"Competitively priced service, the agent I dealt with was very helpful. On the day of the survey itself I received a call from the surveyor to run through his initial findings. The quality of the report produced was excellent, very detailed and thorough. If needed I will be using SAM Conveyancing's services again in the future for sure."
Local Building Survey Penzance
Our Building Surveyors specialise in the local area and have completed house surveys in Plymouth, Torquay, Camborne, Redruth, Falmouth, Truro and St Austell.
We work with specialist RICS Building Surveyors to undertake Home Buyers Surveys in Penzance. Whether you are buying an old run down 'doer upper' or standard construction freehold house, our RICS surveyors have seen them all.
With a vast number of years of experience completing building surveys on properties in Penzance we'll be able to give you the detailed Penzance HomeBuyers report that you will need to know and what defects there are with your property.
Defects flagged in a Penzance Home Buyers Survey
Local Tip: Subsidence
Properties in some areas of Penzance may be affected by surface water flooding. Properties within Alexandra Road, Wharf Road are key areas where dwellings can be affected by surface water flooding as a result of heavy rainfall. If you are buying a property with a mortgage, a solicitor may advise that you get an additional Flood Risk Report.
Local Tip: Damp
According to the UK Health Security Agency, all properties within Penzance are in a raised radon area. Properties in close proximity to streets such as Jennings Street, Union Street and St Clare Street have a higher chance than average of being affected by radon emission. The raised Radon area has a maximum radon potential of greater than 30% and at least 10 - 30% (the percentage is the chance of a property being built where Radon emissions might measure above the action level).
Local Tip: Asbestos
Where roof tiles are laid to straight regular courses a Penzance based building surveyor will need to inspect if they appear to be in a poor condition and in need of repair. A closer inspection from a ladder may reveal the presence of cracked tiles.
Tiles specialised for Georgian properties found along Alexander Place may need to be rebedded.
When buying a property with a mortgage, it is important to get a property survey to assess the condition of the dwelling. If the property needs repair due to the condition of the tiles, Apex Roofing can be found at 2 Pine Rd, Penzance TR18 4QY.
Types of property in Penzance?
Penzance is a town with a variety of different types of properties such as detached, and semi-detached houses built in the Victorian period as well as some properties dating back to the Edwardian period which can be found along Trewithen Road.
Within the town there are also a selection of larger and modern dwellings which can be found in Wharf Road.
Inland from the coast you can find a warren of roads and squares lined with Victorian and Georgian houses.
Some are very large - you can see the occasional eight-bedroomed late Victorian terrace house - and some buildings are listed, such as a Grade II listed five bedroom house in Regent Square.
You can also find some Victorian town houses built in the 1830s along Barwis Hill.
New build properties can be found in streets such as Market Jew Street.
Why Choose SAM Conveyancing for your Home Survey?
In helping over 15,339 survey clients since 2014, we've learned a lot about surveys in Penzance using our panel of over 100 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Your Penzance surveyor will be local to your property, so whether you're worried about subsidence, damp, infestations, extensions, or even just for peace of mind, we've got you covered.
Our HomeBuyers Survey costs are fixed and competitive, as you'll see from all our Excellent reviews on Trustpilot. This means you don't have to break the bank to get a full health check on your new home. Get a Home Buyer Survey Quote today, or if you're not sure which survey to choose and want to know the difference between a Level 2 Home Survey and a Level 3 Building Survey, then give us a cal,l and we'll happily tell you what you need - 0333 344 3234 (local call charges apply).
What defects are flagged in a Homebuyer's Survey?
Cracks are inspected and in the report will confirm if you need a structural engineer as there are signs of historical or current movement.
The RICS surveyor will use a moisture meter in the rooms and report any high levels along with any mould or damp causing damage to the walls/windows.
The wooden door frames and windows will be inspected for rotting and wood worm.
The surveyor looks for signs of infestations through droppings, damage to piping/flooring and in some cases finding where the nest is.
The surveyor will check the grounds of the property and, where possible, check over the fences to neighbouring plots to identify if there is a risk of Japanese knotweed.
The surveyor lifts up accessible man hole covers to check if the drains are blocked. You may need to get your drains inspected with CCTV.
The surveyor will enter into the roof/loft space if there is a safe and accessible ladder. They'll look for insulation, signs of leaking and and damage.
Average Cost of Building Surveyor in 2026 in Penzance
The cost varies depending on the size and condition of the property, with the average cost of our HomeBuyers Survey starting at £375 EXC VAT. The average cost of a Building Survey is higher. Our fixed fees start at £499 EXC VAT.
To ensure accuracy, we utilise Rightmove or Zoopla to assess the property type, guaranteeing a fixed quote tailored to your needs. For guidance on choosing the right survey, contact our survey specialists at 0333 344 3234.
Thinking of moving to Penzance?
Penzance is the most westerly major town in Cornwall. Penzance is a historic port on the south-facing shores of Mount's Bay and has one of the mildest climates in the UK.
The town is 20 minutes from St Ives and regarded as less touristy; in the latter area, many potential buyers have sought second homes rather than primary residences.
Within the town, there is a variety of places to visit, including St Michael's Mount, Morrab Gardens and The Exchange Gallery.
Penzance's Jubilee Pool, an art deco saltwater lido, has been renovated. Chapel Street, known for its Egyptian House, is the centre of an artistic quarter where there is also a sculpture garden.
Penzance offers harbour boat trips, sea safaris and fishing excursions, which provide some great seaborne activities.
Frequently Asked Questions: Homebuyers Survey Penzance
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RICS Level 2 Home Survey with a Valuation
A RICS Level 2 Home Survey, which used to be called the HomeBuyer Report or a Home Buyer Survey, is generally suitable for:
- Bungalows
- Flats
- Standard construction houses
The majority of Penzance's leasehold flats require only a RICS HomeBuyer Report but for any Victorian conversions, a Building Survey may well be required.
RICS Level 3 Building Survey
A Level 3 Home Survey, also known as a Building Survey or a full structural, is the most comprehensive visual inspection a RICS surveyor can provide on a property in Penzance. It is suitable for:
- complex buildings, for example those that have been extensively extended and altered
- unique or older historic properties
- properties in poor condition; or
- those where the client is planning to carry out extensive repair and refurbishment work.
Speak to one of our team on 0333 344 3234 to find out if your property suits a RICS Building Survey, or read our article Which Home Buyers Survey suits your property .
