of older period homes and more modern properties means that each property can present different challenges.

Our experience surveying properties across Rhiwbina has identified several recurring issues that buyers should be aware of. Given the prevalence of period properties in the area, particularly the bay-fronted and mid-terrace homes that line many of Rhiwbina's streets, damp penetration is one of the most common defects we encounter. This can manifest as damp patches on walls, musty odours, or deterioration of plaster and decoration. Our surveyors use their expertise to identify the cause and severity of damp issues, distinguishing between condensation problems that may be relatively simple to address and more serious rising damp that requires specialist treatment. In older properties with solid walls rather than cavity walls, damp can be a particular issue, especially where original breathability has been compromised by modern cement-based renders.

Roof condition is another area of particular focus in our Rhiwbina surveys. Many of the older properties in the area feature traditional pitched roofs with slate or tile coverings that, while durable, can develop issues over time. We check for missing or damaged tiles, signs of leakage in the roof space, and the condition of roof flashings and valleys. Properties with flat roof extensions, common in Rhiwbina, require particular attention as these can have limited life expectancies and may be showing signs of deterioration. We often find that flat roofs on extensions to period properties are approaching the end of their useful life and may need replacement within the next few years.

Electrical installations in older Rhiwbina properties often require updating to meet current safety standards. We visually inspect the consumer unit (fusebox), wiring visible in accessible areas, and socket outlets. Where we identify outdated electrical work that does not comply with modern regulations, we flag this in our report and recommend further investigation by a qualified electrician. This is particularly important for properties that may have had minimal updating since construction. We frequently find older consumer units with rewireable fuses, lack of RCD protection, and cabling that does not meet current Part P electrical safety regulations.

Additional issues we commonly identify in Rhiwbina properties include problems with shared boundaries and party walls, particularly in the mid-terrace properties that make up a significant proportion of the housing stock. We inspect boundary walls, fences, and any outbuildings, noting any defects that may require attention. Our surveyors also check the condition of gutters and downpipes, which can be prone to leaking or blocked with moss and debris, particularly on properties with mature trees nearby. These might seem like minor issues but left untreated they can lead to significant water damage and costly repairs.