RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey in TD14

Our RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey gives you a detailed picture of properties valued up to £1,000,000. We use the RICS traffic light system throughout, with red for urgent repairs needed, amber for defects requiring attention, and green for satisfactory condition. During the inspection, we look at all accessible parts of the property, including the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, and key services such as plumbing and electrical installations.

In TD14, the coastal setting changes what we look for. Our surveyors pay close attention to damp penetration, a regular issue in older stone-built homes, and we often see the salt-laden air speeding up the weathering of external render and wearing roof coverings faster than in inland spots. Flat roofs on extensions and outbuildings are also checked carefully for membrane damage and ponding that could later turn into leaks.

Structural movement is a core part of the survey, so we assess the property for signs of subsidence, settlement, or other movement that could point to foundation problems. TD14 usually sits on more stable ground than mining areas, but homes on or near cliff faces around Eyemouth and Burnmouth can come with coastal erosion concerns that need specialist attention. Our inspectors know the early warning signs that are easy to miss during an ordinary viewing.

We do not stop at the main building. Boundaries, outbuildings, and the wider setting are all considered, and in coastal locations such as Coldingham Bay we look for storm damage, sea spray penetration, and the state of retaining walls that shield properties from the coastal elements.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof covering and condition
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and drainage
• Electrical installations
• Outbuildings and boundaries

TD14 covers a wide spread of property types, shaped by the route from the harbour town of Eyemouth to the inland villages. Terraced homes account for much of the sales mix, and many go back to the Victorian and Edwardian years when Eyemouth grew as a fishing port. Those older terraces often have solid stone walls, original sash windows, and traditional slate or tile roofs, all of which call for regular upkeep.

Semi-detached homes in TD14 often appeal to families looking for value, with average prices around £196,000. Many date from the mid-twentieth century and use cavity wall construction, although some earlier examples have solid walls and may need insulation assessment. At the top end of the local market, detached properties average over £345,000, and many come with sea views or larger gardens in the villages around Eyemouth.

Much of TD14's housing is stone-built, reflecting the local geology and long-standing building methods. Natural stone is durable, but it still needs attention, especially around mortar pointing and render condition. We check those details carefully because failing mortar pointing in stone walls is one of the issues we see most often in this area.

Recent market data points to real variation within TD14. Some postcodes, including TD14 5TB, recorded prices 5% up on the previous year, while others, such as TD14 5PB, saw an 18% decline. That kind of difference is exactly why a current market valuation in the survey report matters, because your exact location within TD14 can have a clear effect on value.

Your RICS Level 2 HomeBuyer Survey report is set out so the condition of the property is easy to follow. It opens with an executive summary that gives an at-a-glance view of the overall condition, then moves into detailed sections covering each part of the building from roof to foundation. The traffic light rating system is used in every section, making urgent issues straightforward to spot.

The report also contains a market valuation based on local sales evidence and the condition of the property as assessed by our surveyor. With TD14 values sitting around 12% below the 2022 peak of £254,938, an accurate and current valuation can help you avoid paying too much for your new home. We include a rebuild cost assessment as well, which is useful for insurance and can be particularly important for older stone properties where the rebuild cost may be higher than the market value.

Property jargon is not always easy to decode, so we write our reports in clear, plain language. After you have read the report, our team can discuss the findings with you and explain what they may mean for your intended purchase. We are here to help you make an informed decision on one of the biggest investments you are likely to make.