RICS Level 2 Survey in St Sampson

The RICS Level 2 survey, formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, provides a comprehensive inspection of the property's visible condition. Our surveyor will examine all accessible areas of the home, including the roof space, walls, windows, doors, damp areas, and plumbing and electrical installations where visible. You'll receive a detailed report with clear ratings highlighting any defects found, from urgent issues requiring immediate attention to minor maintenance items. The inspection follows RICS standards, ensuring consistency and quality in every report we produce.

In St Sampson, where many properties are traditional Guernsey construction dating back decades or even centuries, our surveyors pay particular attention to the condition of older features such as stonework, thatched roofs where present, and traditional window systems. We assess the integrity of load-bearing walls, check for signs of settlement or movement, and evaluate the condition of any original joinery and period features. The report includes practical advice on any repairs or improvements needed, helping you budget for future maintenance costs and prioritise works effectively.

For properties in newer developments such as those near Belle Greve Bay or along Route Militaire, we assess the construction quality, any signs of movement or cracking, and the overall finish of modern building methods. Our surveyors check insulation levels, ventilation provision, and the quality of recent extensions or modifications. purchasing a Victorian terrace cottage or a newly constructed family home, our RICS Level 2 survey gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase knowing exactly what you're buying.

• Structural integrity assessment
• Damp and timber decay inspection
• Roof condition evaluation
• Electrical and plumbing visible checks
• Boundary and outbuilding review
• Energy efficiency advisory

The St Sampson property market has shown notable activity in recent years, with the Guernsey local market experiencing fluctuations that make professional surveys particularly valuable. Property purchase prices hit a post-pandemic peak of £648,000 in 2023, dropped below £600,000 by spring 2024, and have since shown signs of recovery. In Q4 2025, the average purchase price stood at £595,820, representing a 1.4% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. Despite this modest correction, property values remain 29.7% higher than five years ago, making informed purchasing decisions essential.

The volume of transactions in St Sampson and across Guernsey has been strong, with 246 local market transactions in Q4 2025 alone. This was 37 more than the previous quarter and 58 more than Q4 2024, indicating sustained buyer interest in the area. Year-to-date totals by October 2025 showed 763 homes changing hands, surpassing all of 2024 by 58 properties. Total property sale values reached £604 million by the end of October 2025, up by more than £137 million from the previous year. With such significant investments at stake, a RICS Level 2 survey provides essential protection.

Given the high value of properties in St Sampson, with examples including a 4-bedroom property at £1,135,000, a 7-bedroom home at £2,495,000, and a 2-bedroom apartment at £445,000, identifying any hidden defects before completion could save you substantial money on future repairs. Many mortgage lenders require a survey as a condition of lending, and having a professional inspection provides valuable negotiating power if issues are discovered. Our surveyors understand the local market dynamics and can advise on issues specific to Guernsey property ownership, helping you make the right decision for your circumstances.

St Sampson is one of Guernsey's most sought-after parishes, offering a mix of residential areas, local amenities, and proximity to beautiful coastline at Belle Greve Bay. The housing stock here varies considerably, from historic properties requiring careful maintenance to modern homes built to contemporary standards. This diversity means every property brings its own set of considerations that a professional survey can uncover, making an inspection valuable regardless of the property type you're considering.

Traditional properties in St Sampson often feature local granite construction, which while durable can be susceptible to specific issues including weathering of mortar joints, damp penetration through solid walls, and movement in older structures. Many period homes also retain original features such as single-glazed windows and older electrical systems that may need updating to meet current standards. Our surveyors are experienced in identifying these common issues in traditional Guernsey properties and can advise on appropriate remediation measures.

For newer properties, particularly those in recent developments on the Southern outskirts of St Sampson near Belle Greve Bay, our surveyors check for common issues in modern construction such as thermal bridging, ventilation adequacy, and the quality of recent extensions or modifications. Even relatively new properties can have defects that aren't immediately visible to the untrained eye. The new build share in Guernsey was 1.6% in Q4 2025, down from 5.3% in the previous year, indicating that most properties in the area are of traditional construction requiring careful inspection.

The Guernsey property market operates differently from the UK mainland, with its own unique considerations including the distinction between local market and open market properties. Our surveyors understand these local nuances and can advise on issues specific to Guernsey property ownership. We also consider the coastal location of St Sampson and how this may affect the property, including potential salt weathering on external surfaces and the need for appropriate maintenance of external joinery and metalwork.

• Historic granite construction issues
• Modern development quality checks
• Coastal location considerations
• Traditional Guernsey cottage maintenance
• Electrical and plumbing standards
• Energy efficiency recommendations