RICS Level 2 Survey in Holcombe Burnell

Set in the Teignbridge district of Devon, Holcombe Burnell offers that classic rural way of life without cutting Exeter out of the picture. homedata.co.uk shows detached homes have led the local market, making up 29 out of 40 recorded sales in the parish since 2018. Values here sit well above the national average, so the cost of buying without proper advice can be high. For that reason, a Level 2 survey gives buyers valuable protection in this sought-after Devon village.

In Holcombe Burnell, the housing mix runs from traditional Devon houses and period barn conversions to more modern detached homes. Across the wider EX6 area, local listings often include listed buildings, including Grade II listed farmhouses and cottages. Character is part of the appeal, but so are defects that are easy to miss without trained inspection. Our surveyors know the building methods common to Devon properties, from stone walls to slate roofs, and we know the warning signs to check for on homes in this area.

There is a good spread of property types locally, although detached homes are still the standout. Based on historic sales data, semi-detached properties average around £332,250 and terraced properties approximately £376,000, so buyers at different price points still gain from proper survey cover. In 2024, sales in Holcombe Burnell included terraced, semi-detached, and detached homes at an average price of £543,500, which shows the range available across the parish.

Buying in rural Devon brings a different set of issues from a town or city purchase. Around Holcombe Burnell, some homes may depend on private water supplies, septic tanks, or oil-fired heating systems, all of which need careful assessment. During the inspection, our surveyors review these services and report on condition and likely maintenance needs. That extra detail matters in rural locations, where a standard mortgage valuation often says very little about non-mains utilities.

• Protect your investment
• Identify hidden defects
• Negotiate on price
• Plan for future repairs

A RICS Level 2 survey gives a detailed visual inspection of the property's condition, covering the main structural elements and building services. Where access allows, our surveyors inspect the roof space and look at rafters, insulation, and any signs of damp or rot. Outside, we check walls for cracking, movement, and deterioration, and we test the condition and operation of windows, doors, and joinery. We also assess damp with professional moisture meters, identify timber defects, and form an overall view of the building's structural integrity.

Inside, we look closely at walls, floors, and ceilings for cracking, settlement, and signs of water damage. Kitchen and bathroom fittings are checked for leaks, with attention paid to the condition of tiles and seals. We also inspect the heating system, the electrical consumer unit, and any visible pipework, recording obvious safety concerns or items that need professional attention. The report points out areas that fall short of current building regulations or standards, so you can see clearly what work may be required.

A mortgage valuation only tells you whether the property supports the loan amount, but a Level 2 survey goes much further. It gives practical guidance on condition and likely repairs, which is especially useful in Holcombe Burnell where many homes are older or converted. The report uses the RICS condition rating system, with ratings from 1 for no issues to 3 for serious defects needing urgent attention. That makes it much easier to sort cosmetic matters from problems that need action straight away.

We also look at thermal elements as part of the survey. Our surveyors comment on the condition of walls, floors, and roofs where insulation is present, and we note places where thermal performance could be improved. That can be particularly relevant in Holcombe Burnell, where older homes with solid wall construction may not match modern insulation standards.

• Structural inspection
• Damp and timber assessment
• Roof condition check
• Electrical safety review
• Thermal element advice
• Legal considerations summary

Your RICS Level 2 survey report is written to be easy to follow, even if this is your first experience of a property survey. We use a clear rating system so you can quickly see which findings matter most. Condition Rating 1, shown in green, means no issues needing immediate attention. Condition Rating 2, shown in amber, marks defects that need attention but are not immediately serious. Condition Rating 3, shown in red, points to serious defects needing urgent professional attention before you proceed with the purchase.

Each section of the report sets out what our surveyor found in detail, with photographs to show the main issues. We explain the likely cause of any defects and give practical guidance on how they should be repaired. Where it is needed, we recommend additional reports from relevant professionals, such as structural engineers or electrical contractors, before you complete the purchase. In Holcombe Burnell, where homes may be older or built in non-standard ways, that kind of specialist input can be particularly useful.

The report also covers legal points that may need a closer look from your conveyancing solicitor. That can include boundaries, rights of way, and planning permissions for alterations. By bringing together technical inspection and awareness of legal issues, a Level 2 survey gives a rounded view of the property you plan to buy and helps you make a properly informed decision.

Once the report reaches you, we are still here to help. Our team can talk through any part of the survey that needs clarification, explain technical language, and give our view on the seriousness of the issues identified. If you need support with renegotiating the purchase price, or you simply want more clarity before completing, we can help with that too.