Professional Home Buyer Survey by RICS Chartered Surveyors








Our chartered surveyors provide comprehensive RICS Level 2 Surveys throughout Kentisbury and the surrounding North Devon area. Formerly known as the HomeBuyer Report, this survey offers a detailed assessment of the property's condition without the full structural analysis of a Level 3 survey. We inspect the main accessible areas of the property, identifying defects that could affect value or safety, and provide clear recommendations for any necessary remedial work.
In Kentisbury, where the average property price sits around £375,000 according to recent market data, a Level 2 survey provides essential protection for your investment. purchasing a charming cottage in the village centre or a detached family home in the surrounding countryside, our detailed inspection gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase knowing exactly what you're buying.
We understand that buying a property in rural North Devon is a significant decision, especially in a community where many homes have been standing for decades. Our local experience means we know the types of issues that commonly affect properties in this area, from aging roof structures to the effects of coastal weather on traditional building materials. When you book your survey with us, you're getting more than just a report - you're gaining insight from surveyors who truly understand the local housing stock.

£375,000
Average House Price
£437,500
Detached Properties
£250,000
Terraced Properties
34.2%
10-Year Price Growth
For our Level 2 survey in Kentisbury, we carry out a detailed visual inspection of the property’s main elements. That means we look at walls, roof, foundations, damp proof course, windows, doors, and services such as plumbing and electrical systems. Where we can get access, we check inside and out, so the picture of the building’s current condition is as clear as possible. Our surveyors draw on training and experience to pick up issues an untrained eye may miss, from faint damp staining to early signs of movement.
Rural North Devon has plenty of homes in Kentisbury built using traditional methods, and some are decades old while others go back centuries. That calls for a particular approach. Our surveyors look for problems often found in older buildings, such as damp penetration, tired roof coverings, and worn historic pointing and masonry. We also keep an eye out for structural movement or subsidence, which can matter on certain soil types across the Devon countryside. Many of these properties use local stone and age-old techniques, so they need specialist knowledge to judge properly.
The RICS Level 2 Survey uses a traffic light rating system, which makes the findings easy to read at a glance. Red flags serious matters that need urgent attention, amber marks defects that should be repaired or watched, and green shows the element is in satisfactory condition. It is a straightforward way to help you decide what needs doing first and, where needed, discuss the position with the vendor. There is also a clear summary at the front of the report, so the overall condition is easy to grasp before the detailed sections begin.
During the inspection, we pay close attention to the parts of North Devon properties that tend to cause trouble. Roof coverings are checked for wear from harsh coastal weather, damp proof courses are assessed for damage or absence in older homes, and flint or stone masonry is examined for signs of deterioration, as these materials are common here. We also inspect outbuildings, garages, and boundary features, since they can add real value, or create liability if they are not in good order.
Our team of RICS chartered surveyors has spent years inspecting homes across North Devon, including the villages and open countryside around Kentisbury. We know the local patterns well, from exposure to coastal weather conditions to the familiar issues in older Devon cob and stone buildings. Choosing us for your survey means putting the work in the hands of surveyors who have walked through hundreds of properties in this part of the county and know exactly where to look.
Every survey we carry out in Kentisbury comes with clear photography of the defects we identify, straightforward explanations of what we have found, and practical recommendations for any next steps. We aim to send the finished report within 3-5 working days of the inspection, which leaves time to review the findings before exchange of contracts. The report is written so homeowners without a technical background can read it comfortably, while still giving a solicitor or mortgage lender the detail they may ask for.
The survey process can feel stressful, especially when a property in Kentisbury represents a major outlay. We understand that. So our surveyors take time to explain what they have seen in plain English, either during the inspection or afterwards when we talk through the report. If anything is unclear, we are happy to go back over it and spell out what the findings mean for the purchase decision.

Source: home.co.uk / homedata.co.uk-2025
Kentisbury and the wider North Devon countryside have a varied mix of property types, and we inspect them regularly. Detached homes dominate the local market, making up the majority of sales in the area, with an average price of £437,500. Terraced properties, usually around £250,000, also form part of the housing stock and can be a more affordable route for first-time buyers in this attractive village setting. That range means every inspection is different, and a 1970s detached house will raise very different questions from a traditional terrace cottage.
Homes in Kentisbury cover several decades of construction, with many dating back 50 years or more. Older properties often bring the sort of issues our surveyors are trained to identify, including worn roof coverings, electrical installations that may be out of step with current regulations, and damp in traditional stone-walled buildings. Our Level 2 survey looks closely at these age-related points so you can judge the maintenance burden of a possible new home. We check older windows, review whether insulation appears to meet modern standards, and note any alterations carried out over the years.
Recent market trends have been interesting, with prices sitting 38% below the 2016 peak of £600,000 yet showing a modest 0.2% increase since November 2025. In a market like that, it helps to know exactly what is being bought, because properties may have seen very different levels of upkeep and improvement over time. A thorough survey brings clarity before exchange. When values have moved around, the true condition of the home matters even more for protecting the purchase.
Many Kentisbury homes will have seen renovation or extension work at some point. We look carefully for signs that this work was carried out without the right building regulations approval, since that can create headaches later when the property is sold. Extensions and alterations are checked for the way they join to the original structure, and we look for defects that could lead to damp penetration or affect structural integrity. That sort of scrutiny can save a buyer from awkward costs after completion.
To get started, simply fill in our online quote form or give us a call and we will arrange your survey. We will ask for the property details and confirm an appointment date that works for you. We offer competitive pricing with no hidden fees, and short-notice inspections can often be fitted in to suit your purchase timetable.
At the agreed time, our chartered surveyor will attend the property and carry out a full visual inspection of all accessible areas. The visit usually takes 1-2 hours, although that depends on the size of the home. In Kentisbury, where properties range from compact terraced cottages to large detached houses, we allow enough time for a proper assessment. Access is needed to all areas, including the roof space and any outbuildings.
We usually send your RICS Level 2 Survey report by email within 3-5 working days, and a printed copy can be posted if requested. It includes photographs of any defects found, traffic light ratings for each element, and practical recommendations for dealing with problems. The layout is kept easy to follow, with a useful summary at the front and the more technical detail in the main body.
The report gives you the information needed to make a sound decision about the purchase, including any room for negotiation. If defects are identified that concern you, we can talk through the findings and explain the options. You may ask the seller to carry out repairs, negotiate a reduction in price, or continue with the purchase in full knowledge of the issues. Either way, the choice is clearer.
With property prices in Kentisbury averaging £375,000 and detached homes reaching £437,500, a Level 2 survey offers important protection for what is likely to be one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. The relatively small cost of the survey can uncover problems that would be far more expensive to put right later, and it can give you useful leverage in price discussions with the seller. In a market where prices have moved around, knowing the true condition of the home matters.
A RICS Level 2 Survey involves a detailed visual inspection of the property’s main accessible parts, including walls, roof, damp proof course, windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical systems. The report applies a traffic light rating system to show the condition of each area and gives clear recommendations where remedial work is needed. It covers the interior and exterior where access allows, together with garages or outbuildings. It is intended to give a clear picture of condition, without the deeper analysis of a Level 3 Building Survey.
The on-site inspection generally takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Larger detached homes in Kentisbury may need longer, while smaller terraced homes can often be completed more quickly. Our surveyor will need access to all parts of the property, including the roof space if it is safe to reach, and any outbuildings. You will then receive the written report within 3-5 working days, leaving plenty of time to review it before contractual deadlines.
Even new build homes, which usually come with NHBC or similar structural warranties, can still benefit from a Level 2 survey. We can pick up defects or issues from the building process that may not be obvious at first glance. Our surveyors look for unfinished work, poor finishing, or installation problems that might otherwise stay hidden until moving day. We also check that windows and doors work properly, that plumbing and electrical installations are complete, and that there are no signs of damp or construction defects. In Kentisbury, new build activity is limited, so most homes here are older and stand to gain even more from a proper survey.
A Level 2 Survey is visual only, so it cannot uncover hidden defects or provide the deep structural analysis of a Level 3 Building Survey. Even so, our surveyors are trained to spot obvious signs of structural problems, including cracking, movement, or subsidence. In Kentisbury, where homes may sit on the different soil types found across North Devon, we pay close attention to anything that suggests subsidence or movement in the structure. If we find significant concerns, we may advise a follow-up Level 3 Survey or a specialist structural engineer inspection before you go ahead.
If our Level 2 Survey highlights serious defects rated red or amber, there are several ways forward. You might ask the vendor to deal with the issues before completion, negotiate a lower purchase price to reflect the repair costs, or, in some cases, withdraw from the purchase altogether. Your solicitor can guide you on the best option in light of the survey results. In the current Kentisbury market, where prices have shown some fluctuation, a detailed report gives you strong grounds for negotiation. Many buyers locally have used survey findings to renegotiate and saved thousands of pounds.
RICS Level 2 Surveys in Kentisbury start from approximately £350 for standard properties, with the final price depending on things like property size, value, and accessibility. Larger detached homes or buildings with more complex features may cost more. We give competitive fixed pricing with no hidden fees, and you will receive a clear quote before booking is confirmed. Compared with the potential savings from spotting problems before completion, the cost of the survey is small.
Kentisbury and the surrounding North Devon area include properties that may be listed or within conservation areas, which is not surprising given the historic character of many villages here. A Level 2 Survey can still be carried out on listed buildings, and our surveyors will note any points linked to the listing, such as restrictions on alterations or the condition of original features. Where a property is listed or sits in a conservation area, extra specialist advice or a heritage consultant may be needed, especially if major works are planned. Our report will flag any listing status we identify and explain the implications for your intended use of the property.
Before the survey takes place, please make sure our surveyor can reach every part of the property, including locked rooms, the roof space, and any outbuildings. If you have paperwork for recent renovations, extensions, or repairs, that can be useful too. There is no need to leave the property during the visit, but clear access to all areas helps the inspection run smoothly. We will want to look at under-floor voids, accessible roof spaces, and service cupboards, so clearing access to those areas in advance is always appreciated.
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Professional Home Buyer 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.