Comprehensive property surveys by chartered surveyors in East Devon








We provide RICS Level 2 Home Surveys across Sowton and the surrounding East Devon area. Our team of qualified chartered surveyors understands the local property market, from the historic properties in Sowton Village to the modern homes in Sowton Barton. Whether you are purchasing a terraced house on the village outskirts or a detached family home near the industrial estate, our detailed survey reports give you the confidence to proceed with your purchase.
A Level 2 survey is particularly valuable in the current Sowton market, where average property prices have seen significant movement over the past year. With properties ranging from terraced homes around £244,000 to detached properties exceeding £520,000, understanding the true condition of your potential purchase is essential. Our surveyors inspect the property structure, identify defects, and provide clear recommendations so you can make an informed decision.
Our chartered surveyors have years of experience working throughout the Exeter and East Devon region, giving us intimate knowledge of the construction methods and common issues affecting properties in the Sowton area. We know that homes here face particular challenges from the local climate, including exposure to coastal weather patterns and the potential for damp in older properties. When you book a survey with us, we assign a local surveyor who understands these regional factors and can provide genuinely useful advice for your specific property.

£320,000
Average Property Price
£334,644
Sowton Village Average
£391,728
Sowton Barton Average
-27%
Price Change (12 Months)
Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a thorough inspection of the property you are purchasing in Sowton. The survey includes a detailed examination of all accessible areas of the property, from the roof space to the foundations. Our chartered surveyors check the condition of walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, identifying any visible defects or areas of concern that could affect the property's value or require future maintenance. We examine the main structural elements including the roof structure, load-bearing walls, floors, and foundations, providing you with a clear picture of the property's overall condition.
The inspection covers the main structural elements including the roof structure, load-bearing walls, floors, and foundations. We examine the condition of the property's plumbing, electrical systems where visible, and heating systems. In Sowton, where properties range from older village homes to newer developments, our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues common to different property types and ages. We understand that many homes in Sowton Village date from the mid-20th century and may have original features that require careful assessment during the survey process.
Following the physical inspection, we produce a comprehensive report that clearly outlines our findings. The report uses a simple traffic light system to highlight conditions ranging from urgent defects requiring immediate attention to minor issues that may need future maintenance. Each finding includes practical guidance on what the defect means for you as the buyer and recommended next steps. We include photographs of key issues so you can see exactly what we are referring to in the report. Our team takes pride in writing reports that are clear, practical, and genuinely useful for buyers who may not have technical knowledge of building construction.
We recommend our Level 2 survey for most properties in the Sowton area, including conventional houses, bungalows, and apartments. This survey type is particularly suitable for properties built after 1900, which makes up the majority of the housing stock in both Sowton Village and Sowton Barton. If you are purchasing a particularly old or historically significant property, we may recommend a Level 3 survey instead, which provides a more detailed structural assessment.
Source: Rightmove 2024
Visit our booking page or call our team to arrange your RICS Level 2 survey in Sowton. We will confirm the appointment within 24 hours and send you all the necessary information about preparing for the inspection. Our booking team will ask for details about the property, including its age, construction type, and any specific concerns you may have. This helps our surveyor prepare appropriately for the inspection.
Our chartered surveyor visits your Sowton property at the agreed time. The inspection typically takes 1-3 hours depending on the property size and complexity. We examine all accessible areas and note any defects or concerns. During the inspection, we will move furniture and lift floorboards where it is safe to do so, check the roof space from inside the property, and assess the condition of all visible elements. Our surveyor will take photographs throughout to include in the report.
Within 5 working days of the inspection, you receive your detailed RICS Level 2 survey report. The report includes our findings, condition ratings, photographs, and practical recommendations for any issues discovered. We write our reports in plain English, avoiding unnecessary technical jargon so you can easily understand the findings. Each section of the report is clearly organised with condition ratings that make it easy to prioritise any necessary work.
You can discuss the report findings with your solicitor or mortgage lender. If significant issues are identified, you may be able to negotiate the purchase price or request repairs before completing the sale. Our team is happy to talk through the report with you after you have received it, explaining any complex findings and advising on the best course of action. We can also arrange a follow-up visit if you need us to clarify any specific points.
With Sowton property prices showing significant movement over the past year, a RICS Level 2 survey provides essential protection for your investment. The survey identifies defects before you commit to the purchase, potentially saving you thousands in repair costs. For properties in the village area, where many homes are over 50 years old, our detailed inspection is particularly valuable. The recent 27% price adjustment in the market makes it even more important to ensure you are getting value for your money and understanding exactly what condition the property is in before committing to the purchase.
The Sowton area presents a diverse range of properties for potential buyers. Sowton Village offers terraced properties averaging around £244,000 and semi-detached homes at approximately £319,000. These properties often date from the mid-20th century and may have original features that require careful assessment during the survey process. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying issues common to properties of this age, including outdated electrical systems, original windows requiring replacement, and potential damp problems. Many of these homes were built with solid walls rather than cavity walls, which can be more susceptible to penetrating damp in the wetter months we experience in East Devon.
For those looking at the higher end of the market, Sowton Barton features detached properties averaging £638,000. These larger homes often have more complex construction methods and additional features such as garages, extensions, or conservatories that require detailed inspection. Our Level 2 survey covers all these elements, ensuring you have a complete picture of the property condition regardless of its size or style. We pay particular attention to extensions and alterations, checking whether they were properly constructed and whether any Building Regulations approvals were obtained. This is especially important in Sowton Barton, where many properties have been extended over the years to accommodate growing families.
The recent price adjustments in the Sowton market, with properties showing a 27% decrease from the previous year, make it even more important to ensure you are getting value for money. A survey helps you understand exactly what you are purchasing and any investment required after completion. Whether you are a first-time buyer looking at a terraced property or moving up to a detached family home, our detailed inspection provides the information you need to proceed with confidence. The market correction means that properties are more affordable than they were, but you still need to factor in the cost of any repairs or improvements identified in the survey when calculating your total purchase cost.
Sowton's proximity to Exeter makes it a popular choice for commuters and families looking for a quieter lifestyle while maintaining easy access to the city. The area includes the Sowton Industrial Estate, which provides local employment opportunities but also means that some properties may be affected by noise or traffic from the commercial area. Our surveyors are aware of these local factors and can flag any issues related to location that might affect your enjoyment of the property. We always aim to provide a complete picture of the property, inside and out, so you can make a fully informed decision.
Our team of RICS chartered surveyors has extensive experience inspecting properties throughout Sowton and East Devon. We understand the local housing stock, from older properties in the village centre to newer homes in surrounding developments. Every surveyor is regulated by RICS, ensuring you receive a professional service with accurate, unbiased reporting. Our team members live and work in the local area, giving us first-hand knowledge of the types of properties available and the common issues they face.
When you book a survey with us, you are assigning a qualified professional who will treat your property as if it were their own. We take the time to explain our findings and answer any questions you may have about the report. Our goal is to provide you with the information needed to make the right decision about your Sowton property purchase. We believe that a well-informed buyer is a confident buyer, and we strive to make our reports as accessible and helpful as possible. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced property investor, we treat every survey with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality.

A RICS Level 2 Home Survey includes a thorough visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. Our surveyor examines the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and structural elements. We check for signs of damp, rot, subsidence, and other common defects. The report includes condition ratings and recommendations for any issues found, with practical guidance on next steps. We also assess the condition of external elements like chimneys, gutters, and fascias, which can be particularly important in Sowton where exposure to coastal weather can accelerate wear and tear on these components.
The physical inspection typically takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the property size and complexity. A small terraced property in Sowton Village may take around an hour, while a larger detached home in Sowton Barton could take 2-3 hours. You will receive your written report within 5 working days of the inspection. We find that properties in Sowton Village, being generally smaller and of more uniform construction, tend to be quicker to survey than the larger detached homes in Sowton Barton, which often have more rooms and additional features like garages or conservatories to inspect.
Even new build properties can benefit from a Level 2 survey. While major structural issues are less likely, our inspection can identify defects in finishes, snagging issues, or problems with windows, doors, and fixtures. With no verified new build developments currently in the Sowton EX2 area, most properties here are existing homes that would definitely benefit from a survey. We have found that even relatively new properties can have issues that were not apparent during the developer's own quality checks, and a survey provides that independent assessment that gives you before completing your purchase.
Yes, we actively encourage buyers to attend the survey. This gives you the opportunity to see any issues firsthand and ask questions as the inspection progresses. Our surveyors are happy to explain their findings and point out areas of concern during the visit. This helps you understand the report when you receive it. We find that clients who attend the survey have a much better understanding of the property and feel more confident in their purchase decision. It also gives you the chance to learn about the property from an expert who can explain how different systems work and what maintenance will be required in the future.
If our survey identifies significant defects, such as structural issues or extensive damp, we provide detailed recommendations for further investigation or repair. You can then discuss these findings with your solicitor, who may be able to negotiate a price reduction or request that the seller carries out repairs before completion. In some cases, we recommend a Level 3 survey for a more detailed structural assessment. Our reports are designed to give you the information you need to negotiate effectively. We provide clear guidance on the severity of issues found, so you understand which problems are urgent and which can be addressed over time.
Our Level 2 surveys in Sowton start from £450 for standard properties. The exact price depends on the property size, type, and location within the Sowton area. Larger properties or those requiring more complex inspections may cost more. We provide a fixed price quote when you book, with no hidden fees. The cost of a survey is a small investment compared to the potential cost of discovering serious defects after you have completed the purchase. Given the current market conditions in Sowton, with average property prices at £320,000, identifying even a few thousand pounds worth of issues can far exceed the cost of the survey.
Our surveyors are familiar with the common issues affecting properties in the Sowton area. In older properties in Sowton Village, we frequently find outdated electrical wiring that does not meet current regulations, original single-glazed windows, and signs of penetrating damp in solid wall constructions. For properties in Sowton Barton, we often identify issues with extensions or conservatories, drainage problems around the foundations, and wear on flat or low-pitch roofs. We also check for any signs of movement or subsidence, which can be a concern in some areas of East Devon where clay soils are prevalent. Our local knowledge helps us focus the inspection on the areas most likely to have issues for each specific property type.
From £600
For older or complex properties requiring detailed structural assessment
From £80
Energy Performance Certificate required for property sales and rentals
From £300
Valuation for Help to Buy equity loan applications
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Comprehensive property surveys by chartered surveyors in East Devon
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Homemove is a trading name of HM Haus Group Ltd (Company No. 13873779, registered in England & Wales). Homemove Mortgages Ltd (Company No. 15947693) is an Appointed Representative of TMG Direct Limited, trading as TMG Mortgage Network, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 786245). Homemove Mortgages Ltd is entered on the FCA Register as an Appointed Representative (FRN 1022429). You can check registrations at NewRegister or by calling 0800 111 6768.