RICS Level 2 Survey in Bowland Forest Low

In Bowland Forest Low, our RICS Level 2 Homebuyer Survey looks closely at the property’s condition, with a proper check of the main structural parts and any significant defects. We inspect the walls, roof, foundations and damp levels, then set out a clear red-amber-green rating for each area. Rural homes here often include historic stone buildings and traditional farmhouses, so our surveyors pay close attention to older construction materials and any wear that might not be obvious to a buyer at first glance. Solid walls are common too, not cavity walls, so we assess thermal efficiency and damp resistance in a different way.

Homes across the Forest of Bowland often go back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and those older buildings can throw up issues our surveyors are trained to spot. We look for damp penetration in stone walls, check the state of traditional slate or stone roofing, and assess electrical systems that may no longer meet current regulations. Our report also sets out estimated costs for any remedial works, so you can weigh those into the purchase and, where needed, take them up with the seller. In the Bowland area, we often find original wiring that has not been updated since the 1970s or 1980s, and we always flag that clearly.

Private services are another part of rural life in Bowland Forest Low. Many properties rely on private water supplies rather than mains water, and we can pick up concerns about water quality or the infrastructure itself. Septic tank and drainage systems are also common, so we assess their condition and whether they comply with current regulations. If you are spending £400,000 or more on a property in this beautiful part of Lancashire, it makes sense to know exactly what you are buying, including any private systems that may need serious investment to bring them up to standard.

Every survey includes a visual inspection of all accessible areas, and we draw on our experience to identify defects an untrained eye could miss. In older properties, we often come across lime mortar pointing that has deteriorated, decorative features that are breaking down, and signs of previous movement that may have been patched rather than properly resolved. Our detailed report gives you the facts you need to make a sound decision about buying in Bowland Forest Low.

• Roof structure and covering condition
• Wall construction and damp assessment
• Foundation and structural integrity check
• Electrical and plumbing condition
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Drainage and damp-proof course inspection
• Assessment of any private water or drainage systems
• Condition of boundaries and access points

The Forest of Bowland brings its own set of considerations for buyers. It is a predominantly agricultural area with 678 registered farm holdings, so many homes are converted farm buildings or traditional dwellings that have sat within large estates for generations. Our surveyors know the issues that affect rural properties in this part of Lancashire, from keeping historic stone buildings in good order to the practical side of private water supplies or septic tanks instead of mains connections. We have inspected plenty of converted barns and farm buildings here, so we know what matters.

Geology and setting matter here too. The elevated Bowland Fells point to lower flood risk than some areas, yet surface water drainage can still be a concern for properties in valley locations. Our surveyors know the local patch and will look for drainage issues, boundary matters or access concerns that could affect day-to-day enjoyment of the property. Near watercourses in the Lune Valley, we have seen surface water build up, especially through the wet Lancashire winters.

Many homes in Bowland Forest Low and the surrounding area sit within the Forest of Bowland AONB, so planning restrictions or conservation considerations may shape what you can do with the property later on. Our survey looks at the building’s physical condition, but we can still flag obvious concerns about listed building status or conservation area implications that you may want to put to the local authority or your solicitor. Properties in the AONB often come with specific rules for alterations or extensions, and knowing that before you buy can save a great deal of frustration.

The agricultural nature of the area means plenty of properties come with land or paddocks that may need maintenance, or that carry rights of way across the site. Our surveyors will note any obvious boundary issues or access concerns you should know about. We have found that some Bowland properties have historic rights of way running over the land, and that is not always clear from the details. Those practical matters matter when you are buying in this beautiful but rural part of Lancashire.