RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey St. Clement

The RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is our most popular option for properties in St. Clement, particularly given the high proportion of older period houses in the area. Our inspectors examine the property's condition throughout, identifying any defects that might affect value or require attention. We assess walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows, along with the roof, chimneys, and drainage systems. Every element receives a condition rating from R1 (no repair needed) to R4 (urgent repair or serious defect).

Given that many properties in the St. Clement area were built between 1800 and 1911, our survey pays particular attention to common issues found in period construction. This includes checking for signs of damp, assessing the condition of original joinery and sash windows, evaluating older roof structures, and identifying any past alterations that may not meet current building regulations. Our detailed report highlights issues from minor defects to serious urgent matters requiring immediate attention. We also examine the condition of any outbuildings, boundaries, and communal areas where applicable.

The survey also includes a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost, giving you a complete picture of the property's worth. If we're concerned about any aspect of the property's condition, we'll provide clear recommendations for further specialist investigations. In the TR1 postcode area, where property values range significantly, having this detailed information protects your investment. Our valuation draws on local comparable sales data, including recent transactions on St Clements Hill and St Clements Terrace, giving you an accurate assessment of current market conditions.

Our surveyors use their local knowledge of the St. Clement area to identify issues that might be missed by less experienced inspectors. We're familiar with the common problems affecting period properties in this part of Cornwall, from damp related to solid wall construction to the condition of historic roof coverings. This expertise means we know where to look and what to flag, ensuring your report is thorough and accurate.

• Structural integrity assessment
• Damp and timber condition check
• Roof and chimney inspection
• Electrical and plumbing overview
• Market valuation
• Insurance rebuild cost

Properties in St. Clement, particularly those built before 1919 in the TR1 1SX area, present specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. One of the most common issues we encounter is damp, which affects many period properties in this part of Cornwall. This can range from rising damp in solid wall constructions to penetrating damp caused by degraded pointing, damaged gutters, or defective roof coverings. Our inspectors use visual assessment techniques to identify signs of damp, including staining, peeling wallpaper, musty odours, and deterioration of plaster or timber.

Timber decay is another significant concern in St. Clement's older properties. Woodworm, wet rot, and dry rot can affect floor joists, roof timbers, window frames, and door frames, particularly in properties where maintenance has been neglected. Our surveyors examine all accessible timber elements, looking for signs of active infestation or decay. We pay particular attention to joists in ground floor properties and roof timbers, where problems can be most costly to remedy.

The condition of roofs on period properties in St. Clement often requires careful assessment. Many Victorian and Edwardian houses in the area still have their original slate roofs, which may be approaching the end of their useful life. We inspect roof coverings, flashings, chimneys, and parapet walls, identifying any cracked or missing slates, deteriorated mortar, or signs of previous repairs. Given that Cornwall experiences more exposed weather conditions than many other parts of the UK, roof maintenance is particularly important.

Electrical systems in older properties frequently fail to meet current regulations and may pose safety risks. We identify outdated consumer units, inadequate earthing, and older wiring that may need updating. Similarly, plumbing systems in period properties often consist of lead or galvanised steel pipes that may be approaching the end of their operational life. Our overview helps you understand what may need attention before or shortly after you move in.

The Cornwall property market has seen some adjustment recently, with county-wide prices declining around 4% over the past twelve months. The average house price in Cornwall in December 2025 was £277,000, a 2.5% fall from December 2024. Across the county, there were 7,000 property sales in the previous twelve months, a drop of 14.1% compared to the previous year. In this environment, having an accurate, independent assessment of property value becomes even more important.

For properties in the TR1 1SX area specifically, prices have decreased by an average of 6.4% since the last recorded sale in February 2025, though over the last ten years the market has increased by 29.6%. This combination of short-term price pressure and long-term growth makes it essential to understand exactly what you're buying. Our surveyors provide realistic valuations based on local market knowledge and recent comparable sales in the St. Clement and TR1 area.

New build properties in Cornwall, of which 179 sold in the last twelve months at an average price of £355,000, may seem like a lower-risk option. However, even new homes can have defects from the build process, and our Level 2 survey will identify any issues the developer needs to rectify. considering a new development or a period property, a survey provides valuable .

For first-time buyers or those purchasing with help-to-buy schemes, a Level 2 survey is often a condition of their mortgage or loan. Even if you're a cash buyer, skipping the survey is a risk we wouldn't recommend. The small investment in a survey can prevent costly surprises down the line and give you confidence in your purchase decision. In a market where properties range from £181,000 on St Clements Hill to over £760,000 for large period houses, the survey cost represents excellent value for money.