RICS Level 2 Survey in Malborough

Malborough’s property market has seen solid growth, with prices climbing sharply over recent years and the average home now edging towards £440,000 according to home.co.uk listings data. That level of investment is worth protecting with a proper survey before you complete on the purchase. The 17.8% rise in property values over the last twelve months shows how strong demand is in this sought-after South Hams village, so buyers need a clear picture of what they are buying.

Terraced homes dominate the village housing stock, making up over 65% of recent sales, with semi-detached and detached houses also in the mix. Each type brings its own points to check, from shared walls in terraces to roof and foundation issues in larger detached homes. Our inspectors know how these different construction types behave in the Devon climate, and they often pick up matters that a less experienced surveyor could miss.

Devon properties come with their own quirks, and our team is used to them. Traditional local materials such as stone, slate and render need a careful eye, because they age in very different ways from modern builds. We look closely at roof condition, damp penetration and older drainage systems. In Malborough, many homes were built using traditional methods that sit a long way from modern construction, so our surveyors know exactly what to check.

According to census data, 44.3% of households in Malborough own their homes outright, so a lot of the local stock is older and may have seen several rounds of alteration over the years. A Level 2 survey can pick up work that may have been done without the right building regulation approvals, which could affect insurance or resale later on. We also check whether extensions or alterations meet current building regulations and note any compliance concerns in the report.

Malborough’s homes mostly reflect traditional Devon building practice and the area’s architectural heritage. Terraced houses, which form the bulk of the stock, usually have solid brick or stone external walls with timber internal divisions. Those materials behave differently from modern cavity-wall construction, so they need a different approach, and our surveyors are very familiar with that.

Timber roof trusses and traditional slate roofing are common in the semi-detached and detached properties around the village. In the moisture-laden coastal air that affects this part of South Devon, those roofs can deteriorate over time. We assess pitch and condition, then look for sagging, water ingress or damage to the supporting timbers that might point to more serious problems.

Single-glazed windows and older door systems still turn up in many Malborough homes, and they may fall short of current energy efficiency standards. That is not always a structural issue, but it can have a real impact on comfort and running costs. Our report will flag these features and give guidance on whether replacement or upgrading should form part of your plans.

Traditional strip foundations were commonly used in this area, and they are generally suitable for the soil conditions found in South Devon. Even so, our surveyors check for movement, cracking or settlement that might suggest foundation trouble. We look carefully for cracks in walls and for sticking doors or windows, both of which can be clues to movement over the years.

The condition of each part of the property is rated with a simple traffic light system in your RICS Level 2 survey report. Green means no issues that need attention, amber points to defects that need repair or watching, and red marks serious issues needing urgent attention. It makes it easier to prioritise work once you move in. Each rating comes with a clear explanation and our advice on the next step.

Findings are set out area by area, from foundations and structural walls through to kitchen and bathroom fittings. You will get clear next steps, which might mean getting quotes for repairs, renegotiating the purchase price, or asking for specialist input from structural engineers or damp specialists. We focus on practical advice, not just a list of problems.

Terraced homes make up most sales in Malborough, so we pay close attention to shared walls and any movement that could point to broader structural issues. We also check chimneys that may be shared between properties, since they can cause problems in terraces. Semi-detached homes receive the same close look, with particular focus on the dividing wall and any effect on both sides.

The village’s South Devon setting also means drainage deserves proper scrutiny. Older properties may still be connected to private systems rather than the mains network. Knowing that helps with budgeting for repairs or upgrades, and it matters for compliance too. We inspect all visible drainage pipework and advise on the type of system serving the property.

Years of surveying homes across the South Hams mean we know which defects commonly turn up in Malborough. Damp is one of the most frequent, especially in older properties where original construction may lack proper damp-proof courses or decent ventilation. The coastal climate here leaves houses exposed to moist air that can work its way into traditional wall construction over time.

Roof issues show up often in our Malborough survey reports. A lot of the village stock will still have original roofs or coverings in traditional slate, and those materials can wear down a great deal over time. We commonly find slipped or broken tiles, mortar that has deteriorated along ridge lines, and worn felt underlay that can let water into the roof space. Our surveyors assess the remaining life of the roof covering and set out any urgent repairs.

Older Malborough homes also often have electrical installations that have not been updated for years. Electrical rules have changed a lot over the decades, so some of the wiring in these properties will not meet current standards. We identify visible electrical concerns and recommend that a qualified electrician carries out a full electrical inspection before completion.

Structural movement can affect any area, and Malborough is no exception. We examine walls, ceilings and floors for cracking or movement that could point to foundation concerns or ongoing structural problems. In older properties, some minor cracking is simply part of age-related settlement, but our surveyors can tell the difference between harmless cosmetic marks and issues that need further investigation.