Professional Homebuyer Survey by RICS Chartered Surveyors








A RICS Level 2 Survey (also known as a Homebuyer Survey) is the most popular choice for properties in Hullavington and surrounding Wiltshire villages. This survey provides a comprehensive assessment of a property's condition, identifying any defects or issues that could affect its value or safety. Our chartered surveyors inspect the main structural elements, walls, roof, windows, doors, and key utilities, giving you a clear picture of what you're buying before you commit.
Hullavington is a desirable village in north Wiltshire, with a population of approximately 1,189 residents across 486 households. Average property prices sit around £525,441, reflecting a 16% increase in the last 12 months. purchasing a traditional Cotswold stone cottage in the Conservation Area or a modern detached home near the former RAF site, our inspectors provide detailed, independent advice. The village's proximity to the M4 motorway makes it popular with commuters working in Swindon, Bath, or Bristol, while the former RAF Hullavington site now operates as an Army logistics centre, providing employment for local residents. The village's mix of historic properties dating back centuries alongside newer developments means every survey we carry out is unique, with specific considerations for local construction materials and ground conditions.
Our team understands that buying a home is likely the largest financial decision you'll make, and a RICS Level 2 Survey provides the you need to proceed with confidence. The survey highlights any issues that might require expensive repairs, affect the safety of occupants, or provide useful negotiation leverage with the seller. With average property values in Hullavington exceeding £500,000, identifying hidden defects before completion can save you thousands of pounds in unexpected renovation costs.

£525,441
Average House Price
+16%
Annual Price Change
10
Properties Sold (12 months)
1,189
Population (2021 Census)
486
Households
Yes
Conservation Area
Our RICS Level 2 Survey gives a detailed visual check of all accessible parts of the property. The surveyor looks at the roof structure and covering, walls, chimneys, floors, ceilings, doors and windows, together with the condition of plumbing, electrical installations and damp proofing. In Hullavington, where many homes are built from traditional Cotswold limestone or red brick, our surveyors keep a close eye on stonework, mortar joints and any movement or settlement that often shows up in older buildings.
We set out both visible and apparent defects in the report, then grade them by severity using three traffic light ratings, red for serious issues needing urgent attention, amber for defects that need repair or further investigation, and green for items in satisfactory condition. Every point comes with a plain explanation of the issue, its cause and the recommended remedial action. In Hullavington's Conservation Area, our surveyors also flag any visible alterations that may need Listed Building Consent, because unapproved changes to listed buildings can lead to enforcement action by Wiltshire Council.
Usually, the report is 10-20 pages long and includes photographs, floor plans showing the areas inspected, plus a clear summary of the property's overall condition. It then becomes a useful negotiating tool, giving you scope to ask the seller for repairs or a price reduction based on what we have found. With Hullavington's mix of older homes and the clay soils found in parts of Wiltshire, foundation and subsidence checks are an important part of the inspection.
We also include a market valuation element, giving you an insurance reinstatement figure for the property. It is not a formal mortgage valuation, but it does help you understand the property's current market position and whether your buildings insurance cover is sufficient. In Hullavington's competitive market, where properties can sell quickly, having that information to hand helps move the purchase along.
Our team of RICS chartered surveyors has wide experience inspecting homes across Wiltshire, including Hullavington and the nearby villages. We know the local stock well, from traditional stone cottages with slate roofs to modern brick-built houses. Each surveyor understands what to look for in buildings made from local Jurassic limestone, including the defects that tend to affect this part of the region. The Great Oolite Group geology around Hullavington, including the Forest Marble and Cornbrash formations, creates particular foundation challenges in some locations.
Book a RICS Level 2 Survey with us and you'll receive a clear, easy-to-read report within five working days of the inspection. The report is written to give you confidence in the purchase, highlighting anything that could mean costly repairs or raise safety concerns for the occupants. We stick to plain language wherever we can, so you are not left wading through technical jargon before making a decision on the property. A summary section sits at the front of every report, making the main findings easy to spot before you read the detailed notes.
For homes near the former RAF Hullavington site, or along the village's historic core, we pay extra attention to issues linked to age and construction method. These properties may have been built using traditional techniques that differ quite a bit from modern standards, and our surveyors know how to assess them properly. We are also familiar with historic Cotswold stone buildings, including lime mortar, solid wall construction and traditional roof structures that need specialist knowledge to judge accurately.

Source: Market data 2024
Select your RICS Level 2 Survey and pick a convenient date. We confirm the appointment within hours and send detailed instructions for the inspection. Our online booking system shows available slots across the next two weeks, so it is straightforward to find a time that works for you. If you'd rather talk things through, call our team directly and we can answer questions about the survey process.
Our chartered surveyor attends the property and carries out a full visual inspection of all accessible areas. The visit usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the property, and larger detached homes take longer. Where possible, we talk through the initial findings on site, pointing out any areas of concern as we go. Access is needed to all parts of the property, including the loft space, so please have keys ready and keep any pets secure.
Your detailed RICS Level 2 report arrives within 5 working days, with clear ratings, photographs and practical recommendations for any defects found. The traffic light rating system shows how serious each issue is, making it simple to see what needs immediate attention. You'll receive the report as a PDF, so it can be shared easily with your solicitor, mortgage lender or any family members involved in the decision.
Hullavington's geology includes Jurassic limestone formations, Great Oolite Group, including Forest Marble and Cornbrash, as well as clay-rich soils such as the Oxford Clay Formation in lower-lying areas. These clay soils can lead to shrink-swell movement in foundations, especially during droughts when trees pull moisture from the ground. Properties in the Conservation Area or those listed, including St Mary Magdalene Church and various historic houses, may need a more detailed assessment. Our surveyors know these local factors well and will investigate accordingly. Surface water flooding can also happen in some places after heavy rainfall, so we check drainage and ground levels around the property.
Hullavington contains properties from several periods, from historic stone cottages through to modern infill developments. That mix means our surveyors come across a wide range of defects tied to local building types. Older homes built with solid stone walls often show rising damp, especially where the original damp proof course has failed or was never installed. The traditional lime mortar in these buildings can also break down, allowing water ingress and frost damage over time. With a significant proportion of Hullavington properties now over 50 years old, these problems come up regularly in our surveys.
Roof condition crops up often in our Hullavington surveys. Many older houses have slate or clay tile roofs that are durable, but still need repair or replacement in time. Lead flashing around chimneys and roof penetrations often shows wear, and gutters and downpipes can become blocked or damaged, which leads to overflow and possible damp issues. Our surveyors inspect these parts carefully, noting condition and likely remaining lifespan. We also look for evidence of past repairs, as these can point to ongoing problems with the roof structure.
Because clay soils are present in parts of the Hullavington area, foundation movement and subsidence are an important point to consider. Trees close to properties, especially in older gardens, can dry out soil in warm periods and cause movement and cracking. We examine walls inside and out for signs of historic or current movement, including cracks in brickwork, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floors. Properties with significant timber elements may also show woodworm or rot, particularly where maintenance has been neglected. The local geology means we give extra attention to homes built on or near the Oxford Clay Formation.
Electrical and plumbing systems in properties built before the 1980s often need updating to meet current safety standards. We visually inspect consumer units, wiring and plumbing, and note any obvious hazards or outdated installations. In homes with solid walls, poor insulation is a common concern that affects energy efficiency and comfort, and our report will highlight this with recommendations for improvement. Thermal performance matters more and more to buyers, and our surveys pick out where energy efficiency could be improved, which may reduce heating bills in the long term.
A RICS Level 2 Survey gives a detailed visual inspection of the accessible parts of the property, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, plumbing and electrical systems. Our surveyor assesses each element for defects and grades them by severity with a traffic light system. The report sets out advice on repairs and maintenance, with specific focus on issues that could affect the property's value or safety. We also look for signs of subsidence or movement, which matters in Hullavington because clay soils can create foundation issues. The survey covers the main property as well as any garages or outbuildings, so you get a rounded view of the overall condition.
For homes in Hullavington with average values around £525,441, a RICS Level 2 Survey usually costs between £600 and £1,000. The exact fee depends on the property's size, type and condition. Detached properties tend to cost more than terraced houses because they have a larger footprint and more complex roof structures. For a standard three-bedroom house in the village, expect to pay around £650-£750, while larger detached homes may cost £900 or more. We provide competitive quotes with no hidden fees, and the price covers the survey, the report and our ongoing support if you have questions about the findings.
For listed buildings or homes within the Hullavington Conservation Area, we often suggest a RICS Level 3 Building Survey rather than a Level 2. These properties usually involve more complex construction methods, historic fabric that calls for specialist knowledge, and issues that need a deeper assessment. A Level 3 Survey gives detailed advice on repairs using suitable traditional materials and methods, which is vital for preserving the character of listed buildings. Properties in Conservation Areas may also face restrictions on alterations, and our surveyors can advise on any visible non-compliance with planning or listed building regulations that could affect how you intend to use the property.
The on-site inspection for a RICS Level 2 Survey normally takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Larger detached homes with more intricate roof structures or extra outbuildings may take longer, and for the biggest properties it can stretch to 3 hours. You will receive the written report within five working days of the inspection, although we can often speed things up if your completion date is tight. Where possible, the surveyor will talk through the early findings on site and give you a quick overview of any major issues.
Yes, we actively encourage buyers to attend the survey inspection. It gives you the chance to see any issues for yourself and ask the surveyor questions about the property's condition. Our surveyors are happy to give a verbal summary at the end of the inspection, although the full written report follows within a few days. Attending is especially useful for first-time buyers or anyone unfamiliar with property construction, as our surveyors can explain how different building elements work and what to look for in terms of maintenance. Please tell us when booking if you would like to attend, so we can arrange suitable access.
All our surveyors are RICS chartered members and are fully regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. That means you receive professional, independent advice backed by the RICS code of conduct and complaints handling procedures. Our team has extensive experience surveying homes throughout Wiltshire and understands local construction methods and common defects. Each surveyor also completes regular continuing professional development to stay current with survey standards and building regulations. We are committed to giving impartial advice that helps you make the right decision about the purchase.
If our survey picks up serious issues with the property, such as major structural defects, extensive damp problems or unsafe electrical installations, we flag them clearly in the report using our red rating system. The report explains the nature of the problem, its cause and the recommended remedial action. You can then use that information to negotiate with the seller, either by asking for repairs before completion or by agreeing a reduction in the purchase price to cover the cost of the work. In some cases, we may recommend that you speak to a specialist, such as a structural engineer, for further investigation before moving ahead. Your solicitor can also advise on any contractual options available to you based on the survey findings.
Yes, damp and timber defects are a key part of our RICS Level 2 Survey. We use a damp meter to check walls for elevated moisture levels, which can point to rising damp, penetrating damp or condensation problems. In Hullavington's older stone houses, damp is a common finding because of the age of the buildings and the possible failure of original damp proof courses. We also inspect timber elements, including roof trusses, floor joists, door and window frames, for signs of woodworm, rot or fungal decay. Any areas of concern are photographed and recorded in the report with recommendations for remediation.
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Professional Homebuyer Survey by RICS Chartered Surveyors
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Homemove is a trading name of HM Haus Group Ltd (Company No. 13873779, registered in England & Wales). Homemove Mortgages Ltd (Company No. 15947693) is an Appointed Representative of TMG Direct Limited, trading as TMG Mortgage Network, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 786245). Homemove Mortgages Ltd is entered on the FCA Register as an Appointed Representative (FRN 1022429). You can check registrations at NewRegister or by calling 0800 111 6768.