RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey in Staverton, Wiltshire

The RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey, formerly known as the Homebuyer Report, is designed specifically for properties in reasonable condition built after 1900. Our chartered surveyors conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas of the property, including the roof space where safe access is possible, walls, floors, windows, doors, and permanently fitted fixtures. You'll receive a detailed report that highlights any defects or potential issues that could affect the property's value or require costly repairs down the line.

In Staverton, where we see a mix of older properties and newer builds from developments like The Forge and Mulberry Park, our surveyors pay particular attention to common issues specific to this area. For period properties, this includes checking for signs of damp which can be problematic in older stone-built homes, timber decay in roof structures, and the condition of original features like fireplaces and bay windows. For newer homes from developers such as Qdos Homes at Smallbrook Court, we verify the quality of construction and identify any snagging issues that may not be immediately obvious to buyers who aren't familiar with building defects.

The survey uses a traffic light rating system to clearly indicate the condition of each element: red for urgent issues requiring attention, amber for defects that need negotiating or budgeting for, and green for satisfactory condition. This straightforward approach helps you understand exactly what you're purchasing and gives you leverage when negotiating the asking price based on our findings. Each section of the report includes clear photographs and descriptions so you can see exactly what our inspector found.

Our Level 2 surveys also include a market valuation and insurance rebuild cost estimate, which can be useful for mortgage purposes and for ensuring you're not overpaying for the property. We compare the property against recent sales data from the Staverton area, including properties that have sold in the nearby Holt and Staverton area over the last decade, to give you confidence in the price you're paying.

• Structural integrity and condition
• Damp and timber assessment
• Roof, chimney, and gutter inspection
• Window and door condition
• Plumbing and electrical visible signs
• Insulation and energy efficiency visible elements
• External walls and foundations
• Gardens and boundaries

Staverton sits conveniently between Trowbridge and Devizes, offering buyers access to excellent transport links while maintaining a village atmosphere. The A361 passes through the village, providing easy access to Trowbridge town centre and onwards to Bath and Bristol. The area has seen significant development in recent years, with new-build projects from quality developers adding to the housing stock. Properties range from charming period cottages in the older part of the village to modern family homes in recent developments like Mulberry Park and The Forge.

The presence of developments like The Forge has brought a selection of traditionally built homes with stone mullioned windows and natural stone elevations to the area. These properties, built by quality developers, offer modern construction standards but our surveyors still check for issues that can affect new-build properties, including condensation problems, inadequate ventilation, and snagging items that the builder should address. We've inspected several properties at The Forge and are familiar with the typical construction methods used.

Traditional stone cottages in the village centre continue to appeal to those seeking character properties, but these older homes often require more careful inspection. The stone construction common in this part of Wiltshire, while durable, can be susceptible to damp penetration if pointing has deteriorated or if properties have been modernised without adequate ventilation. Our surveyors check these issues carefully and report on any remedial work that may be needed to maintain the property properly.

The local housing market in Staverton has seen activity across different property types, with 697 properties selling in the Holt and Staverton area over the last 10 years according to available data. Our surveyors have extensive experience inspecting properties throughout Staverton and understand the specific challenges different property types face in this location, from checking the condition of traditional stone-built homes to assessing the build quality of newer developments at Smallbrook Court and beyond.