RICS Level 2 Survey in Starcross

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey provides a comprehensive inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe and accessible, the walls, floors, windows, doors, and the general condition of the building's structure. We examine the condition of the property's services such as plumbing, electrical consumer units, and heating systems, flagging any areas that do not meet current safety standards or regulations. The survey also includes a market valuation based on current Starcross property data, giving you confidence that you are paying a fair price for your new home in this competitive Teignbridge market.

Starcross properties, particularly the older terraced cottages and period homes that make up a significant portion of the village's housing stock, can present specific challenges that our surveyors are trained to identify. These include aging roof structures that may require replacement, solid walls lacking modern cavity wall insulation, and older electrical installations that may not comply with Part P building regulations. Our survey report uses the clear RICS traffic light rating system - Red for urgent repairs required, Amber for defects that need attention but are not urgent, and Green for satisfactory condition - so you can easily understand the overall condition of the property at a glance.

The Level 2 survey also includes an Insurance Rebuild Cost assessment, which is essential for ensuring you have adequate buildings cover in place. Given that many properties in Starcross were built using traditional Devon construction methods with local stone and render, our surveyors understand the specific cost factors that affect rebuilding values in this area. This information protects you from being underinsured and ensures your mortgage lender's requirements are met.

Additionally, the survey includes a Technical Energy Condition Assessment (TECA) that provides basic information about the property's energy efficiency. While this is not as detailed as a full EPC assessment, it gives you an initial indication of how energy-efficient the property is and whether further investigation into insulation, double glazing, or heating systems may be worthwhile.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Market valuation specific to Starcross
• Insurance rebuild cost assessment
• Traffic light condition ratings
• Technical Energy Condition Assessment (TECA)
• Advice on legal issues and urgent defects

Properties in Starcross typically date from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, with the village growing significantly during the railway era in the 19th century. These older properties often have traditional construction features that require specialist knowledge to assess correctly, including solid brick walls, original timber windows, and aging roof structures. Our surveyors understand these construction methods and know what to look for when assessing properties that may be fifty, a hundred, or even older.

One of the most common issues we identify in Starcross properties is damp penetration, particularly in solid-walled buildings that lack modern cavity wall insulation. The coastal environment means that properties can be more susceptible to moisture ingress, especially if gutters and drainage systems have not been properly maintained. We thoroughly check all external walls, windows, and door frames for signs of damp or water staining.

Electrical installations in older properties are another frequent concern. Many homes in Starcross still have original wiring from the mid-20th century or earlier, which may not cope with modern electrical demands and could pose a safety risk. We inspect the electrical consumer unit, wiring conditions, and socket outlets, flagging any installations that do not meet current Part P building regulations.

Roof conditions also require careful assessment in this area. Many traditional roofs in Starcross use slate or clay tiles that can become brittle with age, and the salty coastal air can accelerate deterioration of lead flashings and mortar pointing. We examine the roof covering, chimney stacks, and gutters, noting any slipped tiles, damaged pointing, or signs of previous repairs that may need attention.

• Damp penetration in solid-walled properties
• Outdated electrical installations
• Aging roof structures and slate tiles
• Window and door frame deterioration
• Chimney stack condition
• Drainage and guttering issues

The Starcross housing market has shown strong growth with prices increasing by 10.8% over the past year, making it more important than ever to ensure you are making a sound investment. A RICS Level 2 Home Survey from Homemove gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase knowing exactly what you are buying, or provides you with valuable leverage to negotiate a reduction in the purchase price if significant defects are found. With terraced properties averaging around £237,000 and semi-detached homes reaching over £300,000, the cost of a survey represents excellent value for money compared to the potential cost of unexpected repairs.

For properties in the Starcross Station area, which has seen particular interest from commuters seeking access to Exeter while enjoying village living, our surveyors also consider the impact of the railway on the property. This includes assessing any vibration damage to the structure and checking the condition of any boundaries or structures close to the railway line. Rightmove data shows prices in Starcross Station are 5% up on the previous year, making it an increasingly popular location for commuters.

that while prices have risen significantly, they remain around 5% below the 2022 peak according to Rightmove data, which means there may still be room for negotiation. Having a detailed survey report gives you concrete evidence to support any price discussions with the seller, looking to account for needed repairs or negotiate based on the property's true condition.

Whether you are buying a modern family home or a character cottage with estuary views, our comprehensive Level 2 survey gives you the information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase. The survey satisfies mortgage lender requirements and provides you with the insurance rebuild cost assessment needed to arrange adequate buildings cover from day one.

• Protects your investment in a rising market
• Identifies hidden defects in older properties
• Provides valuation data specific to Starcross
• Includes insurance rebuild cost assessment
• Helps with mortgage condition requirements
• Enables price negotiation if issues found