RICS Level 2 Survey in Jacobstow

Our RICS Level 2 survey, formerly called the HomeBuyer Report, gives a visual inspection of all accessible parts of the property. Our inspectors check walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows, along with the roof, chimneys, gutters and foundations. We look at services such as plumbing, heating and electrics where it is safe and practical to do so. The survey also provides a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure for the property.

In Jacobstow, detached homes account for approximately 80% of transactions in certain postcode areas like EX23 0BY, so our surveyors give roof conditions extra attention, especially with the exposed Cornish weather these properties face. Being close to the coast also means we look for salt weathering, damp penetration and any structural movement that could point to foundation problems. On these homes, mortar condition, render integrity and the durability of external timber all need a close eye.

Prices across EX23 vary sharply. Some postcodes, such as EX23 0BX, average £592,500, while others sit nearer £360,000 in places like Southcott Meadows. That spread is exactly why our inspection matters, a property that looks sensibly priced can still hide defects that change its real value. We present the findings in a clear, colour-coded report, with Condition Ratings of 1, 2 or 3 so you can see straight away which issues need urgent action.

Over the past decade, property values in this area have risen by 63.5%, and the last five years alone have brought a further 21.1% increase. Growth like that makes it even more important to know precisely what you are buying, because small defects can still dent the long-term value of your investment. Our surveyors know the local housing stock well and understand the types of issues that tend to crop up here.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Market valuation and rebuild cost
• Condition ratings (Condition 1-3)
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Thermal element assessment
• Energy efficiency considerations

Your survey report arrives in a clear format, with each part of the property given a Condition Rating. Condition Rating 1 means no repair is currently needed, Condition Rating 2 shows repairs are needed but are not urgent, and Condition Rating 3 flags serious problems that need urgent attention or further specialist investigation. That system makes it easier to prioritise any work after purchase. Each rating is explained in full, along with our recommendation for what to do next.

The report also gives a market valuation for your Jacobstow property, based on current local conditions. With the EX23 area showing such variation, from £360,000 average prices in some developments to £592,500 in others like EX23 0BX, that valuation gives important context for your purchase. We also include a rebuild cost for insurance purposes, so you have what you need to arrange suitable cover. The rebuild cost is worked out using RICS guidelines and reflects the cost of reinstating the property if it were destroyed.

For Jacobstow properties that may sit within conservation considerations, or that are built in a traditional style, our surveyors note any features likely to need future maintenance. Although the research data did not point to specific conservation areas in Jacobstow itself, we always check for the usual problems affecting older Cornish homes, including damp, roof condition and the integrity of traditional stone or rendered walls. We also assess the thermal efficiency of the property, looking for insulation gaps or issues with windows and doors that may affect energy efficiency.

One useful part of our Level 2 survey is the advice we give on maintenance over time. In Jacobstow, that might mean keeping an eye on roof coverings in exposed spots, clearing gutters regularly given the tree-lined approaches to many homes, and watching for movement in older structures. That kind of practical guidance helps you plan for future upkeep and avoid expensive surprises later on.