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Surveyor in St Austell

 

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RICS Home Surveys and Valuations in St Austell

Buying a home in St Austell? Camsure Home Surveys delivers independent, detailed property surveys across the town and surrounding villages, carried out by RICS qualified professionals. We cover areas including Carlyon Bay, Charlestown and Holmbush.

Our surveyors provide practical, plain-English reports that help you understand the true condition of the property. From granite-built cottages to more modern builds on newer estates, we regularly assess common local issues such as render cracking, damp penetration and roof wear from coastal exposure.

Voted Best UK Surveyors 2024 and 2025 by Compare My Move, we are known for prompt turnaround times, clear advice and thorough inspections.

Contact your local St Austell surveyor

Surveying Services Available in St Austell

Our RICS qualified surveyors work throughout St Austell, including Charlestown, Boscoppa and the surrounding villages. We provide thorough property inspections focused on condition, construction methods and repair needs.

We check all accessible areas of the building and highlight any defects or risks that could affect your purchase. From granite cottages to newer builds near the Eden Project, our reports are tailored to local property types.

With over 1,700 verified reviews and a Trustpilot rating of 4.9, we’re known for professional service and open communication.

Camsure is ranked among the top 5 UK surveyors in Trustpilot’s Best in Property Surveyor category.

Building Trust and Expertise: Free Consultations

Take the first step towards a sound property investment by scheduling a free consultation with our team. We’ll discuss your specific questions and concerns, providing you with expert guidance to navigate the St Austell property market.

Don’t just take our word for it—see what our satisfied clients have to say about their Camsure experience on Trustpilot.

Partnering with Camsure means you’re making a wise investment in your future home in St Austell. We also offer additional services such as Housing Disrepair Claims and Insurance Reinstatement Valuations.

How Much Does a Home Survey Cost in St Austell?

Home survey prices in St Austell typically range from £420 to £1,550.

The cost depends on several key factors:

-Property Size: Larger or older buildings usually require longer inspections, which may increase the fee.
-Survey Type: A RICS Building Survey is the most comprehensive option and is priced higher than a Homebuyer Survey.

If you're not sure which survey to choose, our St Austell team can help based on the age, condition and location of the property.

Whether you’re buying your first home or investing in a second property, we offer clear advice and consistent support from start to finish.

Need help comparing options? View our survey comparison guide.

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Camsure's St Austell Surveyor

Gavin Hogg
Gavin Hogg

Gavin has been a surveyor for around 10 years, having previously worked as a builder before moving into residential surveying. Originally from the Midlands, he and his family relocated to Cornwall six years ago and have embraced life in the South West ever since.

With experience both on the tools and in surveying, Gavin understands properties from a practical and technical perspective. He focuses on helping clients understand risks and hidden issues so they can make confident choices when buying what is likely to be their most significant investment.

"I hope to highlight the risks and unforeseen dangers to my clients to give them the best chance of making good life decisions when investing in the most expensive item that we hope to buy and to mitigate the nightmare of potential financial loss and subsequent affects on their quality of life."

— Gavin Hogg, Residential Surveyor, Camsure Home Surveys, 2025

Case Study: Victorian Bay-Fronted House – St Austell

St Austell, Cornwall: This character property was the subject of a full Building Survey (RICS Level 3), carried out by our local surveyor for a prospective buyer planning to renovate.

Although the home presented well externally, our inspection highlighted evidence of minor movement to the front elevation. This was visible as hairline cracking around the bay window and adjacent door frame, a common issue in older masonry buildings in the area.
The detailed report allowed the buyer to understand the likely cause, monitor recommendations and potential repair options if the movement were to continue

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Homebuyer Survey Report St Austell
RICS Level 2

A clear visual inspection highlighting any issues that could affect your purchase.

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Homebuyer Survey with Valuation St Austell
RICS Level 2

Includes a current market valuation and rebuild cost for insurance purposes.

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Building Survey St Austell
RICS Level 3

A full structural inspection, recommended for older buildings or those in poor condition.

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RICS 'Red Book' Valuation St Austell

A formal valuation for Help to Buy, Shared Ownership or probate purposes.*

*Valuations and rebuild estimates can be added to Building Surveys for an extra fee depending on the surveyor’s qualifications.

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Choosing the Right Survey

Selecting the right survey for your property purchase is a critical step in your property journey. At Camsure Home Surveys, we provide a variety of survey options tailored to different property types and needs. Below, you'll find detailed descriptions of our survey services to help you make an informed decision.

RICS Homebuyers Survey Report

The RICS Homebuyer Report is well-suited for properties in good condition constructed after 1930. Our certified RICS surveyor in St Austell visually inspects the property and provides a comprehensive report, using a 'traffic light' system for easy understanding.

This report covers not only the property's condition but also provides advice for legal matters, identifies urgent issues, offers suggestions for defects affecting the property's value and guidance on maintenance.

You can also opt for a market valuation for a nominal extra cost. This report covers environmental aspects like flooding, mining, soil types, radon presence, landfill sites and infrastructure issues such as the HS2 rail line.

RICS Building Survey

Our Building Survey, formerly known as a Full Structural Survey, is ideal for properties built before 1930. It offers a detailed analysis similar to the Homebuyer Report but delves deeper into the property's condition, providing additional advice.

You can also opt for a property value assessment at a reasonable extra cost.

This report provides comprehensive suggestions for addressing problems, repairs and property maintenance, tailored to your specific concerns.

Independent Valuation Report

Our unbiased assessment aims to establish your property's value and may highlight areas requiring further investigation.

For Help to Buy, a specially qualified RICS registered valuer in St Austell assesses your home's worth, crucial for determining your financial commitment.

Please note that this valuation remains valid for three months.

View RICS Survey Guides and Sample Reports

Highly recommend
Excellent service from this company - very helpful and pleasant surveyor who wrote a prompt and thorough report; highly recommend
— Sue, Trustpilot

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the size and condition of the property. Most inspections take a few hours, but larger or more complex homes may take longer.

Your surveyor will confirm the expected duration when they book the visit and will also give you an idea of when to expect your report.

Buying a property: Book the survey once your offer has been accepted, ideally before you commit to contracts.
Selling a property: Some sellers choose to have a survey carried out beforehand to highlight issues early.

If you’re unsure about repairs: A survey can help you decide on your next steps and prevent costly surprises.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the buyer usually arranges and pays for the survey. However, sellers can also commission their own survey if they wish.

In Scotland, the seller must provide a Home Report for potential buyers.

Not usually. If no serious issues are found, things can progress as planned. But if the survey reveals problems, it might take longer while you negotiate, arrange repairs or get further investigations.

In most of the UK, it's not required by law, but many sellers choose to get one to help avoid delays later on.
If you're in Scotland, you will need a Home Report before you can list the property for sale.

RICS surveyors follow professional standards and are fully insured. Unlike unregulated surveyors, RICS members are trained, monitored and held accountable for the quality of their work.

You can check if someone is RICS accredited by looking for MRICS, AssocRICS or FRICS after their name or by using the official RICS website to search for members and firms.

Working with a qualified RICS surveyor gives you confidence in the findings and protects you if anything goes wrong later.

Living in the Region

What’s It Like to Live in St Austell?

St Austell is one of the largest towns in Cornwall, attracting home buyers with its coastal location, variety of housing and access to local amenities. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement or investment, knowing what to expect from local housing stock and survey considerations is important before making a purchase.

St Austell Living – Property and Lifestyle Overview

Architectural Features of Properties

St Austell has a mix of Victorian terraces, mid-20th-century homes and newer developments around the outskirts. Bay-fronted stone houses and granite cottages are especially common in the town centre and older residential streets.

Historical Buildings and Their Features: The Wheal Martyn Clay Works museum highlights the area’s industrial past and is a key example of the town’s heritage. Properties near former clay works sites can vary in condition and may be subject to heritage planning rules if located in older parts of town.

Local Stone: Many properties are built with local Cornish granite. This durable stone is highly weather-resistant but can be prone to surface staining and biological growth if not maintained properly.

Survey Findings Specific to St Austell: Properties in lower-lying areas such as near Trenance Road have occasionally shown signs of dampness due to poor drainage. Bay-fronted homes often show minor signs of movement, particularly where ground levels vary. Roofs with slate coverings can deteriorate over time, especially in exposed areas. Older homes may lack insulation, impacting overall energy efficiency.

Local Amenities and Notable Places

Local Amenities: Poltair School is a well-regarded secondary school, popular with families moving into the area. The town centre has supermarkets, banks and essential services all within walking distance. St Austell Brewery is a major local employer and a popular destination for visitors.

Local Natural Feature: The nearby South West Coast Path and Pentewan Valley Trail offer walking, cycling and coastal views, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Notable Places: The White River Place retail centre is a focal point for shopping and leisure, while the historic Market House is a hub for events and community activity.

Flood and Radon Risks

Flood Risks: Properties along parts of Gover Road and Tregonissey Lane are known to be at higher risk of surface water flooding during periods of heavy rain. A flood risk check is advised before committing to a purchase in those locations.

Radon Risks: Cornwall has naturally higher levels of radon. While St Austell is not in the highest risk category, a radon test is recommended, especially for properties with basements or thick stone walls.

Traffic Congestion and Issues

Traffic Congestion: The town can become congested around Holmbush and the A390 during school drop-off times and peak hours. Road improvements are ongoing but delays are still common.

Public Transport: St Austell railway station offers direct services to Truro, Plymouth and London Paddington. Local bus links connect the town to nearby villages including Charlestown and Mevagissey.

Conservation Areas

Conservation Areas: The Charlestown area, within St Austell parish, is designated a conservation area due to its Georgian architecture and historic harbour. Renovations within this zone often require additional permissions.

Future Projects: The proposed West Carclaze Garden Village on the outskirts aims to deliver new homes and community infrastructure, which may affect traffic and service availability as development progresses.

Safety and Crime Statistics

Crime Rates: According to Devon and Cornwall Police data, crime in St Austell has remained steady, with antisocial behaviour and shoplifting being the most commonly reported issues in the town centre. Residential areas such as Bethel and Carclaze report lower levels of crime overall.

Home Survey Considerations

Survey Recommendations: A Level 2 Homebuyer Survey is suitable for most modern properties, while older homes, especially those with bay windows or slate roofs, often require a more detailed Level 3 Building Survey.

Unique Survey Challenges: Surveyors in St Austell regularly identify issues with pointing and stonework on older granite homes, as well as damp ingress where properties back onto sloped land or have poorly ventilated subfloors.

Local Building Materials and Their Implications

Building Materials: Granite and render are the most common external finishes. Rendered properties may require periodic reapplication due to coastal weathering. Granite, while robust, benefits from regular inspection to prevent mortar deterioration and water ingress.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

Local Comparisons: Compared to Truro, St Austell offers more affordable property prices and a wider selection of terraced and semi-detached homes. While Truro has more amenities, St Austell’s proximity to the coast and ongoing development make it attractive to a range of buyers looking for value and location.

St Austell Property Market Trends – 2025

Thinking of moving to St Austell? Here’s a closer look at the latest house prices and current developments shaping the local property market.

Average Prices – St Austell (August 2025)

Property Type Average Price Most Common
Detached £412,189 Yes
Terraced £219,055 No
Semi-detached £259,349 No

Source: Rightmove, August 2025

The overall average property price in St Austell is currently £305,042. This figure is consistent with the previous year and just 1% below the 2022 peak of £308,764. Detached homes continue to lead in popularity and price, with terraced properties offering more affordable entry points.

What’s Happening in the Area?

St Austell is seeing steady development, particularly on the edges of town where new-build sites are expanding.

  • West Carclaze Garden Village: A large-scale housing project with new homes, green space and a local school.
  • Town Centre Enhancements: Investment is being made to improve shopping areas, public transport access and community facilities.
  • Road and Bus Upgrades: Changes to the A390 and local bus routes aim to improve access and reduce congestion.

For First-Time Buyers

Terraced homes in areas like Bethel, Boscoppa and Mount Charles remain a practical option for first-time buyers. These properties are typically under the regional average but may need upgrades. A RICS Homebuyer Survey can help flag any structural or damp-related concerns before committing.

In Summary

St Austell’s property market is stable with steady demand across all home types. The area offers good value compared to other parts of Cornwall and benefits from ongoing investment. A professional survey is recommended to help identify hidden issues and avoid unexpected repair costs.

Contact Camsure Home Surveys St Austell.

When you’re buying, renovating or selling a property, it’s always an anxious time. We can help reduce that worry. As RICS surveyors in St Austell, we’ve got the knowledge to support you in whatever property project you may have.

Request your free quote today, call our central booking team on 01223 862808. Alternatively, please fill out the form below.
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