RICS Level 3 Building Survey Altarnun

Altarnun homes often suit a RICS Level 3 Survey, because the village has a large stock of older buildings built by traditional methods. Many of them use solid wall construction, so they do not have the cavity insulation modern properties rely on. Our inspectors pay close attention to damp penetration, timber condition, and the state of traditional roofing materials when they look over these properties.

Being rural and set on Bodmin Moor brings its own issues. In low-lying spots near watercourses, surface water flooding can be a concern, and some homes may also be affected by groundwater movement. Our surveyors look for evidence of earlier flooding, water damage, and drainage faults that buyers might not spot at first glance.

Cornwall has a long mining history across the county, and although Altarnun itself sits on granite moorland, the wider area is no stranger to mining activity. Our Level 3 surveys include checks for signs of ground movement or subsidence linked to historical mining or to natural geology. Where needed, we also give practical guidance on further work, including mining searches if that seems sensible.

Close by, St Nonna's Church, a Grade I listed building, gives a good sense of the village’s historic character. That usually goes hand in hand with a higher number of listed or historic homes that need specialist attention. Our surveyors know the limits that apply to these properties and can advise on repairs that may need listed building consent.

• Detailed inspection of all accessible structural elements
• Assessment of damp and timber conditions
• Roofing and chimney examination
• Evaluation of older plumbing and electrical installations
• Analysis of any signs of movement or subsidence
• Photography and detailed reporting

Detached homes dominate the Altarnun market, making up around 85% of transactions in the PL15 7SL postcode area. You will see everything from modest stone cottages to sizeable period houses. There are also some semi-detached properties and homes converted from agricultural buildings.

Local stone is a defining feature of many Altarnun properties, a reflection of North Cornwall’s traditional building practice. These homes often have thick solid walls, timber-framed windows, and slate roofs that have stood up to the Cornish weather for generations. That character is part of the appeal of village life, though it also means the buildings need a careful eye.

Prices in Altarnun have risen strongly over the long term, with growth of 52.2% over the past decade. The average property value now sits around £331,000, while homes in the PL15 7SL postcode average over £505,000. With that level of investment on the line, a thorough survey matters even more.

Market figures suggest values in Altarnun have eased back from the 2022 peak of £468,667, with a 17% fall in the past year. Even so, the long-term picture still points upwards, with five-year growth at 25.5%. That keeps the area competitive, and a detailed survey helps you make a sound decision in a market where several buyers may be interested in the same home.

Our work across Bodmin Moor and North Cornwall means we know the issues that show up in Altarnun homes. Traditional stone-built properties often show rising damp, especially where original damp-proof courses have failed or were never included. Our surveyors know how to tell the difference between light damp staining and true penetrating damp that needs fixing.

Slate roofs are durable, but they still need regular upkeep. In this area we often come across slipped slates, damaged lead flashing, and mortar that has broken down. Left alone, these defects can let water in. Our reports set out exactly what needs doing and give cost estimates to help with budgeting.

Many older Altarnun homes still have their original timber-framed windows and doors. They add character, though they often perform badly in thermal terms and may hide rotten sections that are not obvious from outside. We inspect these elements closely and highlight anything that needs attention.

Near the village centre, especially around St Nonna's Church, properties may have historic boundary walls or outbuildings that also need a proper look. These features might be secondary to the main house, but they can still raise safety concerns or need maintenance that influences the overall value.

• Rising and penetrating damp in solid wall properties
• Slipped or damaged slate tiles
• Deteriorated lead flashing and parapet gutters
• Timber rot in window frames and door frames
• Structural movement or cracking
• Outdated electrical and plumbing systems
• Inadequate insulation in older constructions
• Condition of historic boundary walls and outbuildings

Altarnun properties are mostly built in traditional Cornish stone, with walls usually formed from local granite or slate stone. These solid walls can be several inches thick, which gives good thermal mass but far less insulation than modern cavity wall construction. Our surveyors know how to judge these walls for structural integrity and suggest suitable upgrades.

Across Bodmin Moor, slate roofing is a familiar sight, and properties may use either local Delabole slate or imported Welsh slate depending on age and budget at the time of construction. Slate can last for more than a century, but the fixings and flashings still need periodic attention. We check those details carefully on every survey.

Render finishes are common on properties throughout Altarnun, applied over stone to give weather protection and a neat finish. The trouble is that render can hide defects underneath, and our inspectors know how to spot signs of problems behind the surface. We also look at parapet walls, which older properties often have and which can leak if they are not kept in good order.

Our team of RICS registered surveyors has extensive experience inspecting properties across North Cornwall and Bodmin Moor. We know the pressures that affect homes here, from exposure to Atlantic weather systems to the defects often seen in traditional Cornish stone buildings.

Booking a survey with us means more than getting a standard report. Because we know the local market, we can explain our findings in context and show how they compare with similar homes nearby. That gives you a clearer basis for deciding how to proceed with the purchase.

We take pride in reports that are detailed yet easy to read. Technical points are set out in plain language, with clear photographs showing exactly what we have found. Our aim is for you to finish the report with a proper understanding of the property’s condition.