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RICS Level 2 Surveys

RICS Level 2 Survey in Ashburton

Comprehensive property surveys for homes in this historic Dartmoor market town

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Your Ashburton RICS Level 2 Survey

Buying a property in Ashburton, the historic gateway to Dartmoor National Park, is an exciting prospect. This charming market town boasts medieval street layouts, a fine range of historic buildings, and a thriving community spirit. However, with the average property price sitting around £358,165, making an informed purchase decision is essential. A RICS Level 2 Survey gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase by identifying any defects or issues before you commit.

Our RICS-regulated surveyors understand the unique character of Ashburton properties. From traditional Devon cottages with their distinctive timber framing to modern homes in developments like Longstone Cross, we provide detailed inspections that give you clarity on the property's condition. Our reports are clear, practical, and highlight exactly what you need to know before completing your purchase.

We have extensive experience surveying properties throughout Ashburton and the surrounding Teignbridge area. Our team understands the specific construction methods used in this historic town, from the timber-framed cottages in the conservation area to the new builds appearing on the town's outskirts. When you book your survey with us, you're getting local expertise that generic national providers simply cannot match.

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Ashburton Property Market Overview

£358,165

Average House Price

Properties Sold (12 months)

3,513

Population

Yes (Since 1971)

Conservation Area

Why Ashburton Properties Need Careful Surveying

Ashburton’s housing stock brings a few challenges, which is why a RICS Level 2 Survey is so useful. Many homes in this historic town go back centuries, and timber-framed construction is common. Our surveyors often inspect properties with front and rear walls built in traditional timber framing, plus stone side walls that need specialist knowledge to judge properly. That sort of traditional build may suit the age of the place, but it can also hide problems that only an experienced local surveyor is likely to spot.

Clay deposits around this market town create another point for buyers to think about. The area can show shrink-swell behaviour, which in turn may lead to subsidence. In some locations, properties carry a notable shrink-swell hazard score, so a proper assessment really matters before you go ahead with the purchase. Our surveyors are trained to pick up the signs of ground movement that could point to foundation issues linked with the local geology.

Several streets in the town centre are affected by flood risk from the River Ashburn, including the Bull Ring, East Street, West Street, North Street, and Chuley Road. A RICS Level 2 Survey will show whether the property sits in a flood risk area and record any signs of earlier flooding that could influence the building’s condition and your insurance costs. We look for water marks, damp staining, and other evidence that may show the property has flooded before.

Some of Ashburton’s past as a Stannary town also means historical mining activity may lie beneath certain areas. It is not something that affects most homes, but our surveyors know what to look for when ground stability may be an issue in particular spots. That local awareness comes from years of surveying across the Teignbridge area and getting to know the quirks of Ashburton properties.

Timber-framed construction
Natural slate roofing
Stone wall construction
Flood risk assessment
Damp and condensation issues
Foundation movement
Historical mining considerations

Average House Prices in Ashburton by Property Type

Detached £466,516

Terraced £324,600

Semi-detached £312,938

Flat £201,400

Source: home.co.uk / homedata.co.uk

Understanding Your RICS Level 2 Survey Report

A RICS Level 2 Survey, formerly called a HomeBuyer Survey, gives a close look at a property’s condition. Unlike a basic mortgage valuation, it examines the fabric of the building in detail and picks out defects that may affect value or lead to expensive repairs. We do not stop at what is visible on the surface, our inspectors look deeper to understand the property properly.

Access is the key point here. Our inspectors review all accessible parts of the property, from the roof and walls through to floors, windows, doors, and damp areas. We check for structural movement, timber decay, dampness, and other common defects seen in properties across Ashburton. The report uses a traffic light system, so each element is easy to read, and we set out what needs urgent attention and what can simply be watched over time. For a standard property, the report usually runs to 30-40 pages, giving you the detail needed to make a sound decision.

In the Conservation Area, and for listed buildings, we give extra weight to traditional construction and historic features. Older buildings need a different approach from modern homes, and our reports reflect that. If we find anything that needs further investigation, we say so clearly in the report, so you have the information needed before you decide whether to proceed.

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The RICS Level 2 Survey Process

Book Your Survey

Pick a date that suits you for the inspection. We will confirm the appointment within 24 hours and send pre-survey guidance so you know how to get ready. Our online booking system keeps things straightforward, and you can call our team directly if you would rather talk through your requirements.

Property Inspection

On the day, our chartered surveyor carries out a thorough visual inspection of the property. In Ashburton, that usually takes 1-3 hours, although size and complexity can change that. We inspect all accessible areas, including the roof space where it is safe to access, the foundations, and the outside fabric of the building. With traditional Ashburton cottages and their familiar timber framing, we pay close attention to the condition of the structural timbers and any signs of movement or decay.

Receive Your Report

3-5 working days after the inspection, you will receive your detailed RICS Level 2 Survey report, complete with clear recommendations and priority ratings. The report sets out our findings plainly, gives professional advice on any defects we have identified, and explains what action you may want to consider before moving ahead with the purchase.

Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas in Ashburton

Ashburton’s Conservation Area was established in 1971, and the town also has numerous Listed Buildings. If the property you are buying is Listed or falls within the Conservation Area, a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey may be the better fit. Our team can advise on the survey type that suits your property best.

Common Defects Found in Ashburton Properties

Older Ashburton homes often show the same defects again and again, and our surveyors are used to spotting them and judging how serious they are. Damp is especially common in properties of this age, where solid walls do not have modern damp-proof courses. Penetrating damp, rising damp, and condensation can all affect traditional buildings, particularly where unsuitable modern materials have been used and trapped moisture inside. In Ashburton, we often see modern cement-based renders applied to traditional cob or stone walls, and that can cause significant damp problems.

Roofs need close attention too. Many Ashburton properties have natural slate roofs, and these can wear with age. Slipped or cracked tiles, failing ridge mortar, and worn flashings are regular findings. Where roof spaces are accessible, our surveyors also look for water ingress, timber decay, and poor ventilation. Local Devonian slate, together with the traditional methods used to fix these roofs, calls for specialist knowledge, which our team has.

Services are another matter. In older properties, electrical systems and plumbing often need updating. Original wiring and lead pipework may still be present in some homes, creating safety risks and failing to meet current regulations. Our survey covers these services and sets out clear recommendations for any remedial work. We note the age and condition of consumer units, the presence of earthing, and the type of pipework used for the water supply.

Clay ground and older buildings make structural movement a particular concern in Ashburton. Some minor cracking is part and parcel of an older property, but our surveyors are trained to spot signs of something more serious. We examine crack patterns, settlement, and any sign of previous structural repairs. If there is significant movement, we recommend a more detailed structural inspection by a specialist engineer.

Survey Options for Ashburton Properties

Feature	RICS Level 2	RICS Level 3
Price Range	£420-£600+	£600-£1,200+
Property Age	All ages	Recommended for 50+ years
Detailed Inspection	Yes	Comprehensive
Defect Identification	Standard	In-depth analysis
Conservation Areas	Suitable	Ideal
Listed Buildings	Limited	Recommended
Structural Advice	Basic	Detailed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a RICS Level 2 Survey check in Ashburton?

Every accessible part of the property is included in a RICS Level 2 Survey. Our surveyor looks at the walls, roof, floors, windows, doors, dampness, and services. In Ashburton, we give extra attention to timber framing, slate roofing, and any movement linked to the local clay geology. Each element is rated using a traffic light system, with clear recommendations for any remedial work. We also look for the problems often found in Ashburton’s older homes, including damp caused by inappropriate modern materials and structural issues tied to the local geology.

How much does a RICS Level 2 Survey cost in Ashburton?

The cost of a RICS Level 2 Survey in Ashburton usually sits between £420 and £600+, depending on the property’s size, type, and value. For a typical three-bedroom home in the area, the price is often around £450-£500. Higher-value homes or properties with more complex construction, such as historic timber-framed cottages in the conservation area, may cost more. Larger houses take longer to inspect and report on, so size affects the fee as well. Contact us for an exact quote for your specific property.

Do I need a survey for a new build property in Ashburton?

Even new build homes in developments like Longstone Cross can benefit from a RICS Level 2 Survey. Newer properties tend to have fewer defects, but our inspection can still pick up snagging issues, problems with building regulations compliance, or faults that developed during construction. The new homes at Longstone Cross, built by LiveWest and Devonshire Homes, can still have issues that are not obvious to an untrained eye. For a purchase of this size, a RICS Level 2 Survey is a sensible step, no matter how old the property is.

What is the flood risk for properties in Ashburton?

Flood risk from the River Ashburn is a real issue in Ashburton, especially in the town centre and riverside areas. Roads including the Bull Ring, East Street, West Street, North Street, Old Totnes Road, Church Path, Stonepark Crescent, Chuley Road, Kingsbridge Lane, St Lawrence Lane, Station Yard, and Tuckers Meadow sit within the flood warning area. Our surveyors will identify whether the property lies in a flood risk zone and note any signs of earlier flooding that could affect the property’s condition or insurance premiums. We look for water marks, damp staining, and other clues that the property may have flooded in the past.

Are RICS Level 2 Surveys suitable for Listed Buildings in Ashburton?

Listed Buildings can be surveyed with a RICS Level 2 Survey, but their historic importance and unusual construction often make a more detailed RICS Level 3 Building Survey the wiser choice. Ashburton has a strong concentration of Listed Buildings, especially on St Lawrence Lane, Whistley Hill, Kingsbridge Lane, and East Street. A Level 3 survey goes deeper into the building’s condition and gives specific advice on conservation requirements. We can recommend the survey that best matches the property and its listed status.

How long does a RICS Level 2 Survey take?

Inspection times for a RICS Level 2 Survey in Ashburton usually fall between 1-3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. A small flat may take around an hour, while a large detached house could take three hours or more. Homes with more complex traditional construction, or with multiple levels and unusual features, may need longer so we can inspect them properly. Your written report will follow within 3-5 working days of the inspection, and urgent reports are available on request.

What specific issues do you look for in Ashburton's older properties?

Our surveyors know the warning signs that come with Ashburton’s historic housing stock. We pay close attention to timber-framed construction, checking the condition of structural beams and any sign of rot or woodworm. Natural slate roofs are inspected for slipped or damaged tiles and deteriorating mortar. Because of the local clay geology, we also look for subsidence or foundation movement linked to shrink-swell behaviour in the soil. We also check for damp problems, which are common in solid-walled properties where unsuitable modern materials have been applied.

Can you survey properties in the new developments around Ashburton?

We regularly inspect new developments around Ashburton, including Longstone Cross and the former Outdoor Experience site on Chuley Road. Even new build homes benefit from a RICS Level 2 Survey, because our inspection can uncover snagging issues, building defects, or construction problems that buyers might miss. For new builds, we provide a thorough assessment that gives you confidence that your investment is sound and helps you identify any issues the developer still needs to put right.