Comprehensive homebuyer surveys for properties across this coastal South Devon village
Regulated
We provide RICS Level 2 Home Surveys across Wembury and the surrounding South Hams area. Our qualified chartered surveyors understand the unique characteristics of this coastal Devon village, from the historic stone buildings around St Werburgh's Church to the modern developments at Barton Brake and Knighton Hill. We have inspected properties on Wembury Road, Staddon Road, and the quieter lanes leading to Wembury Beach, giving us firsthand knowledge of how local construction responds to the coastal environment.
Wembury sits within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, close to Plymouth Sound, and blends historic character cottages with 1930s detached homes and newer housing. The village's position near the coast means our inspectors regularly encounter specific issues related to salt air exposure, moisture penetration, and the effects of south-westerly winds on building fabric. Our team has extensive experience surveying properties across this varied housing stock, identifying defects that matter to local buyers.
purchasing a period property in the village centre, a modern home at the Barton Brake development, or a waterfront property near Bovisand Harbour, our chartered surveyors bring local knowledge that makes a real difference to the quality of your survey report. We understand that buying in Wembury means understanding flood risk from Plymouth Sound, the condition of historic listed buildings, and the specific construction methods used in this part of South Devon.
£513,727
Average House Price
+11%
12-Month Price Change
98
Postcode Sector Sales (24m)
£564,083
Detached Properties
A RICS Level 2 Survey, once called the HomeBuyer Report, gives a detailed view of a property's condition without the intrusive checks of a full building survey. Our inspectors look over every accessible part of the home, from the roof space down to the foundations, and note defects that could affect value or call for repair. Where we can, we lift accessible covers, look behind furniture, and check walls, floors, ceilings and joinery throughout the property.
In Wembury, our surveyors keep a close eye on problems that turn up again and again locally. The coastal setting means we look for salt damp and corrosion to metal fixtures, while the age of many homes means roof condition, original timbers and any trace of historic subsidence or movement get careful attention. Properties near Wembury Beach and Bovisand Harbour are especially exposed to wind-driven rain and salt air, so we record any deterioration to render, external joinery and metal fittings.
The report uses a straightforward traffic light system, red for serious defects that need urgent attention, amber for matters that should be dealt with in time, and green for areas that are satisfactory. Where needed, we set out clear recommendations for further investigations, such as checking hidden timbers or testing electrical installations. In the Wembury area, common red-rated issues include severe roof tile deterioration, significant damp penetration in solid walls and outdated electrical installations that do not meet current safety standards.
Our RICS Level 2 Survey reports are written to be practical and easy to act on, so you have the facts needed to decide on a purchase. We set out the likely cost implications of defects we've found, and point you towards the right specialists when a closer look is needed.
Wembury's property market has grown strongly, with prices up 11% over the past year and the average home now changing hands for over £500,000. Detached properties average £564,083, so a proper survey before you buy makes solid financial sense. Because values are so high in this area, spotting defects early can save thousands in negotiation or future repair bills.
The village's housing stock stretches across the centuries, from the 14th-century Grade I listed St Werburgh's Church and 17th-century Hele Almshouses to 1930s detached homes and newer schemes such as Barton Brake and Knighton Hill. That mix brings very different survey issues, from listed building duties to modern construction defects. A 1930s property on Langdon Lane needs a different approach from a new build at the Knighton Hill development, and our surveyors know the difference.
Wembury sits within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has Marine Conservation Area status, so many homes come with planning limits and environmental considerations. Coastal properties may attract higher insurance premiums because of flood risk, and our surveys note anything that could affect mortgage or insurance arrangements. There are also 45 second homes and 29 holiday lets in the parish, which points to a distinct market segment and different investment questions.
Source: home.co.uk
The parish contains properties from several periods, each with its own survey quirks. Wembury has nine Grade II* listed buildings, including Langdon Court and Wembury House, as well as 27 Grade II listed structures. Homes of this age often need a close look at historic building methods and, in some cases, specialist surveys beyond the standard RICS Level 2. Our surveyors know the issues that come with historic Devon buildings, including traditional lime mortar pointing, cob wall construction and thatched roofing.
Many of the 1930s detached homes in Wembury were built with solid walls, clay tile roofs and original timber windows. Age-related wear is common, including roof tile deterioration, rising damp in solid walls and outdated electrical installations, all of which our surveyors set out in detail. Plenty of these homes still have original fireplaces, cornices and joinery, features that add character but do bring ongoing maintenance.
More recent schemes, such as the Barton Brake development of 40 houses and the new builds at Knighton Hill, are built to a more modern standard. They may show fewer obvious defects, but our surveyors still look for building defects, air tightness issues and compliance with current building regulations. The Sherford development nearby, although in an adjoining parish, shows the sort of large-scale modern construction that benefits from professional snagging surveys. Even newer homes can have problems with window seals, roof valley details and drainage falls, and our surveyors pick those up.
Wembury's demographic profile shows 60.2% of households owning properties outright, which suggests a high proportion of older, mortgage-free homes that may need more upkeep. Our survey reports highlight where spending may be needed over time, so buyers can plan their budget. The fact that 4-bedroom homes make up 33.9%, compared with 21.1% for England and Wales, points to a market dominated by family houses with more complex roof structures and multiple bathrooms that need careful plumbing assessment.
Book your RICS Level 2 Survey through our simple booking system. We confirm the appointment within 24 hours and send preparation instructions. If the property is near the coast, is listed, or has any known issues, let us know so we can allow the right amount of survey time.
Our chartered surveyor visits the Wembury property and carries out a thorough visual inspection. Depending on size and complexity, the survey usually takes 2-4 hours. For larger detached homes in Wembury, where prices average over £560,000, we allow extra time to inspect every accessible area, including roof spaces, sub-floor voids and outbuildings.
Within 3-5 working days of the inspection, you receive your full RICS Level 2 Survey report, complete with clear ratings and recommendations. It sets out our professional view of the property's condition, the defects we identified and practical next steps. We use clear red, amber and green ratings so you can sort the remedial work in order of priority.
Use the survey findings to negotiate with the seller, ask for repairs, or decide whether to go ahead with the purchase. Our reports include estimated costs for major repairs, which helps you judge whether the property is good value. If specialist investigations are advised, we can introduce trusted structural engineers, damp specialists or electricians who work in the Wembury area.
Properties in Wembury's coastal position near Plymouth Sound can face greater moisture exposure and salt air corrosion. Our surveyors look closely at external joinery, render condition and metal fixtures in these homes. If you're buying near Wembury Beach or Bovisand, tell our team at booking so we can set aside the right amount of survey time. Properties at Bovisand Harbour, including the contemporary houses within the historic Napoleonic fort at Palmerston Court, need particular attention to how coastal exposure affects modern construction materials.
A RICS Level 2 Survey gives a detailed visual inspection of the property's condition, with specific defects and their severity shown through a traffic light rating system. It covers the roof, walls, floors, windows, doors and key services, and gives practical advice on repairs and further investigations. A basic valuation gives only an estimated market value, without checking condition or flagging defects, so costly issues can slip through unnoticed. In a village like Wembury, where properties often sell for over £500,000, that condition review is a major part of making a sensible purchase decision.
RICS Level 2 Survey prices in Wembury usually begin at around £400 for smaller homes and can rise to £600 or more for larger ones. The final figure depends on the property's size, age and complexity. With Wembury's average property price at over £500,000, the survey fee is a small part of the purchase price and may uncover issues worth thousands in repairs. Homes with unusual access, extensive grounds or listed status may need extra survey time, and we give a bespoke quote for each inspection.
We can carry out a RICS Level 2 Survey on listed buildings, but properties with Grade I, II* or II listing status in Wembury may be better served by a more detailed assessment. The parish has a sizeable number of protected buildings, including the 14th-century St Werburgh's Church and historic properties such as the Hele Almshouses, so specific listed building experience matters. Our team can advise whether extra specialist input is sensible, and for homes of serious historic interest we may suggest a RICS Level 3 Building Survey with additional historic building assessment.
Yes, our surveyors do look for dampness, since it is a common issue in coastal areas like Wembury. We inspect walls, floors and roof spaces for signs of rising damp, penetrating damp and condensation. Because Wembury sits near the coast, salt damp and moisture penetration from wind-driven rain are particular concerns during the inspection. Where it helps, we use thermal inspection equipment to spot moisture penetration and cold bridging that may not show to the naked eye. For solid-walled properties common in the area, which do not have cavity insulation to help protect against moisture, that check matters even more.
If our survey uncovers serious defects rated red or amber, we set out clear recommendations for further investigation by specialists such as structural engineers, damp specialists or electricians. You can then use that information to ask the seller for repairs or a price reduction, or decide whether to continue with the purchase knowing the full extent of any issues. Our reports include estimated costs for major repairs, giving you concrete figures to back up negotiations. In the current Wembury market, where properties often sell for over asking price, a detailed survey report can give you confidence in your decision or useful leverage in talks.
The on-site inspection usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on the property's size and complexity. For larger detached homes in Wembury, which average £564,083, the visit may take longer because of the extra roof space, sub-floor areas and outbuildings that often come with family houses in this price range. You receive the written report within 3-5 working days of the inspection, leaving enough time to make decisions before exchange deadlines. We know property chains can move quickly, so we keep turnaround times moving and get the report to you when needed.
As a coastal village close to Plymouth Sound, Wembury does bring some flood risk considerations that our surveyors cover in the report. We assess how close the property sits to the coastline, how effective the drainage is and whether there are signs of previous flooding. Major flood events are rare in the village itself, but homes near Wembury Beach and Bovisand Harbour deserve particular care. Buyers should check the Environment Agency flood risk maps and think about insurance implications before completing a purchase in coastal areas.
The 1930s detached homes that form a sizeable part of Wembury's housing stock tend to produce a familiar set of findings. These properties usually have solid brick walls without cavity insulation, which can lead to condensation problems, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Roof tiles from this period often show deterioration, with cracked or slipped tiles letting water through. Original electrical installations from the 1930s are often no longer suited to modern use and may fall short of current safety regulations. Our surveyors also often find that original timber windows need maintenance or restoration, and that gutter and downpipe systems are showing age-related wear and need attention.
RICS Level 2 Surveys In London
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Plymouth
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Liverpool
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Glasgow
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Sheffield
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Edinburgh
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Coventry
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Bradford
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Manchester
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Birmingham
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Bristol
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Oxford
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Leicester
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Newcastle
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Leeds
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Southampton
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Cardiff
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Nottingham
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Norwich
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Brighton
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Derby
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Portsmouth
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Northampton
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Milton Keynes
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Bournemouth
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Bolton
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Swansea
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Swindon
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Peterborough
RICS Level 2 Surveys In Wolverhampton
Comprehensive homebuyer surveys for properties across this coastal South Devon village
Get A Quote & BookMost surveyors take 1-2 days to quote.
We'll price your survey in seconds.
Most surveyors take 1-2 days to quote.
We'll price your survey in seconds.
Homemove is a trading name of HM Haus Group Ltd (Company No. 13873779, registered in England & Wales). Homemove Mortgages Ltd (Company No. 15947693) is an Appointed Representative of TMG Direct Limited, trading as TMG Mortgage Network, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 786245). Homemove Mortgages Ltd is entered on the FCA Register as an Appointed Representative (FRN 1022429). You can check registrations at NewRegister or by calling 0800 111 6768.
We use cookies to show you personalised content and improve your experience of our website. Find out more in our Privacy policy and Cookie policy.
