"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."
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Panel of RICS Surveyors
Same week availability*
Cost from £400 EXC VAT
Reports in 5 Days**
Defects flagged in a Torquay Home Buyers Survey
Local Tip 1
You're expected to get a Regulated Drainage & Water Search as standard when you're looking to buy a property using a mortgage. However a brief look at the contents of such a report, such as one bought by a client for a property in Hillesdon Road, Torquay, TQ1 1QQ, shows how important the findings in the report are.
For example, the report revealed that, should any building which is or forms part of the property be at risk of internal flooding due to overloaded public sewers, then insurance is in place to cover any damages and provide compensation. Additionally, the report revealed that should the property suffer from low water pressure or flow, insurance was also in place. People underestimate how important having decent pressure in the water supply to a home can be – but you'd want to know that insurance is in place for this eventuality because the displeasure caused by low water pressure in terms of how taps and particularly baths function is considerable, to say the very least!
Local Tip 2
As a parishioner you can actually face a claim from your local parish church for chancel repair, which is where the local church, due to ancient statutes, can claim on parishioners to share the costs of making repairs or refurbishments to the church chancel/church roof and where these occur, they can be fairly costly, with individual households possibly being legally required to pay £1,000s.
Buying a chancel repair indemnity insurance policy for a property you're looking to buy in Torquay's neighbourhood is an easy and efficient way of protecting yourself against this possible eventuality and among many others, one such policy was taken out for a property in Brakefield TQ10 9PA. This policy generally costs around £20 to buy and normally covers the policy holder for claims to the limit of £1 million. One other approach is to get a Chancel Search, which reveals if the property you're looking to buy is in a parish where your local church can make such a legitimate claim on you.
Local Tip 3
If you're looking at buying a property in England's south west, you should always be mindful about whether it's in an area which is known to be radon affected. Radon's a colourless odourless gas naturally occurs, coming out from the ground which, in larger concentrations, is known to cause lung cancer.
A client recently looking to buy a property in Heathfield Terrace, Newton Road, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, TQ13 9BA in Torquay's area, bought an Environmental Search report, which you're obliged to get as a mortgage buyer (although if you're a cash buyer, you are still strongly advised to get one). The search revealed that the property was in a radon affected area, with between 5% and 10% of homes in the locale being regarded as above the action level.
The report advised that the building should be tested for radon, which might result in further measures being needed to be taken and possible insurance issues.
Types of property in Torquay?
Torquay's architecture mainly goes back only as far as the early 19th century when its popularity as a seaside resort started to grow. This development particularly flourished in the Victorian period. Wellswood and the Lincombes were built up by wealthy Victorians who, influenced by their travels around the Mediterranean, built large villas with Italianate features and towers.
The 19th-century Anglican churches of Torquay include All Saints, Bamfylde Road (1884–90, architect John Loughborough Pearson), St John's, Montpelier Terrace (1861–71, architect George Edmund Street), St Luke's (1863, architect Sir Arthur Blomfield), St Mark's, St Mark's Road (1856–57, architect Anthony Salvin), St Mary Magdalene, Union Street (1846, architect Anthony Salvin), and St Michael, Pimlico (1877, architect Pritchard). St Matthias's Church, Wellswood, was built as a chapel-of-ease to St Mark's, Torwood, in the 1850s and became a parish church in 1880.
After World War II several private high-rise blocks of flats were constructed above the Rock Walk cliffs and harbour, giving the area a Monte Carlo feel.
In the late 1980s, Fleet Street was rebuilt as the Fleet Walk shopping centre which has street-level shops and an upper-level shopping deck. The long, curved building which follows the street is magnolia-coloured and in mock Victorian style.
Why Choose Sam Conveyancing for your Home Survey?
After 10 years of helping over 30,000 clients we've learned alot about surveys in Torquay using our panel of over 100 Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Your Torquay surveyor will be local to your property so whether you're worried about subsidence, damp, infestations, extensions or even the 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 call 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?
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Cracks/Subsidence
Cracks are inspected and in the report will confirm if you need a structural engineer as there are signs of historical or current movement.
Find out more - What is subsidence and how do you spot it?
Damp
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.
Find out more - What is rising damp?
Wood Rot
The wooden door frames and windows will be inspected for rotting and wood worm.
Find out more - What to do with a Rotten Window Frame?
Infestations
The surveyor looks for signs of infestations through droppings, damage to piping/flooring and in some cases finding where the nest is.
Find out more - Can You Sell A House With Rodents?
Japanese Knotweed
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.
Find out more - Do surveyors check for Japanese knotweed?
Drains and Manhole Covers
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.
Find out more - Should You Get a CCTV Drain Survey When Buying a House?
Roof and Loft Space
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.
Find out more - What is a roof survey?
A Level 2 HomeBuyers Report is for newer, conventional properties. A Level 3 Building Survey is for a comprehensive analysis, for older or larger properties.
For conventional properties, a HomeBuyers Survey is invaluable. Identified defects can be used as leverage during price negotiations with the seller and can save 1000s of pounds.
Average Cost of Building Surveyor in Torquay
The cost varies depending on the size and condition of the property, with the average cost of our HomeBuyers Survey starting at £400 EXC VAT. The average cost of a Building Survey is higher. Our fixed fees start at £500 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.
Download an Example Level 2 and Level 3 Home Survey
Frequently Asked Questions: Homebuyers Survey Torquay
You don't need to contact your lender to arrange a HomeBuyer Survey in Torquay. While they may recommend specific survey companies, we advise obtaining a quote online directly from a RICS-certified professional familiar with your property's locality, ensuring a comprehensive HomeBuyers Survey quote.
Typically, home buyers and investors request a Valuation and a Survey simultaneously, which is encompassed in our RICS HomeBuyers Report. For older or unconventional properties, consider a Level 3 Building Survey. Get your online quote for a property survey from our experienced house surveyors in Torquay now.
A standard HomeBuyers Survey in Torquay takes approximately 3.5 hours, including local travel, property visitation, and report generation at the office.
With national coverage across England and Wales, including Torquay, our back-office systems enable us to identify available RICS surveyors, even outside your locality. If you need a survey carried out urgently, our knowledge, contacts, and systems allow us to find you the best RICS surveyor at the most competitive cost.
We’re committed to equipping you with the necessary tools, information, and pricing to make informed decisions. You'll get a same day call with your Torquay RICS Surveyor to discuss your survey, as part of our service to you. You'll always receive full contact details of your RICS Chartered Surveyor when arranging with us.
We offer professional and comprehensive HomeBuyers Survey services in Torquay. Our RICS-certified professionals know the local property market intimately. Get an instant online price quote for a survey from our experienced house surveyors in Torquay:
The cost of a HomeBuyers Survey varies depending on the type and size of the property, among other factors. At SAM Conveyancing, the average cost for our HomeBuyers Survey in Torquay starts from £400 EXC VAT. Remember, a survey could save you significant money in the long run by identifying potential issues early.
Absolutely. Our team at SAM Conveyancing provides a thorough HomeBuyers Survey checklist, guiding you through what our surveyors will inspect. This includes the property's interior and exterior condition and advice on necessary repairs or potential problems.
We understand that sometimes surveys are urgent. While a typical survey takes around 3.5 hours, a Level 3 building survey will often take longer as it is a more thorough inspection. We pride ourselves on our national coverage and extensive network. Even for urgent requests, we strive to find you the best RICS surveyor in Torquay to complete the survey promptly.
Your satisfaction is our priority. If you have any issues, you can raise a formal complaint. If you remain unsatisfied, you can resort to a third-party dispute resolution service. Our Torquay-based RICS surveyor will work diligently to resolve your concerns, potentially revisiting the property if necessary.
We take problems very seriously, and if you encounter an issue, we ensure your concerns are addressed promptly and professionally. The initial step involves submitting a formal, written complaint, outlining the problem and supplementing it with any supporting evidence, like photos.
Our Manchester-based surveyor will send you their Formal Complaints Procedure outlining the expected response timeframes. They will work to rectify your complaint and might even propose revisiting the property in Manchester. After a comprehensive review, they will write back to you, hopefully resolving your complaint through the provision of further information.
If you remain unsatisfied, you can resort to a third-party dispute resolution service to which the surveyor is registered. This service becomes accessible only after you have formally complained to your surveyor.
The details of the dispute resolution service for RICS surveyors are as follows:
Service Provider
Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution
Address
100 St. Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8BU
Website
We have local RICS Listed Building Surveyors who specialise in listed building surveys in Torquay. To find out more go to - Listed Building Surveys - Building Surveyor and Survey Cost in Torquay
We cover the whole Torquay area and have recently completed HomeBuyer Reports and Building Surveys near you, at:
- Ticklemore Street TQ9 5EJ
- Swannaton Road Dartmouth TQ6 9RL
- Brakefield TQ10 9PA
- Heathfield Terrace TQ13 9BA
- Storrs Close TQ13 9HR
You can review what planning applications have been granted or denied for properties in your area by contacting Torbay Council at Town Hall, Castle Circus, Torquay TQ1 3DR, telephone 01803 201 201, or you can check the local authority website.
Read the following article if you are thinking about building an extension.
Local Building Survey Torquay
Our Building Surveyors specialise in the local area and have completed house surveys in Plymouth, Exeter , Paignton, Okehampton, Launceston, St Austell and Barnstaple.
We work with specialist RICS Building Surveyors to undertake Home Buyers Surveys in Torquay. 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 Torquay we'll be able to give you the detailed Torquay HomeBuyers report that you will need to know and what defects there are with your property.
*Subject to availability. If your survey date is longer than 1 week then ask and we will try to fit you in sooner.
** Survey prices vary depending on type of survey, size of property and the property's location.
FREE Online Conveyancing Process For Buyers
Our conveyancing process area includes:
- online checklists
- videos
- free downloads
- useful tips
It is completely free to use - from start to finish - and saves your progress along the way.
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 Torquay'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 Torquay. 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 .
