RICS Level 3 Survey Malborough

Buying in Malborough calls for a closer look than many village markets. A large share of the housing stock is made up of period homes, including Grade II listed cottages, and they need careful structural assessment. Character is part of the appeal, but these older buildings can conceal defects that only an experienced surveyor is likely to spot. With our Level 3 surveys, we inspect the whole structure from foundation to roof, so we can set out any defects, what is causing them, and the remedial works we recommend.

Traditional construction is a big part of the picture in Malborough, and it does not always behave like a modern home. The terraced cottages that account for approximately 65% of sales in the village often have solid walls instead of cavity walls, which leaves them more exposed to damp penetration if upkeep has slipped. Our surveyors know these details well and understand what matters in properties built in the pre-1919 era that define much of the village centre. We look for historic movement, earlier alterations, and the condition of original features such as exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces.

Across the South Hams, being close to the coast can have a real effect on how a property holds up. Homes near the estuary or within walking distance of Soar Mill Cove may face very different environmental pressures from places farther inland. Salt air can speed up corrosion in metal fixtures and wear down certain building materials sooner than expected. That is why, when we inspect in and around Malborough, we take local exposure into account and note how coastal conditions are affecting roof coverings, external render, and joinery.

Recent development has added a more modern layer to the village, and properties at Alston Rise are a good example of that newer construction. Even so, newer homes still benefit from a detailed inspection, because we regularly check for defects in contemporary builds, including window installations, insulation standards, and the condition of recently installed fixtures. From a period cottage to a brand-new detached home, our Level 3 Survey gives us the scope to provide the information needed for an informed purchase decision.

• Traditional solid-wall construction
• Period feature condition
• Roof structure integrity
• Damp and timber assessment
• Electrical and plumbing visible
• Foundation and subsidence indicators

Malborough properties reflect building methods that have been used across South Devon for centuries. In the village centre, many older cottages were built with solid stone walls and are often finished with lime-based plaster, which allows the structure to breathe. That matters, because modern cement-based renders can trap moisture and create damp issues in historic buildings. Our surveyors are used to assessing traditional lime mortars, pointing, and render systems, and we report on their condition accordingly.

Roofing in Malborough is far from uniform. Period cottages often have slate or clay tiles, while some of the older stock may feature thatched roofs or stone slates that are distinctive to the region. We inspect roof coverings carefully, checking for slipped tiles, failing mortar, and evidence of earlier repairs. For coastal locations near Soar Mill Cove, we pay especially close attention to salt damage affecting roofing materials and flashings.

Extensions are common here. Many properties have been altered over the years, with single-storey additions frequently seen on Victorian and Edwardian homes. We pay close attention to the junctions between the original structure and the extension, because that is where differential movement or water penetration often shows up. Outbuildings, garages, and boundary walls are also part of our assessment, as these can need work in older properties.

Because so much of Malborough's housing stock is older, certain defects come up again and again. Damp penetration is among the most frequent findings, especially in solid-wall homes where rising damp or penetrating damp may affect the walls if tanking systems or damp-proof courses are missing or defective. Our inspectors use moisture meters alongside visual assessment to judge the scale of any damp problem and recommend suitable remedial measures.

Another regular issue is the roof, particularly on period properties where the original structure may have gone through historic repairs or later alterations. We often find defects around ridge tiles, valley gutters, and flat roof sections where water can get in. Near the coast, corrosion to lead flashings and mortar deterioration from salt exposure are both familiar sights. Left alone, problems like these can cause serious internal damage.

Older buildings do move a little over time, so some structural movement is not unusual. Our surveyors know the signs to look for, including crack patterns in walls, binding doors and windows, and uneven floors. We assess whether the movement appears historic or active and advise if a structural engineer should be brought in. In many cases, historic movement is not a major concern, but it should still be properly documented.

Joinery and finishes also feature regularly in our findings. This is often most noticeable where original windows and doors have been replaced with modern alternatives that do not suit the character of a period property. We inspect all windows and doors for condition, operation, security, and thermal efficiency. In listed buildings, we also record modern replacements that may need Listed Building Consent if they are to be changed for more suitable alternatives.

We recommend a RICS Level 3 Survey for any property purchase in Malborough, though there are some cases where it becomes especially important. A home built before 1900 is one of them. Properties of that age often have more complicated structural histories and may have seen several rounds of alteration over the decades, all of which benefit from professional assessment. A Level 3 Survey gives us the detail needed to uncover defects that a basic inspection may miss.

The same applies to non-standard construction, homes with visible structural concerns, and properties that have been extended substantially. At the top end of the local market, including detached homes in the £550,000+ bracket that are common around Malborough, the extra depth of a Level 3 Survey is well worth having. It gives us solid ground for negotiations and a clearer picture of the real cost of ownership.

Newer homes should not be waved through without checks. Builds at Alston Rise may have fewer concealed problems than older stock, but we still inspect for defects that turn up in modern construction, including window installation issues, insulation concerns, and the condition of recently fitted fixtures. The report gives a full picture of the property's present condition and flags snagging items that may need to be taken up with the developer.