RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey in Thurlestone

Properties in Thurlestone present unique considerations that make a RICS Level 2 Survey particularly valuable. The village sits on the South Devon coastline where coastal erosion is an ongoing concern, and many properties are exposed to salty air and prevailing weather conditions that can accelerate wear on building materials. Traditional properties in the area, including the charming thatched cottages found in Buckland and the older terraces in the village centre, often date back to the 19th century or earlier, meaning they may have hidden defects that only a trained eye will spot. Our surveyors are familiar with the specific challenges that coastal exposure creates, from corrosion of metal fixtures to the premature ageing of roof coverings and external render.

The local housing stock is notably skewed towards larger properties, with 39% of homes having four or more bedrooms compared to the national average of just 21.1%. This reflects Thurlestone's popularity as a premium residential area and retirement destination. Census data shows that 41.5% of properties in the South Hams district have three bedrooms, while just 6.8% are one-bedroom homes. Many properties are owned outright by long-term residents, with 56% of households owning their homes outright, indicating a mature housing market with significant property values at stake. When you are investing in a property that could easily exceed £800,000, understanding its true condition before purchase is essential to avoid unexpected repair costs.

Our surveyors are familiar with the construction methods typical to the area, from the dark grey local slate used in All Saints' 13th-century church to the post-war semi-detached houses at Parkfield and the mixed bungalow and house developments from the 1970s on The Mead Estate. We check for issues common to all these property types, including roof condition, damp penetration, structural movement, and the integrity of older drainage systems. With property prices having risen by 17.8% over the past year, the last thing you want is an unexpected repair bill that could have been identified beforehand.

The Shoreline Management Plan for this stretch of the South Devon coast indicates that coastal erosion poses a real threat to certain areas, with the long-term strategy being to allow the coast to evolve naturally. This means properties closer to the cliff edges or coastal path may face different risks than those further inland. Our surveyors will note the property's proximity to the coast and any visible signs of coastal erosion or instability that could affect the long-term viability of your investment. Properties at Thurlestone Sands and along the coastal fringe warrant particular attention given the documented erosion rates in this area.

• Roof and chimney condition
• Damp and timber decay
• Wall structure and cracks
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Drainage and gutters

The RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is designed specifically for conventional properties in reasonable condition, which covers the majority of homes in Thurlestone. The report format follows a clear, consistent structure that allows you to easily compare different properties if you are in the process of decision-making. Each section of the property is given a condition rating, from "No repair currently necessary" through to "Requires urgent attention," giving you instant clarity on the severity of any issues. The survey uses a traffic light system that makes it simple to identify which areas need immediate attention versus those that can be monitored over time.

Your report will include an Executive Summary that highlights the most important findings upfront, followed by detailed sections covering the main structural elements: walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, bathrooms, and kitchen. We also assess the condition of any garages, outbuildings, or boundaries that are included with the property. For Thurlestone properties, our surveyors pay particular attention to signs of coastal weathering, the condition of older roof coverings, and any evidence of movement in properties built on the local geology. Properties in this area may show signs of settlement or movement due to the underlying geology, and our surveyors know what is typical versus what might indicate a more serious structural issue.

One of the key benefits of the Level 2 format is the Market Valuation and Insurance Rebuild Cost that we include at no extra charge. This gives you confidence that you are paying a fair price for the property and ensures you are adequately insured. If we are asked to request a mortgage valuation as well, we can arrange this through our panel of lenders. The survey report also includes a handy "Questions to Ask the Seller" section, helping you follow up on any issues directly with the vendor. This is particularly useful for properties where the seller may have knowledge of past repairs or ongoing issues that are not immediately apparent.

For properties in Thurlestone that are located in flood risk areas, particularly those near Thurlestone Sands or the coastal fringe, we include specific advice about flood resilience and any insurance implications. While the main flood risk is from coastal sources rather than river flooding, our surveyors will note the property's position and any existing flood mitigation measures. The report will advise on whether specialist flood risk assessments might be warranted for properties in higher-risk locations.