RICS Level 2 Survey in Launceston

Our RICS Level 2 Survey, previously called the HomeBuyer Report, gives you a detailed visual check of the property's condition. Our surveyors inspect all accessible parts of the home, including the roof, walls, plumbing, electrical systems and foundations. The report uses an easy-to-follow traffic light system so you can quickly see how serious any issues are. We rate each element from red, urgent attention needed, through to green, no issues apparent, helping you decide your next steps clearly.

In Launceston, we keep a close eye on the problems that turn up time and again in Cornwall's housing stock. Traditional construction is common here, and with it come recurring risks such as damp, timber decay and roofing defects linked to the local climate. Our survey sets out where those concerns are present and gives practical advice on repairs or any further checks that may be needed. In the PL15 9 postcode area, for example, we often see weathering caused by Atlantic weather systems moving in from the coast.

As part of the Level 2 survey, we also provide a market valuation and an insurance rebuild cost estimate. That matters in the current Launceston market, where prices have made modest adjustments in recent months. home.co.uk data shows prices in Launceston are around 3% down from their 2022 peak of £236,406, so having a clear view of the property's real value before negotiations can make a real difference. An accurate rebuild figure can also stop you over-insuring the property, which may reduce premium payments each year.

Every RICS Level 2 survey we carry out in Launceston follows the strict RICS code of practice, so the inspection process stays consistent and dependable. We know this purchase is likely to be one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, and we treat the job of giving you accurate, unbiased reporting accordingly. Before any report is issued, our senior surveyors check it over, so you can rely on the findings.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Condition ratings using traffic light system
• Market valuation and rebuild cost estimate
• Advice on repairs and maintenance
• Legal considerations summary for conveyancing

Across Launceston, the housing stock is mixed. You see historic medieval buildings close to the town centre, post-war semi-detached houses in suburbs such as St. Thomas and St. Stephens, and plenty in between. Each type brings its own likely trouble spots, and that matters when a survey uncovers defects. In the town centre, many period homes date from the 18th and 19th centuries, so we often pay close attention to structural integrity and historic building regulations. A fair number of these Georgian and Victorian properties have also been altered over time, sometimes more than once, and our surveyors know the signs to look for.

Wet weather is a big part of the picture in this part of Cornwall, so roof condition matters on almost every Launceston survey. We regularly check for slipped tiles, moss growth and signs of water ingress, because small faults can turn into much bigger repairs if they are ignored. Flat roofs on extensions and garages need careful attention too, as they are a common weak point across the region. We have inspected many homes along the A388 corridor where newer builds include flat roof sections that need close assessment.

Many Launceston homes are built with traditional cavity walls, though some older properties have solid walls and need a different approach to insulation and damp proofing. Our Level 2 survey identifies the construction type and explains what that can mean for maintenance and energy efficiency. That is especially relevant in the current market, with the PL15 9 postcode area showing a 5.7% decline in the last year according to home.co.uk listings data. A careful survey can uncover defects that would be easy to miss during a casual viewing, and those findings could save you thousands in repair costs later.

New development is now a growing part of the Launceston market. One of the most notable schemes is the 195-home project by LiveWest and Vistry Group near the A388 Tavistock Road, one of several strategic growth sites identified by Cornwall Council, with potential for up to 300 homes in total. Wain Homes is also building in and around Launceston, covering everything from starter homes to larger family houses. These newer properties often come with fewer structural concerns, but we still find that a professional inspection is worthwhile to check build quality and standards during the construction process.