FAQs About Surveying in Exeter
Our team at Compare My Move have created this in-depth guide with insightful data and research to help with your move to Exeter. Our unique surveying data revealed that the most common type of property survey in Exeter is the homebuyers survey.
Our research also revealed that the city is a low-risk area for both subsidence and Japanese Knotweed. However, it’s still vital you find a verified surveyor to successfully assess the home and its structure.
What are the Most Popular Surveys in Exeter?
Using our unique data, our team discovered that the homebuyers survey is the most popular type of property survey amongst our users in Exeter. Winning by only a small percentage, around 58.7% of our users compared surveying quotes for this survey type. Of this percentage, 26.09% were buying detached properties whilst 23.91% were buying terraced homes.
Just under 40% of our users required a building survey for their new homes in Exeter. This is the most thorough type of property survey available and is best suited to unusually constructed properties or properties that are over 80-years old. When looking at our data, we discovered that 17.39% of users requesting this survey were buying detached homes and 15.22% were buying terraced houses. As they are not so common in the area, semi-detached homes had the lowest percentage for both survey types.
It’s very likely you will require a homebuyers survey when moving to Exeter, but it’s still important to do your research. If the property isn’t quite 80-years old just yet, this report will suffice. However, if the structure seems awkward or unusual or the home is fairly old, then a building survey will be a much better option.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Exeter Have?
Exeter has a rich and interesting architectural history, with the local Cathedral being one of the most iconic figures in the city. You can find examples of the Norman period still through buildings such as the Rougemont Castle, as well as many surviving medieval churches. When visiting, you’ll also notice an abundance of red sandstone buildings, many of which are from the 1400s.
Many of the older properties were sadly lost or damaged during the air-raid of May 1942 but there are still many examples of Exeter’s history still standing. When looking at residential properties, there are a number of beautiful houses from the Tudor and Stuart periods, as well as a variety of Georgian properties in the city centre. When looking at data from Land Registry, we discovered that many Exeter movers prefer the classic period homes, with 140 existing properties being sold in February 2021, whilst only 1 new-build property was sold during the same month.
Our team also discovered that there are currently over 1,800 listed buildings in Exeter, all of which would require a specialist Listed Building Survey when purchasing. There are also 20 conservation areas in the city, all of which are listed on the local council’s Conservation Areas Map. If you’re considering buying a listed building or a property that is located within a conservation area, know that these buildings are highly protected, meaning you will likely be limited on what work you can do to the home.
No matter what property you choose, it’s important to arrange a property survey with a regulated and experienced surveyor to ensure you’re fully informed before completing the sale. Both a homebuyers survey and a building survey will highlight any defects that may affect your decision to purchase the home.
| Listed Buildings | 1,800+ |
| Conservation Areas | 20 |
| New Build Sales* | 1 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 140 |
*Based on data for February 2021
Is Subsidence an Issue in Exeter?
When buying a home in Exeter, arranging a homebuyers or building survey will be essential as it will reveal any hidden damage or defects that may affect the property’s value. One of these issues could be subsidence. Subsidence is a dreaded term for many homeowners in the UK as it can greatly devalue a home and make it difficult to sell further down the line.
There are a number of reasons subsidence may occur, including weather, the presence of clay soil or even shallow foundations. According to Geobear’s UK Subsidence Map, Exeter appears to be a fairly low-risk area. There is one pocket of land that is labelled as showing signs of subsidence, but even this is marked as low risk.
However, it’s still vital that you do not underestimate the importance of arranging a property survey. Even with a low risk of subsidence, there may still be hidden problems that only a homebuyers report or building survey can uncover. If you do notice signs of subsidence, such as large cracks around windows and door frames, then it’s advised you organise a building survey to assess the property’s structure and foundations.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Exeter?
Japanese Knotweed is a highly destructive and intrusive plant that can force its way through drains and concrete if not treated. This is why it’s vital you organise a property survey when buying a house as your surveyor should be able to highlight if it’s present on the property. Japanese Knotweed is another factor that can devalue a home and can be expensive to treat.
According to Environet’s Japanese Knotweed UK Heatmap, Exeter has a low risk of Japanese Knotweed infestations. Within 4km of the city centre, there have been 19 recorded occurrences, showing that the formidable plant has made its way to the southwest of the country.
If your property survey highlights the presence of Japanese Knotweed, do not attempt to remove the plant yourself. It is a very difficult process that can cause more damage to the property if done incorrectly. You will instead require the help of a professional remover within Exeter - this can cost up to £3,000.
