FAQs About Surveying in Derby
Our dedicated team at Compare My Move work hard to answer all your surveying-related questions for your move to Derby. Our unique data discovered that the most popular survey type in this city was the Homebuyers Survey, undertaken mostly on detached homes.
Whilst Derby properties aren’t at great risk of subsidence, they are at risk of Japanese Knotweed infestations. The correct survey type can help you uncover any defects or damage, helping you through the negotiations stage of the buying process.
What are the Most Popular Surveys in Derby?
According to Compare My Move’s data, the most popular survey type amongst our Derby users is the homebuyers survey with over 57% opting for this property survey. Out of those who chose this option, 20.37% required it for a detached home, making it the most popular property type for users organising a homebuyers survey.
Over 42% of our users opted for the more thorough type of property survey, the building survey. Semi-detached buyers were the users most likely to organise this survey type, with 25.93% choosing this option in Derby. Incredibly, 0% of our users who were buying flats tried organising a building survey. This isn’t too surprising, however, as the inspection that comes with a building survey is designed mostly for larger and more complicated properties.
It should be noted that if you’re considering purchasing a new-build home in Derby, you will likely require a snagging list and not a property survey. This includes any new developments such as newly built apartment complexes and flats.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Derby Have?
The City of Derby dates back to Roman times but saw rapid growth throughout the Industrial Revolution. There’s a variety of housing types to choose from, ranging from Victorian terraced homes to new-build detached houses. Darraway Gardens, Chellaston and Kedleston Road contain many new developments whilst Trinity Walk and Friar Gate boasts a number of flats and apartments.
In January 2020, the City of Derby sold 218 ‘existing properties’ and only 13 new-builds, according to the UK House Price Index. If you’re considering an older property for your new home, then a building survey will contain the detailed report you’d need to ensure the home is thoroughly investigated. More modern buildings will benefit from a homebuyers survey.
It’s important to note that Derby contains 16 conservation areas. As Derby is a city with considerable historic and architectural interest, it has a number of streets and buildings that span many centuries and so must be preserved. There are legal requirements and constraints that must be adhered to in conservation areas, meaning properties can not be demolished or worked on without the permission of Derby City Council.
There are approximately 390 listed buildings in Derby. Again, this means that the buildings in question have a major historic or architectural interest and so must be preserved by the local council. Anyone looking to purchase a listed building will require a Listed Building Survey and not your typical property survey.
| Listed Buildings | 390 |
| Conservation Areas | 16 |
| New Build Sales* | 13 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 218 |
*Based on data for January 2020
Is Subsidence an Issue in Derby?
When purchasing a new home, it’s important to be sure that the property doesn’t suffer from ground instability and, as a result, subsidence.
Subsidence can be a major problem for homeowners - it occurs when the ground beneath a building compresses or sinks, creating an unbalanced foundation. There are many factors that could cause this to happen, including too much weight or pressure on the ground as well as the clay soil beneath a building drying out and shrinking or shifting.
As you can see on the UK Subsidence Map, Derby has a low to moderate risk of subsidence. This means that many properties you view will not be at risk of the problem. However, it is still worth investigating as if found, subsidence can greatly affect a property’s value and can make it difficult to sell in the future.
There are pockets of subsidence hotspots in and around the main city of Derby, and so if you find a property within one of these areas, it’s vital you consult with a professional property surveyor. A homebuyers survey will highlight any obvious signs of the problem whilst a building survey will result in a thorough investigation of the property’s structure and foundations.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Derby?
Japanese Knotweed, or Fallopia Japonica, is a highly destructive and fast-growing plant that can force its way through concrete, drains and a property’s foundation, causing major damage for homeowners. It was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant and was later sold commercially. Since then, it has proved to be very problematic and can easily reduce a building’s value.
As some lenders won’t accept a mortgage application on a property with a Japanese Knotweed infestation, it’s vital you uncover its presence before committing to the sale. Environet’s Japanese Knotweed Heatmap portrays Derby as a highly infested area, proving how important it is to hire a professional and reliable property surveyor.
As the plant can cause severe damage, Derby buyers are advised to organise a property survey before finalising any sale. If the presence of Japanese Knotweed is found on the home, you can then discuss your options with the surveyor and find a professional to remove the nuisance plant.
