The Hidden Costs of Coastal Properties: A Scarborough Case Study

Buying a home along the Yorkshire coast is a dream for many; the sea air, the historic terraces, the promise of a quieter pace of life.

But coastal charm can also hide costly problems beneath the surface. And at one Scarborough terrace on Tindall Street, uncovering those issues early didn’t just protect the buyer from future damage and stress - it helped them avoid repair bills that could easily have run into the thousands.

Front of the coastal terrace in Scarborough

A Closer Look at a Scarborough Coastal Terrace

From the outside, the 19th-century property looked exactly as expected: characterful, traditional, full of period features. But once we began our detailed home buyer survey, the signs of long-term coastal weathering became impossible to ignore.

Damp, ventilation issues, incorrect historical repairs and safety concerns were quietly developing out of sight, the kind of issues that only get more expensive the longer they go unnoticed.

Below is a breakdown of what we found, why it mattered, and how catching it early made a meaningful difference to the buyer’s finances and peace of mind.

Why Coastal Weather Takes Its Toll on Older Properties

Homes across Scarborough, Filey, Bridlington and Driffield are exposed to salt-laden winds, driving rain and constant moisture. In solid-walled Victorian and pre-1900 terraces, this combination can cause issues that develop slowly and expensively over decades.

A Property With Character and Hidden Problems

At first glance, the property looked typical for its era. But the moment we began our inspection, the underlying issues began to reveal themselves.

Construction Context Matters

• Built between 1851 and 1890

• Solid brick walls, no original damp-proof course

• Suspended timber floors needing adequate airflow

• Coastal exposure increasing moisture load

This construction type must be able to breathe, and any interruption to that process can cause widespread damp and decay.

Major Issues Identified During the Inspection

1. Damp to the Front Elevation Walls

Why This Area Was a Concern

The front elevation showed some of the most severe moisture readings recorded during the inspection.

What We Found

• High internal moisture levels

• Evidence of failed chemical DPC injections

• Partially blocked air bricks

• Air bricks set below ground level

• Bubbling external paint caused by trapped moisture

High ground levels in relation to the airbricks and tell-tale signs of retrofitted (The circles) Damp Proof Course

Why This Matters in a Coastal Setting

Moisture driven into brickwork by coastal weather becomes trapped when breathability is restricted. Thus, resulting in long-term structural damp.

2. Damp to the Rear Elevation Walls

The Rear Told the Same Story

High moisture readings replicated the pattern seen at the front.

Contributing Factors

• Repainting with non-breathable coatings

• Cement mortar used instead of lime

• Poor moisture evaporation due to historical incorrect repairs

The Long-Term Risk

When moisture can't escape, it breaks down surfaces and weakens joinery, which is a common issue in weather-exposed coastal properties.

3. Damp Around the Front Bay Window Floor

A Known Trouble Spot in Older Terraces

Bay windows are naturally vulnerable to moisture accumulation.

Key Findings

• Elevated readings at the wall/floor junction

• Cold bridging at the bay area

• Poor sub-floor ventilation

• Blocked gully directing water beneath the floor

Why It Matters

Trapped moisture + timber floors = a strong risk of decay, especially in damp coastal climates.

Wet floorboards in the bay window with some black mould forming.

Services & Safety Risks

4. Electrical Installation Issues

Health & Safety Red Rating

The electrical system showed:

• No proof of recent testing

• Outdated consumer unit

• Unconfirmed electrical safety

Required Action

A full electrical inspection and likely replacement: urgent and non-negotiable for safety.

The outdated electrics needs refurbishment.

5. Gas, Boiler & Heating Concerns

What We Found

• No servicing documentation

• Heating system off and unverified

• No gas safety certificates

Why This Matters

Older boilers in coastal climates often work harder and fail sooner. This makes it an expensive unknown.

External Issues That Reveal Coastal Weathering

6. Wall Defects: Condition Rating 3 (Serious / Urgent Repairs Required)

Key Problems

• Cement mortar restricting breathability

• Trapped moisture risking brick spalling

• Blocked/below-ground air bricks

• Bubbling and discoloured paint

Why This Happens Near the Coast

Salt and moisture penetrate brickwork more readily, and incorrect repairs prevent the walls from drying out properly.

7. Roof Defects: Condition Rating 2 (Repairs needed)

Drone Findings

• Ageing and cracked slates

• Evidence of previous slate failures

• Bay roof nearing end of lifespan

• Flat outhouse roof deteriorating

• No sarking membrane in the loft

Buyer Implication

No leaks yet, but clear signs of necessary future investment.

No sarking felt is installed to the underside of the roof. The sarking felt is the second line of defence to stop water leaks!

8. Rainwater Goods: Condition Rating 2 (Repairs needed)

Key Issues

• Blocked gulleys

• Section of guttering needing replacement

Why It Matters Coastally

Poor drainage accelerates damp intrusion - especially in areas hit by heavy sea-driven rainfall.

9. Flooring Concerns: Condition Rating 3 (Serious / Urgent Repairs Required)

What the Readings Showed

• Moisture around skirting/floor junctions

• Limited ventilation beneath suspended floors

• Uneven flooring beyond typical settlement

The Underlying Risk

Potential timber decay requiring further investigation.

The Financial Impact: When an Inspection Saves Thousands

The Outcome for the Buyer

Because the defects were fully documented:

• A meaningful price reduction was agreed

• The seller acknowledged the cost of repairs

• The savings outweighed the cost of the inspection

This is exactly how detailed reporting protects buyers from coastal repair surprises.

Client Testimonial: Google Review from Roy Lewis

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

"Wow Rickie is the best. We had a 91 page report with photos around the property and photos of the outside including the roof and chimney stack with the use of a drone.

Rickie is comprehensively informed; his knowledge of surveying is so good. He kept us informed at every stage. He even met us at the property a second time with no extra charge to show us and explain the issues with the house. A true gentleman. Would definitely use him again and recommend.

Thanks Rickie for your invaluable advice, you saved us a lot of money."

Thinking of Buying a Coastal Property?

Coastal homes are often:

• Older

• Solid-walled

• Weather-exposed

• Damp-prone

• Ventilation-sensitive

A detailed pre-purchase inspection can help you:

• Uncover hidden risks

• Understand true repair costs

• Avoid unexpected bills

• Strengthen your negotiation position

• Protect your investment

Arrange Your Inspection

If you’re buying in Scarborough, Filey, Bridlington or across the Yorkshire coast, a detailed inspection offers clarity, confidence and financial protection.

Book a Home Buyers Survey