Compare Homebuyer Surveys in Dartford

Save up to 70% off your surveying costs
Regulated Property Surveyors
Used by over 750,000 movers in the UK
Used by over 750,000 movers in the UK
Helping people save for over 10 years
Save up to 70% on the cost of moving

Moving House In Dartford? Save Up To 70% On Your RICS Level 2 Survey

Moving house in Dartford? Then you’ll require the services of a reliable property surveyor. We’ve helped over 900 homebuyers find a residential property surveyor in the area over the last year.

As the town centre has been greatly redeveloped in recent times, property surveys are incredibly important for Dartford movers as the modernisation of homes can sometimes impact a building’s strength and structure. However, the area hosts a plethora of property types from traditional Victorian terraces and cottages to private 1920s homes, catering to all tastes and preferences.

We can connect you with up to 6 RICS registered property surveyors, helping you find the best Dartford surveyors in the business. Our hard-working business team carries out regular checks to ensure our partners all comply with our policy, providing you with high-quality services every time.

Our Dartford Chartered Surveyors

    As seen in: BT

    FAQs About Surveying in Dartford

    Our Compare My Move team have answered all the pressing questions concerning surveying in Dartford. Our data shows that the most popular survey type in Dartford is the RICS Level 2 Survey, with the majority of users requiring it for terraced homes. 

    Our research also discovered that properties within Dartford, especially those closer to London, are most at risk of subsidence. However, there are no major infestations of Japanese Knotweed within the area. 

    According to our data, the majority of Compare My Move users in Dartford require a RICS Level 2 Survey with over 71% choosing this survey type. As many of the houses in Dartford have been redeveloped in recent years, it’s vital you organise a property survey before completing the purchase to ensure there are no major problems that could cost you money in the future.

    The remaining percentage of users chose the RICS Level 3 Survey which is the more thorough property survey designed for older buildings or those that have been greatly altered or redeveloped. Despite the RICS Level 3 Survey being the least popular survey type for Dartford movers, it was the most popular type for those purchasing detached homes.

    Our data also revealed that movers viewing flats were most likely to request a RICS Level 2 Survey, as were movers viewing terraced and semi-detached houses. The RICS Level 2 Survey is often the most common survey type for prospective buyers, especially for those purchasing flats as the RICS Level 3 Survey is not designed for that type of accommodation.

    Don’t forget to compare surveying quotes with Compare My Move to help you save both time and money during the moving process. If you’re buying a flat or more modern home in Dartford, you’ll likely require a RICS Level 2 Survey. However, if you’re interested in the redeveloped properties available, it may be wise to organise a RICS Level 3 Survey to see if the vast amount of work has affected the building’s structure.

    Popular Survey Types in Dartford
    Popular Survey Types in Dartford

    What Types of Historical Architecture Does Dartford Have?

    Dartford contains a variety of architecture from different time periods, ranging from Edwardian housing estates to homes inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement. There is also a range of Victorian terrace houses and cottages, but the town mainly consists of spacious semi-detached homes. The older the home, the more likely a RICS Level 3 Survey will be needed. However, if you’re searching for newer properties, a RICS Level 2 Survey will suffice or even a snagging list if it’s a new-build.

    It’s important to note that Dartford currently has 6 conservation areas, according to the Dartford Borough Council. This could potentially affect you as owners of the properties within these areas would require permission to carry out minor changes or to remove certain tree roots. If you buying in a conservation area, it would be wise to first review the council’s permission procedure before completing the transaction.

    Dartford also contains over 200 listed buildings, 10 of which are Grade II* and 7 are Grade I. These buildings are marked as having historical or architectural interest. Although unlikely, if you’re interested in purchasing a listed building you should first be aware that it’s not enough to have a property survey organised. You would require a specialist surveyor to instead conduct a Listed Building Survey.

    If you’re searching for properties located near the River Darent in streets such as Mill Road and Shirehall Road, then you should be aware that they are often subject to flood alerts. These homes will benefit more from a RICS Level 3 Survey as it will thoroughly assess the building and uncover any flooding or damp-related issues.

    Architecture Overview From Listed Buildings to Sales of New Buildings
    Listed Buildings200
    Conservation Areas6
    New Build Sales*8
    Existing Property Sales*108

    *Based on data for 2023

    Is Subsidence an Issue in Dartford?

    Subsidence is often a dreaded word for homeowners - when the ground beneath a building shrinks or compresses, the foundations can become unstable and the risk of subsidence increases, causing the property to physically sink. This can cause serious damage and even affect the value of the property. As it’s so close to London, Dartford homes are at moderate to high risk of ground instability and, as a result, subsidence.

    Geobear states that big cities such as London are at most risk of subsidence, due to the increased weight and pressure that is put onto the ground by increased numbers of buildings in condensed areas. As the water within the soil is quickly used up, the ground then dries up and compacts. As you can see in their UK Subsidence Map, Dartford is situated within a subsidence hotspot, increasing the need for a property surveyor.

    If you’ve already noticed signs of subsidence during the viewings, such as cracks around the windows and door frames, then you will likely need a RICS Level 3 Survey as it will ensure a more thorough inspection. A RICS Level 3 Survey will assess the building’s structure and foundations, highlighting any damage that may already be caused by subsidence.

    Dartford also contains a lot of clay soil, again increasing the risk of subsidence. On the UK Clay Hazards Map, Dartford balances on the edge between Hazard Level D and Hazard Level E areas. These levels come with the highest risk of subsidence as the soil is more likely to shrink or swell under extreme pressure or during a change in temperature. This is vital information as any future work on the property will come with the risk of weakening the soil and causing the building to sink.

    A property survey can uncover these potential risks and indicate if the property currently has signs of subsidence. It can also highlight any potentially dangerous tree roots that could cause you future problems and damage. If you’re purchasing an older home, a RICS Level 3 Survey would be best suited. If the property is younger than 80 years, a RICS Level 2 Survey should suffice.

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

    Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Dartford?

    One of the most dangerous plants that can easily damage your property is Japanese Knotweed, also known as ‘Fallopia Japonica’. It’s capable of growing as fast as 10-20cm a day and can force its way through drains, walls and even concrete.

    Environet’s Japanese Knotweed Heatmap doesn’t show Dartford as an area that’s infested by the dangerous plant. There are a number of small occurrences in the centre of the town, but generally, Japanese Knotweed does not seem to be a major issue for Dartford homeowners.

    However, if you’re searching for properties in the centre of Dartford, it’s highly recommended that you find a verified property surveyor to assess the home and highlight any signs of Japanese Knotweed. As it can be so disruptive, it’s important to find the plant as early as possible, even if the risk of infestation is minimal. If Japanese Knotweed is found, your surveyor can then help you plan the next steps before any serious damage occurs.

    It’s important to note that you should not try removing the invasive plant yourself as this can cause more issues and further damage to your property. If an infestation is found, you will need to contact a professional Japanese Knotweed remover and organise the removal yourself. If you’re unsure of the next steps or who to turn to, you can contact your local authority for more information.

    Dartford Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website
    Dartford Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website