RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey TQ7

The RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is specifically designed for properties in conventional condition, typically built after 1850 and in reasonable repair. Our inspectors examine the visible and accessible parts of the property, identifying any defects that could affect its value or safety. The survey follows the RICS traffic light system - green indicates no issues requiring attention, amber highlights defects that need negotiating or budgeting for, and red flags serious issues that require urgent professional advice. In the TQ7 area, where many properties are of traditional stone and brick construction and some date back centuries, this detailed assessment is particularly valuable. Our experience in this region means we understand how older construction methods perform in our damp climate and can spot the early signs of problems that might concern less locally-experienced surveyors.

Our surveyors inspect the main structural elements including walls, roofs, floors, doors and windows, as well as the condition of damp-proof courses, insulation and drainage systems. We examine both the interior and exterior of the property, accessing lofts where safe and accessible and checking behind furniture where possible. The report includes clear photographs highlighting specific issues, making it easy for you to understand exactly what work may be needed and to prioritise any remedial action. During our inspections in the TQ7 area, we frequently encounter traditional construction methods that differ significantly from modern building practices. Stone walls with solid lime mortar, timber-framed windows and roofing systems that may not meet current standards are common in this part of Devon, and our local expertise means we can accurately assess their condition and advise on any necessary maintenance.

One of the key benefits of the Level 2 survey is the market value assessment and insurance rebuild cost. Our surveyor will provide an independent valuation based on local comparable sales data, which is particularly useful in the TQ7 market where property values can vary significantly between waterfront locations and inland villages. We also include a comprehensive assessment of any environmental risks specific to the area, including potential flood risk from the Kingsbridge Estuary and coastal exposure in properties near Torcross and the seafront. This environmental awareness is particularly important in TQ7, where several low-lying areas are susceptible to flooding during high tides and heavy rainfall, and properties along the coast face exposure to salt-laden winds that can accelerate building material degradation.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Windows, doors and joinery
• Damp and timber condition
• Plumbing and electrical systems
• Thermal efficiency
• Boundaries and outbuildings
• Roads and access

Your RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey report is designed to be clear and actionable. Each section of the property is given a traffic light rating, with red items representing serious defects requiring urgent attention, amber items showing issues that should be addressed and green indicating satisfactory condition. The report also includes a clear Summary at the front highlighting the most important issues, so you can quickly understand the property's overall condition before reading the detailed findings. This structured approach makes it easy to identify which issues are critical and which can be dealt with over time, helping you prioritise any remedial work and budget accordingly.

Following the survey, if you have any questions about the findings or want clarification on any point, our team is here to help. We can explain what the issues mean in practical terms and advise on appropriate next steps. If significant problems are identified, you may want to use the report to negotiate a reduction in the purchase price or to request that the seller addresses specific issues before completion. In the competitive TQ7 property market, having this information gives you real negotiating power and confidence in your purchase decision. Many of our clients have successfully negotiated price reductions based on survey findings, with savings often far exceeding the cost of the survey itself.

The report also includes a reinstatement cost for insurance purposes, which is the estimated cost to rebuild the property from scratch if it were destroyed. This figure is important for your buildings insurance and is calculated based on the property's size, construction and location. In the TQ7 area, where some properties are in remote locations or have unique construction features, this assessment ensures you have adequate insurance cover. Properties with unusual construction or those in hard-to-reach locations can present challenges for insurance providers, and having an accurate reinstatement valuation helps ensure you are neither under nor over-insured.

Our experience surveying properties across the TQ7 area has given us valuable insight into the types of defects we commonly encounter. In period properties, particularly those built before 1900, we frequently find issues related to the original construction methods that may not meet modern building standards. This includes inadequate ventilation in roof spaces, which can lead to condensation and timber decay, and solid walls that lack proper damp-proof courses, making them more susceptible to rising damp. Our surveys thoroughly assess these issues and provide practical recommendations for addressing them.

Coastal exposure is a significant factor for properties in the TQ7 area, especially those near Torcross and the seafront. We regularly identify weathering damage to external render, corrosion of metal fixings, and deterioration of timber windows and doors that have been exposed to salt-laden air over many years. These issues can be expensive to repair if left unattended, and our survey will identify the extent of any damage and advise on appropriate remediation. Properties in more sheltered inland locations may face different challenges, such as vegetation growth affecting walls or drainage issues in areas with heavier clay soils.

Given that Kingsbridge sits at the head of the Kingsbridge Estuary, flood risk is a consideration for some properties in the TQ7 area, particularly those in low-lying positions or with basement or ground-floor accommodation. Our survey includes an assessment of potential flood risk based on the property location and any visible indicators of previous flooding. We will note any flood mitigation measures in place and advise on whether further investigation into flood risk might be advisable. While major flooding events are relatively rare, even minor water ingress can cause significant damage and expense, making this an important consideration for buyers.