RICS Level 2 Survey in Modbury

The RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey is set up for properties in conventional good condition. Our surveyor looks over all accessible parts of the home, from the roof space where it is safe to get in, to the exterior walls, windows and doors, plus the main internal elements such as the walls, floors and ceilings. In Modbury, where period cottages sit alongside more modern developments, the survey uses a clear red, amber, or green rating system, so any area of concern shows up straight away.

Across the South Hams, we pay close attention to the kinds of problems that crop up in older Devon homes. Stone-built cottages and converted barns, which are common in and around Modbury, often need a close look at structural integrity, pointing, and any renovation work that has already been done. We check for damp, which can be a particular issue in older properties, as well as roof condition, since rural repairs may have used traditional slate or stone tiles.

The report gives you a clear picture of the property’s current condition, along with an appraisal of the market value and a rebuild cost for insurance purposes. That matters in Modbury, where the market ranges from terraced houses around £322,500 to detached family homes approaching £500,000. Once the defects and maintenance needs are set out, it is much easier to negotiate with the seller or put aside funds for any work that needs doing.

We also look for obvious signs of subsidence or movement, a real concern where homes sit on certain soil types. Damp proof courses and ventilation are checked too, especially in older properties where they may be missing or damaged. Windows and doors are tested for operation and condition, and any joinery problems are noted. The report also gives a basic view of the property’s energy efficiency from visible features, which helps you think ahead about heating costs.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof condition and coverings
• Damp and timber assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Plumbing and electrical visible evidence
• Exterior finishes and pointing
• Boundary walls and outbuildings
• Energy efficiency visible items

Modbury is a sought-after market town in the South Hams district of Devon, with property ranging from traditional stone cottages to modern family houses. Development here has come in several waves, from historic period homes through to more recent builds from the 2000s and 2010s. That mix means homes in Modbury can present very different issues depending on age and construction. A RICS Level 2 survey suits properties in reasonable condition and gives the level of assessment needed for conventional residential purchases.

With listed buildings and period homes in and around Modbury, some properties need a more specialist eye. The Level 2 survey works well for most homes, but if you are looking at a Grade II listed building, such as the former toll house near the town, it may be wise to talk through extra requirements with your surveyor. The Level 2 survey will still pick up many relevant issues, though listed buildings often come with specific rules around alterations and maintenance that are worth understanding before you buy.

For homes built in the last 20-30 years, the Level 2 survey shows whether the property was put together to suitable standards and flags any problems that have appeared since construction. Even newer homes can have defects, and a professional survey checks everything from windows and doors to damp proofing and ventilation systems. With some properties in Modbury built as recently as 2017, the survey gives you a clear picture of what you are buying, whatever the age of the house.

The South Hams area, Modbury included, has a high share of older properties that benefit especially from a professional survey. Many homes in the town and the surrounding villages date from the Georgian and Victorian periods, and some cottages are even older. These period properties often use traditional construction methods that are very different from modern building practice, and our surveyors know what to look for in buildings of that type. Common issues include outdated electrical wiring, ageing roof structures, and the ongoing upkeep that traditional features demand.

• Period cottages (pre-1919 construction)
• Converted stone barns
• 1920s-1970s family homes
• Modern developments (post-2000)
• Listed and historic properties
• New build warranties checked