What to Know About Buying a Property in Bournemouth
Bournemouth has been attracting buyers for decades, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of sandy beaches, parks, good transport links and a wide choice of housing appeals to everyone from first-time buyers and growing families to retirees and people relocating from London and the South East. It’s a town where you can find a Victorian villa overlooking the gardens, a modern apartment with sea views or a detached family home on a quiet residential road, often within a few miles of each other.
Walk around Westbourne, and you’ll find substantial Victorian and Edwardian houses, many of which have been converted into apartments over the years. Head towards Boscombe or the clifftop developments and the housing becomes much more contemporary, while areas such as Queens Park, Moordown and Winton are known for their 1920s and 1930s family homes. New developments continue to appear across the town, adding another layer to an already diverse housing market. From a surveying perspective, that makes Bournemouth an interesting place to buy. Two properties of a similar age can have completely different construction methods, maintenance histories and potential defects.
One of the defining features of Bournemouth is its coastline. Living close to the sea is a major attraction, but the environment has a lasting effect on buildings. Salt carried in the air, strong coastal winds and driving rain all contribute to the gradual weathering of external materials. Roof coverings, render, balconies, external joinery and metal fixings can all show the effects of years of exposure, particularly on properties closest to the shoreline. These changes often happen gradually, making them easy to overlook during a viewing.
Move a little further inland and the focus changes. Many of Bournemouth’s period homes have evolved over generations. Extensions have been added, internal layouts altered and older materials repaired or replaced as building standards have changed. Some of that work has been carried out to a high standard, while some reflects the practices and expectations of its time. Understanding how a property has developed over the years helps to explain its current condition and any maintenance it may require in the future.
The town also contains a significant number of purpose-built flats and converted apartments. Although buyers naturally focus on the accommodation itself, a survey also considers the condition of the building as a whole where appropriate. Roofs, external walls, communal areas that can be inspected and signs of water ingress or movement all contribute to the overall picture. Understanding the condition of the building is just as important as assessing the individual flat.
Modern homes also benefit from professional inspection. Modern construction brings different methods, materials and detailing, and while many homes perform exceptionally well, defects can still occur. Moisture ingress, roof detailing, drainage, cracking and workmanship are all areas that may warrant closer attention. The date a property was built rarely tells the full story. Its condition reflects how it has been constructed, maintained and altered over time.
Choosing the right survey is an important part of the buying process. A RICS Level 2 Survey is often suitable for conventional properties built using standard construction methods that appear to be in reasonable condition. Older homes, properties that have been significantly altered, larger houses and buildings of unusual construction are often better suited to a Building Survey, which provides a more detailed assessment of the property’s condition and construction.
At Novello, our RICS surveyors carry out Level 2 Surveys and Building Surveys throughout Bournemouth. Our reports are written in plain English, supported by photographs and practical recommendations, giving buyers a clear understanding of the property’s condition from the day of the inspection.
