RICS Level 3 Survey Kentisbury

The RICS Level 3 Survey is the fullest inspection of a property’s condition available under the RICS framework. It was formerly called a Full Structural Survey, and it goes well beyond the basic visual check offered by Level 2 surveys. Our surveyors examine every accessible part of the property, from the roof structure and load-bearing walls to the foundations, damp proofing, and insulation. The finished report colour-codes issues by severity and sets out clear recommendations for repairs and maintenance.

In Kentisbury, where many homes are likely to be traditional builds from a range of periods, the Level 3 survey is especially useful. The report looks closely at the construction type, the materials used, and any weaknesses that come with that style of building. Our surveyors also study the surrounding setting, checking for trees close to foundations, drainage problems, or signs of past movement that could affect long-term structural integrity.

Unlike a basic mortgage valuation, the Level 3 survey is about condition and defects, not market value. That gives you practical information on what needs doing, roughly what it may cost, and how urgently each item needs attention. For a typical property, the report can run to dozens of pages, with photographs, diagrams, and plain explanations throughout. Armed with that, you can haggle over the price, ask for repairs before completion, or decide to walk away if the findings are too worrying.

We also look for structural issues that might never show up at a casual viewing. That includes hidden areas such as roof voids, where accessible, sub-floor spaces, and the back of plasterwork where damp or timber decay may be lurking. Our surveyors check how the property sits alongside adjacent buildings, boundary walls, and any outbuildings included in the sale.

• Structural walls and foundations
• Roof structure and covering
• Chimneys and flues
• Dampness and timber decay
• Windows and doors
• Plumbing and electrical basics
• Exterior finishes
• Garages and outbuildings

Kentisbury and the wider North Devon countryside tell a long architectural story. Many homes here were built by traditional methods that differ sharply from modern construction. Older cottages and farmhouses often have stone walls, frequently made from local Devon stone, while some properties use timber framing with rendered or cob infill. Knowing how these buildings were put together matters, because each type has its own common defects, and our surveyors know how to spot them.

Roofing in Kentisbury is usually slate, widely used across North Devon, though some older cottages still carry traditional thatch. Slate roofs in the area can deteriorate over time, especially where fixings have corroded or wind exposure has led to slippage. Our inspectors work through the roof slopes methodically, looking for missing or damaged slates, signs of earlier repairs, and the condition of ridge tiles and hip junctions. We also check chimney stacks, a familiar feature on period homes and one that often shows wear in mortar joints or flashing.

Many homes in the Kentisbury area sit on clay-rich ground that can shrink and swell as moisture levels change through the seasons. That shrink-swell movement can affect foundations, especially where trees are nearby or drainage is poor. Our surveyors look for signs of movement, such as cracking in walls or doors that no longer shut properly. We also note how close trees are to buildings, since roots can cause ground compaction or direct foundation damage over time.

Drainage is another key point our team checks on Kentisbury properties. Older homes often still rely on systems installed when the property was first built, and these may never have been upgraded. We inspect gullies, soil pipes, and the general condition of the drainage run away from the house. In more rural spots, we also look at the sewage setup, whether it is linked to mains drainage or uses a septic tank or cess pit, since that affects both condition and ongoing costs.

Kentisbury sits in the beautiful North Devon countryside, which draws buyers looking for rural character and access to nearby towns such as Barnstaple. The local housing stock reflects that appeal, with detached homes often attracting premium prices. Many properties in the area were built across different eras and with traditional construction methods that vary widely in structural make-up and common defect patterns.

The Devon housing market has seen notable activity, with approximately 15,500 property sales in the county over the past twelve months. While that is a 15.6% drop in transaction volume, property values in Kentisbury have held up well. Bricks&Logic data shows prices up by 34.2% over the past ten years, with a modest 0.2% rise since the last recorded sale in November 2025. That kind of movement makes it especially important to know exactly what you are buying.

Rural North Devon properties often bring their own set of challenges, and the Level 3 survey is well suited to picking them up. Older construction can hide defects, drainage systems may still be original, and outside factors such as slopes or trees can affect foundations. Our surveyors know these local conditions and shape their inspection around them. They understand the difference between a traditional Devon cottage and a more recent build, and they can spot issues a less experienced assessor might miss.

The South West region saw average property values fall by approximately £3,400 (-1%) over the twelve months leading into early 2026. That small market correction makes proper due diligence even more important for Kentisbury buyers. A full survey helps you spot homes that look appealing on the surface but may hide structural problems that could be costly to put right. It puts you in a stronger position to negotiate, or to proceed with clearer eyes.

When we survey properties in Kentisbury, we pay close attention to how well the home has been cared for over the years. Many houses in the area are holiday lets or second homes, so they may spend long periods empty. That can lead to damp from poor ventilation, plumbing problems caused by frozen pipes in winter, or worn external joinery where routine upkeep has slipped. Our inspection takes in all of that, so you get a true picture of the property’s condition.