RICS Level 2 Survey in the Vale of Glamorgan

The RICS Level 2 Home Survey, once called the Homebuyers Survey, suits properties in reasonable condition built between 1950 and 2020. That covers much of the Vale of Glamorgan, from post-war semis in Barry to newer homes in places such as Clare Garden Village in Cowbridge. Our surveyor carries out a detailed visual inspection of all accessible areas, including the roof space where safe access is possible, exterior walls, windows, doors, and key rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. We look from top to bottom, inside and out, so we can build a clear picture of the property’s condition.

We look closely at walls, floors, ceilings and the roof structure, then check for damp, which can be an issue in older Vale properties built with traditional limestone and limewashed renders. Our inspectors also examine accessible timbers for rot or insect attack, review the condition of chimneys, and consider the building envelope as a whole. If something looks doubtful, we record it with photographs and measurements so the findings are clear.

Red flags urgent defects needing immediate attention, amber marks defects that need attention but are not urgent, and green shows a satisfactory condition. Each item comes with an explanation of what we found, why it matters, and the action we recommend. That gives buyers something practical to work from, whether they are planning repairs or speaking to sellers about serious issues. We also set out our overall opinion on condition, plus the repairs and maintenance likely to need budgeting for over the coming years.

Our RICS Level 2 survey covers a visual inspection of all accessible areas, damp and moisture assessment using moisture meters where appropriate, roof condition and structure checks, wall and foundation assessment, evaluation of windows, doors and joinery, observation of visible electrical and plumbing elements, thermal efficiency observations, and our traffic light defect ratings system. We also look at the condition of any outbuildings, garages, and the general boundaries of the property where they can be accessed.

• Visual inspection of all accessible areas
• Damp and moisture assessment
• Roof condition and structure
• Wall and foundation assessment
• Windows, doors, and joinery
• Electrical and plumbing visible elements
• Thermal efficiency observations
• Traffic light defect ratings

The Vale of Glamorgan is seeing significant new development, with major schemes such as the Hayeswood Road development in Barry Docks delivering 70 new homes, and the Clare Garden Village collection in Cowbridge offering 3, 4, and 5-bedroom properties. Even on new builds, a RICS Level 2 survey has real value, identifying snagging issues or construction defects that may not be obvious to an untrained eye. New properties can still suffer from damp caused by trapped moisture in newly built walls, poorly fitted windows or plumbing problems that have not yet shown themselves. The Barry Docks development, delivered through the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Lovell Partnerships Housing Delivery Programme, is a good example of modern housing that still benefits from professional inspection.

If you are buying a new build in developments such as Hensol Grove in Pontyclun, where homes range from £665,000 to £780,000, our survey can pick up problems before completion. That matters because many developers give only short warranty periods, and early identification means you can ask for repairs before the guarantee runs out. Our surveyors are familiar with modern construction methods, including the insulated concrete formwork and modern brickwork techniques used in contemporary developments throughout the Vale. We know the common defects in newly built properties and can spot problems that might otherwise go unseen until they become more serious.

The St Brides Road development in Wick, with 17 new homes completed in Autumn 2025, and other similar projects across the Vale show the area’s continued growth. Even when a property is brand new, an independent survey gives peace of mind and tells buyers exactly what they are taking on. We have seen many cases where our surveys uncovered significant issues that the developer later agreed to put right, saving costly repairs further down the line. The inspection is independent and thorough, from the quality of window installations to the proper working of plumbing and electrical systems.

Our team of RICS chartered surveyors has wide experience across the Vale of Glamorgan, from apartments in Barry to period homes in Cowbridge and Penarth. We understand the specific pressures on properties here, including coastal weather near the sea, damp in traditional limestone houses and the issues that tend to appear in buildings from different eras across the region. That local knowledge matters, whether we are looking at the Victorian terraces of Barry or the modern developments changing the landscape.

Every survey is carried out by a qualified RICS member working to strict professional standards. We use the latest reporting technology to produce clear reports that are easy to understand. Each report includes detailed photographs, clear explanations of any issues and practical recommendations for next steps. Our aim is to give buyers the information needed to make an informed decision about a property purchase in the Vale of Glamorgan. We want buyers to move ahead with confidence, knowing exactly what they are taking on.

We have surveyed hundreds of properties across the Vale, so we bring deep local experience to the job. From the conservation areas of Cowbridge to the new build developments in Barry Docks, we have seen the full range of homes the region has to offer. That experience helps us spot issues less local surveyors may miss and give advice that fits the Vale of Glamorgan property market. When you book with us, you get local expertise alongside the professional standards of RICS regulation.