RICS Level 2 Home Survey in Kilkhampton

Our RICS Level 2 Home Survey gives a close inspection of the property's visible and accessible parts, looking at overall condition and picking up any significant defects or areas that need attention. We examine walls, floors, ceilings, the roof, windows, doors, and key installations including plumbing, electrical systems, and heating. The survey also includes a market valuation and an insurance reinstatement figure, so you have a clear view of what the property is worth and the likely cost of any repairs or improvements.

Each part of the property is marked with an easy traffic light rating system, red for urgent repairs needing immediate attention, amber for defects that should be repaired but are not urgent, and green for satisfactory condition. That makes it much simpler to see what may need raising with the seller before you complete your purchase. In Kilkhampton, where there is a mix of older character homes, modern new builds, and holiday lets, that level of detail can make a real difference.

Another strong point of the Level 2 survey is the guidance it gives on legal requirements and the property's energy efficiency. We flag possible legal concerns, such as missing building regulations approvals or boundary issues, and we set out recommendations that could improve energy performance. That matters in Kilkhampton, especially with older homes where insulation and heating systems may fall short of modern standards, and with holiday homes that can bring their own energy efficiency requirements.

We inspect the main building elements in a methodical way. That includes the structural stability of load-bearing walls, roof coverings and chimneys for wear or damage, vulnerable areas for damp and rot, windows and doors for proper operation, plumbing pipework and fittings, and the condition of electrical installations. Every element is given a condition rating, so the overall state of the property is easy to follow.

• Structural assessment
• Roof and chimney condition
• Damp and rot detection
• Window and door functionality
• Plumbing and electrical overview
• Energy efficiency rating

Kilkhampton's property market brings a few points buyers should keep in mind. There is a spread of property types, from older cottages to newer developments, and recent sales data shows detached homes leading the market, making up over 63% of transactions in 2025. With average prices for detached properties at £371,889, and the wider market sitting approximately 6-9% below previous peaks, an independent survey helps you judge whether the price reflects the property's actual condition.

Being close to Bude and the North Cornish coastline has a practical effect on buildings. Properties in the area, particularly those nearer the coast, may face coastal weather conditions that wear down materials and finishes faster than inland homes. Salt air and strong winds can speed up deterioration on external surfaces, roofs, and windows, and we know the signs to look for. Kilkhampton is also popular for holiday parks and tourism, so some homes may be used as holiday lets, which can influence insurance requirements and mortgage eligibility.

Families and retirees are often drawn to the village because it has solid everyday amenities, including a primary school, a range of shops, and a village pub. Even so, the blend of older character homes and newer developments means condition can vary quite a bit from one property to the next. Our Level 2 survey is there to give you confidence in what you are buying, whether that is a modern new build or an older house likely to need more upkeep. We highlight anything that may affect value or lead to future spending, so you can decide with the full picture in front of you.

In Kilkhampton, the housing stock mirrors much of North Cornwall, with a range of ages and construction styles. Older houses in the village often have traditional solid wall construction, which can be more vulnerable to damp penetration than modern cavity wall homes. We are used to assessing these older forms of construction and can point out any areas where remedial work may be needed to bring the property to a satisfactory standard.

• New build properties at Bramble Lane and The Stables Mews
• Traditional cottages and period homes
• Modern family homes in residential areas
• Holiday lets and investment properties

From our survey work in the Kilkhampton area, several recurring issues stand out. Many of the village's older properties were built with solid wall construction, and that can make them more susceptible to damp penetration than modern cavity wall homes. We check for signs of rising damp, penetrating damp, and condensation, and if we find evidence of any of them, we set out the appropriate next steps.

Coastal exposure is a real factor in Kilkhampton. Salt-laden winds can speed up decay in external timbers, metal fixtures, and some forms of render. On older homes, we regularly see roof coverings affected by moss growth and tile deterioration, especially on north-facing slopes with less sunlight. Windows and doors outside may also show rot or decay that needs attention.

Heating arrangements in the area often include oil-fired or electric systems, particularly in older properties that were not originally planned around modern central heating. We inspect the visible condition of these systems and note signs of age, corrosion, or inefficient performance. Where a property has been adapted for holiday let use, our survey can also highlight extra considerations around fire safety compliance and electrical testing.

Even on newer schemes such as Bramble Lane or The Stables Mews, a survey still has value. We can identify defects in construction or finishes, and new builds are not immune from problems, whether that is minor cosmetic work, insulation shortcomings, waterproofing issues, or structural concerns. Our inspection gives you a clear record of the property's condition at the point of purchase.