RICS Level 2 Survey in Solva

Solva's housing stock presents particular considerations for buyers that set this coastal village apart from other parts of Pembrokeshire. The village features a mix of traditional stone cottages, period properties dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and modern homes built in recent decades, each with their own set of potential issues. Our inspectors have extensive experience surveying properties throughout the Solva area, from harbour-side cottages with stunning views over St. Brides Bay to larger detached homes in Upper Solva. We understand how the local environment affects different construction types and can identify problems that might be missed by a less experienced eye.

The significant price adjustments seen in the local market over recent years make a thorough survey even more valuable for Solva buyers. With prices 18% down on the previous year and 42% below the 2023 peak of £434,538, there are genuine opportunities for buyers to secure property at more accessible price points. However, buyers need confidence that the property they're considering doesn't harbour hidden problems that could erode any apparent bargain. Our Level 2 survey provides that assurance, highlighting any issues that might require substantial investment down the line.

Many properties in Solva qualify as older buildings, with character cottages and Grade II listed properties forming a substantial part of the housing stock. These older properties often require specialist attention due to their traditional construction methods, which may include solid walls, older roofing materials, and historical building techniques that differ significantly from modern standards. The most common property type in the SA62 postcode area is a 4-bedroom detached house, but the village also has a high proportion of traditional terraced cottages that were originally built for fishermen and their families.

Living in a coastal village like Solva brings specific considerations that affect property condition. The salt-laden air accelerates corrosion of metal fixtures and can degrade timber more quickly than inland locations. Properties close to the harbour may experience higher humidity levels, and the proximity to water means that flood risk assessments are an important part of any survey in this area. Our surveyors take all these local factors into account when evaluating a property.

• Traditional stone construction
• Period feature preservation
• Listed building considerations
• Coastal weather exposure
• Flood risk proximity

Properties in Solva face specific challenges due to their coastal setting and the age of much of the housing stock. Traditional stone cottages, while undeniably charming, often lack modern damp proofing and may have aging roof structures that have weathered decades of Pembrokeshire storms. Our surveyors frequently find that older properties in the area were built with solid walls rather than cavity walls, which means they can be more susceptible to damp penetration if not properly maintained. We check all vulnerable areas carefully, using moisture meters to detect problems that might not be visible to the untrained eye.

The salt air in Solva accelerates wear on external timbers and metal fixtures, meaning that windows, doors, and any decorative ironwork may require more frequent maintenance than in inland locations. We inspect all timber elements for signs of rot or insect attack, paying particular attention to window frames and external door surrounds. Our surveyors have seen numerous properties where the effects of coastal exposure have compromised what appeared to be sound joinery at first glance.

Given Solva's harbour location, properties close to the water may experience higher humidity levels and potential flooding risks, particularly those with lower elevations or those bordering the river that flows through the village. We assess drainage around the property and check for signs of previous water ingress, looking for water marks, warped flooring, or staining that might indicate past flooding. We also evaluate the effectiveness of any existing drainage systems and flag concerns about potential flood risk.

Electrical condition is another important consideration in Solva's older properties. Many traditional cottages will have been rewired at some point, but we frequently encounter properties where the electrical installation is outdated and doesn't meet current regulations. We recommend that our clients always have a qualified electrician check the electrical installation, and we'll note any obvious concerns in our survey report.

• Roof condition and age
• Damp penetration in solid walls
• Timber decay to windows and doors
• Condition of traditional render and stonework
• Drainage and flood risk assessment
• Electrical condition checks

Understanding how properties in Solva were constructed helps explain the types of issues our surveyors typically find. The village's historic core consists largely of traditional stone-built cottages, many of which date back to the 18th or 19th century when Solva was a busy fishing port. These properties were typically built with solid stone walls, often two leaves thick, with lime mortar pointing that allows the walls to breathe. Understanding this construction type is essential for proper maintenance, as modern cement-based mortars or renders can trap moisture and cause problems.

Many of the older cottages feature traditional slate or sometimes thatched roofs, which require specific expertise to assess properly. The roofing felt under slate tiles may be original or may have been replaced at various points over the years, and we check the condition of both the covering material and the underlying structure. Upper Solva, which has seen more recent development, includes properties built with more conventional cavity wall construction, though even these newer properties can have issues specific to their age and construction type.

Recent development in Solva has been limited, with most new-build activity concentrated on individual plots rather than large estates. The Headlands development offers rare opportunities for new coastal homes with planning permission, but the majority of properties in the village remain traditional. This means that most properties our surveyors inspect will be at least 50 years old, and many will be considerably older, bringing all the considerations that come with period property ownership.

Solva's position as a coastal village with a working harbour means that flood risk is a genuine consideration for property buyers in the area. The village sits on the River Solva as it flows into St. Brides Bay, and properties close to the harbour or the river channel may be at risk from both tidal flooding and fluvial flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Our surveyors assess the location of each property in relation to known flood risk areas and note any signs of previous flooding.

Surface water drainage can also be a concern in some parts of Solva, particularly in the lower-lying areas near the harbour. We check the condition of drainage systems, including soakaways, gutters, and downpipes, and assess whether the existing drainage is adequate for the property. Properties on sloping sites may have additional considerations, with surface water run-off potentially affecting lower properties during heavy storms.

While Solva doesn't have the same level of flood defence infrastructure as larger coastal towns, many properties in the area have lived with the risk of flooding for generations. Our survey report will clearly flag any flood risk concerns we identify, including the potential need for appropriate insurance and any flood resilience measures that might be advisable. This information allows you to make an informed decision about the property and factor any necessary works into your budget.

Our surveyors have inspected hundreds of properties throughout the Solva area, from compact harbour-side cottages to larger detached homes in Upper Solva. We understand the local construction methods and common issues affecting properties in this part of Pembrokeshire, and we bring that knowledge to every survey we undertake. Our experience means we know exactly where to look for potential problems and can provide accurate assessments of property condition.

When we survey a property in Solva, we take into account the specific factors that affect properties in this coastal village. We check for signs of coastal weather damage, assess the condition of traditional features, and ensure that any modern additions meet current building regulations. We've seen properties where cosmetic renovations have hidden significant structural issues, and we've helped buyers avoid purchasing properties that would have required extensive remedial work.

Our detailed reports help you make an informed decision about your property purchase. If we find significant issues, we provide clear advice on what these mean for your intended use of the property and any remediation costs you might face. We explain our findings in plain English, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon, so you can understand exactly what you're buying and what work might be required in the future.