Buying a Property in Somerset? Here’s the Survey You Actually Need

Which RICS Home Survey Is Right for Your Somerset Property?

Somerset is one of the most characterful property markets in the country. From Victorian terraces in Taunton and Yeovil to thatched cottages, sandstone farmhouses, listed townhouses and converted barns scattered across the county, there is an enormous variety of homes here. That character and variety, however, comes with a level of complexity that makes choosing the right home survey before you buy genuinely important.

Somerset’s Property Stock Is Unlike Most of the Country

A large proportion of the homes being bought and sold across Somerset are old. Many were built using traditional construction methods and materials that behave very differently from modern builds. Stone walls, lime mortar, solid floors, timber frames, and natural slate or thatched roofing all require a surveyor with a solid understanding of how these elements perform over time, and what to look for when things start to deteriorate.

Somerset Property Features

Somerset also has a high concentration of listed buildings and conservation areas, particularly in towns such as Wells, Glastonbury, Bruton and Shepton Mallet, as well as a large number of rural properties that have been extended, altered or converted over the decades. Barn conversions, mill houses and former agricultural buildings are common across the county, and each brings its own structural quirks that only a thorough survey will reliably pick up.

The Somerset Levels Add an Extra Layer of Risk

Properties in or near the Somerset Levels carry an additional consideration that buyers should not overlook. Flood risk, ground movement, and the long-term effects of waterlogged ground on foundations and below-ground structures are all factors a qualified RICS surveyor will be trained to identify and report on. If the property you are buying sits in or around this area, a detailed survey is not just useful; it is essential.

Choosing the Right Survey for Your Somerset Property

There is no single survey that suits every home. The right choice depends on the age, type, and condition of the property you are buying.

RICS Home Survey Level 2

A RICS Home Survey Level 2 is designed for conventional properties in reasonable condition, built from standard modern materials. It covers a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas and presents findings using a clear condition rating system, highlighting any concerns and explaining what they mean for the property. For a newer or relatively straightforward Somerset home, this is often the right starting point.

RICS Home Survey Level 3

For older, larger or more unusual properties, a RICS Home Survey Level 3 is the right choice. This is the most comprehensive residential survey available. It examines the structure and construction of the property in far greater depth, identifies both visible defects and potential hidden problems, and provides clear advice on repair options and what they are likely to cost.

Given the nature of Somerset’s property stock, a Level 3 building survey is frequently the most appropriate option for buyers in the county. If you are considering a stone-built farmhouse, a listed cottage, a thatched property, or a home that has been substantially altered over the years, a Level 3 gives you the full picture before you commit.

What a RICS Survey Covers

Regardless of the level you choose, your survey will inspect:

• Roof covering, chimney stacks and the external structure
• External and internal walls, ceilings and floors
• Damp and moisture levels throughout the property
• Roof space and any accessible underfloor areas
• Visible elements of drainage, heating and services

Any areas that cannot be fully inspected on the day are clearly noted in the report, along with recommendations for further investigation where needed.

Ready to Book a RICS Home Survey in Somerset?

Our RICS-regulated surveyors carry out home surveys across Somerset, covering Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Wells, Frome, Glastonbury and the surrounding areas. We know the local property market well, which means the reports we produce are genuinely useful for the decisions you are actually facing.

Get in touch today for a no-obligation quote and find out which survey is right for your Somerset property.