Compare Homebuyer Surveys in Cardiff

Save up to 70% off your surveying costs
Regulated Property Surveyors
Used by over 1 million movers in the UK
Used by over 1 million movers in the UK
Helping people save for over 10 years
Save up to 70% on the cost of moving

Moving House in Cardiff? Save Up To 70% On Your RICS Level 2 Survey

Looking for a residential property surveyor in the Welsh capital of Cardiff? In the last year, we have helped over 200 home buyers find a residential property surveyor over the last year.

Cardiff boasts a range of property types including grand Victorian terrace houses and luxury new apartments. From young professionals and students to growing families, there’s a range of accommodation to suit everyone. Be aware that if you’re viewing Cardiff’s older homes, you will likely need a RICS Level 3 Survey to assess their structure. Modern homes will be more suitable to a RICS Level 2 Survey.

Compare My Move can connect you with the best in the business to help you with your house purchase. We can match you with up to 6 RICS registered surveyors, all having been through our strict verification process. This ensures you’re all matched with the most professional and qualified surveyors in Cardiff.

Our Cardiff Chartered Surveyors

    As seen in: BT

    FAQs About Surveying in Cardiff

    Our dedicated Compare My Move team work tirelessly to answer all your vital questions about surveying in Cardiff. Our own data has shown that the most popular survey type in the city is the RICS Level 2 Survey, with 73% of our users requesting this survey for their house purchase. 

    Our team’s research also revealed that whilst there’s a low to moderate risk of subsidence amongst Cardiff properties, there is a very high chance of Japanese Knotweed being found. When buying a property in the area, our RICS registered surveying partners can help you uncover any defects or damage before you commit to the transaction. 

    Data from Compare My Move shows that the majority of Cardiff buyers require a RICS Level 2 Survey, with around 73% of users organising one for their property purchase. The remaining percentage of users requested a RICS Level 3 Survey for their transaction, with 25.58% needing them for their traditional terraced homes. This isn’t surprising as many terraced houses in Cardiff are over 80-years old and require a thorough assessment.

    Terraced houses were also the property types that required the highest number of RICS Level 2 Surveys, with a majority of 27.19%. Many of the terraced homes in Cardiff are fairly old and often need more extensive work compared to other property types - this explains why so many Compare My Move users search for property surveyors in this city.

    There’s a higher demand for existing properties rather than new-builds, which is reflected in the low percentage of users requiring property surveys for their flats. Only 4.97% of flat owners requested RICS Level 2 Surveys, whilst an incredibly low 0.58% required a RICS Level 3 Survey. If you’re one of the few people purchasing a new-build home in Wales’ Capital, don’t forget to arrange a RICS Level 2 Survey or snagging list to highlight any issues.

    If you’re looking to save up to 70% on your surveying costs, don’t forget to compare quotes using Compare My Move today. The results presented in a survey report can help you negotiate on the asking price of a property or convince you not to invest in the home at all.

    Popular Survey Types in Cardiff
    Popular Survey Types in Cardiff

    What Types of Historical Architecture Does Cardiff Have?

    From contemporary new developments to Victorian terraced homes, Cardiff offers a variety of property types to explore. As the city’s coal port prospered in the 19th century, many of the houses on the market today are from the Victorian era, including large detached homes that are perfect for growing families. As these types of properties are relatively old, the need for a property survey is much greater.

    If the home you’re viewing is within close proximity to the bay, the River Taff or the Ely River, then it’s advised you hire a surveyor to assess any possible water damage as these areas are often subject to flood alerts.

    It’s important to note that Cardiff has 27 conservation areas that have all been designated for their special architectural or historic interest. Any properties within these areas will be preserved due to their history and so the owners will have to request special permission should they wish to alter the buildings or land. There are also around 1,000 listed buildings in Cardiff which would, again, require permission to be altered. If you’re interested in purchasing any listed buildings, a common property survey will not be enough - you will need to find a specialist to conduct a Listed Buildings Survey instead.

    Older properties are the most popular amongst many Cardiff buyers.

    Architecture Overview From Listed Buildings to Sales of New Buildings
    Listed Buildings1,000
    Conservation Areas27
    New Build Sales*21
    Existing Property Sales*324

    *Based on data for 2023

    Is Subsidence an Issue in Cardiff?

    One issue a property survey may highlight is subsidence. Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath your property sinks or collapses, causing the foundations to misalign. Although there are some obvious signs such as large cracks around windows and door frames, the effects of subsidence are not always visible which is why a property survey is so vital.

    According to the UK Subsidence Map, Cardiff properties have a low to moderate risk of experiencing issues from subsidence. As Cardiff is a very active city, there are a large number of properties being built in small, condensed areas which will add further pressure and weight, drying the ground out and making it more susceptible to subsidence. This may not be an issue for many homeowners in the city, but it is still a vital factor of any survey report.

    On the UK Clay Hazards Map, Cardiff is situated on a piece of land that is marked on the border of a Hazard Level D and Level A to C area. Hazard Level A to C means there is no threat of subsidence being caused by the type of clay soil found in the ground. However, the section of Cardiff that is labelled as a Hazard Level D is more susceptible. If a property is built on a clay-rich soil, the ground beneath can begin to swell or shrink, especially when there’s a change in temperature or there’s heavy rainfall.

    Don’t forget to inspect the house you’re viewing before committing to the purchase. If there are large, 10cm cracks around the windows or door frames, it may have been affected by subsidence which will greatly decrease its value. Compare surveying quotes today to ensure you’re connected with the most professional surveyors in Cardiff.

    UK subsidence map taken from Geobear's website
    UK subsidence map taken from Geobear's website

    Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Cardiff?

    Japanese Knotweed, also known as Fallopia Japonica, is an invasive and destructive plant that can rapidly grow in gardens and on homes. It can be extremely difficult to remove and it’s advised you seek professional help should you find the plant on your land. Japanese Knotweed can also devalue a property by up to 10%.

    As you can see on Environet’s Japanese Knotweed Heatmap, Cardiff is a major hotspot for infestations. There are areas closer to the bay that have fewer occurrences, but the more inland the street, the more likely you are to encounter Japanese Knotweed. Whilst this may sound alarming initially, there are a number of local specialists who can remove the plant and control the spread. You should never attempt to remove the plant yourself as you can cause much more damage to your property and land.

    If you’re searching for a new home in Cardiff, organising a property survey will be a vital step in the process. This is especially true if you’re worried that the property may have Japanese Knotweed on the premises. Both a RICS Level 2 and 3 Survey will highlight if there are signs of the intrusive plant. You can then discuss your options with the surveyor and plan your next steps.

    UK Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website
    UK Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website

    Nearby Cardiff