FAQs About Surveying in Canterbury
Our team has reviewed surveying in Canterbury to bring you the most useful and up to date information on the process. Organising a property survey is an essential part of the home buying process and in Canterbury, the most popular survey type is the Homebuyer Report.
Some cases of Japanese Knotweed have been identified in the area and subsidence may be a concern for homeowners here. A survey will be able to tell you if these are issues for the home you are looking to buy.
What are the Most Popular Surveys in Canterbury?
Our unique data revealed that the Homebuyers Survey was the most popular survey type among our users in Canterbury. These were conducted primarily for terraced and semi-detached houses. Despite the fact that the building survey would be better suited to many of the older homes in the Canterbury area, there were significantly less of these surveys organised by our users.
Just 6% of users opted for a building survey for a detached home and 8% for terraced houses, compared with 18% and 24% of homebuyers surveys respectively. Most building surveys organised in the area were for semi-detached properties, with 11% of users arranging for this type of survey on a semi-detached home. By comparison, 23% of users organised homebuyers surveys for this type of property.
When arranging a survey for your property purchase, the right survey type for the property you are buying will depend on a number of factors. Newer homes and properties in good condition would suit a Homebuyer Survey, whilst older or unconventional homes would benefit from a full Building Survey.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Canterbury Have?
Canterbury is a cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosting a vast range of architecture and areas of historical interest. Residential property ranges from Victorian red-brick terraced houses to period cottages and large family homes.
According to the UK House Price Index, there are no records of new build house sales in Canterbury during January and February 2021, whereas 220 existing house sales took place in February alone. This could be due to the availability of existing properties in the Canterbury area, but it also could be an indication of what homebuyers in the area are looking for.
British Listed Buildings reports that Canterbury has a staggering 1,068 listed buildings, including schools rooms, churches, war memorials and residential homes. These buildings are protected and maintained due to their architectural or historical significance. Keep in mind that if you purchase a listed building, there may be regulations and restrictions on what can be done to the property.
In addition to its listed buildings, Canterbury has 97 conservation areas. These are protected areas of natural beauty or special architectural or historical interest. Similarly, if you live within a conservation area, there may be rules on what work can be undertaken on the property and grounds.
| Listed Buildings | 1,068 |
| Conservation Areas | 97 |
| New Build Sales* | 0 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 220 |
*Based on data for February 2021
Is Subsidence an Issue in Canterbury?
Subsidence is a word no property owner wants to hear when it comes to their home and investment. Causing the gradual downward settling or sinking of the ground’s surface and ultimately, the property itself, can decrease the value of the home and even cause it to be condemned. This can be a result of natural causes and weather changes or human activities, such as mining.
A map created by Geobear, which identifies the subsidence hotspots throughout the UK, shows that the centre of Canterbury suffers from a relative amount of subsidence, but outside the city centre and in the surrounding areas, levels are far lower.
Nevertheless, a survey is recommended to be certain subsidence does not impact the home you are looking to buy. Compare My Move can connect you with an experienced surveyor in the Canterbury area who can advise you on whether the home suffers from subsidence or ground stability concerns.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Canterbury?
Japanese Knotweed is a destructive plant that spreads rapidly and is notoriously difficult and often expensive to remove. It was initially introduced to British botanical gardens as an ornamental plant but is not considered a troublesome pest.
Japanese Knotweed can force its way through concrete and property foundations. Not only can Knotweed cause properties to decrease in value, in some cases lenders have refused mortgages for properties with a severe infestation.
A heatmap by invasive plant specialists, Enviornet, showing the infestations of Japanese Knotweed across the UK, revealed that there are 29 reported occurrences of Japanese Knotweed within 4km on the centre of Canterbury. Although this is significantly lower than many parts of the UK, it is still essential that you are aware if it is present on the grounds of the property you are looking to buy,
Your chosen surveyor will be able to identify if Japanese Knotweed is growing on the land where the property resides or on neighbouring land. They will also be able to provide advice on what to do if it is found.
