"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 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.
Defects flagged in a Torquay Home Buyers Survey
Local Tip: Subsidence
Local Tip: Damp
Local Tip: Asbestos
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?
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 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 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 Torquay
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Homebuyers Survey Torquay
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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 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 .
