FAQs About Surveying in Guildford
Compare My Move have answered all the pressing questions you have concerning surveying in Guildford. Our data revealed that the most popular survey type in this area is the homebuyers survey, with the majority of users requesting it for semi-detached homes.
Our dedicated team also discovered that many Guildford properties are at moderate risk of subsidence, especially those closer to London. There are also a number of Japanese Knotweed occurrences that buyers will need to look out for.
What Are the Most Popular Surveys in Guildford?
According to our data, the majority of our Guildford users require a homebuyers survey, with over 66% choosing this survey type. Hiring a reliable surveyor can help save you thousands when purchasing a new home. By highlighting any structural or major issues within the property, your surveyor can help you make an informed decision and perhaps even negotiate the asking price.
Over 22% of our users require the more comprehensive building survey when buying a new property. This type of property survey is much more detailed and is designed for older buildings or those with a complicated or severely altered structure. This survey was most requested by our Guildford users who were purchasing semi-detached homes.
Our data also revealed that movers purchasing semi-detached homes were also most commonly requiring a homebuyers survey, with detached homeowners coming in at a close second. Movers viewing flats were the least likely to require a property survey, whilst those buying terraced homes were much more likely to request a homebuyers survey.
To save you more during the moving process, don’t forget to compare surveying quotes with Compare My Move’s simple service. If you’re purchasing a detached or semi-detached home in Guildford, you’ll likely benefit from the highly-requested homebuyers survey. However, if the property you’re interested in is much older, then a building survey will be best suited.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Guildford Have?
Guildford is a town with Saxon roots and a range of architecture from different periods of time. From post-war council estates to highly sought after Victorian terraced homes, there are a variety of properties to choose from. The Guildford Borough Council currently has a Housing and Rural Economic Strategy that includes the development of many affordable rural homes on agricultural land. These and the newly developed new-build flats will be better suited to a homebuyers survey or snagging list, whilst the older properties may benefit from a building survey.
Guildford Borough currently has 39 conservation areas according to the local council’s website. To be classed as a ‘conservation area’, the land in question will usually contain buildings of high architectural quality, an interesting and attractive layout or an important social history. This could potentially affect you as a homeowner as the buildings within these areas can not be altered or worked on without permission. You can search through the council’s Map of Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas for confirmation.
Guildford also has over 1,000 listed buildings included in the Statutory List and over 200 that are locally listed buildings. These properties are believed to have historical or architectural interest, meaning certain rules must be followed in order to preserve them. If you’re considering buying a listed building, you will require a specialist type of property survey called a Listed Building Survey.
In January 2020, the sale of existing properties in Guildford was fairly high with 132 properties sold. The number of new-builds, however, was drastically low with only 4 sold. If you’re searching for your new home within the vicinity of the River Wey or the River Tillingbourne, then it’s important to note that these properties are often subject to flood warnings.
| Listed Buildings | 1,000+ |
| Conservation Areas | 39 |
| New Build Sales* | 4 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 132 |
*Based on data for January 2020
Is Subsidence an Issue in Guildford?
Subsidence is a very serious problem for many homeowners across the UK. When the ground beneath a property compresses or shrinks, subsidence occurs causing the foundations to become unstable and the building to slowly sink. This can be expensive to remedy and the damage can greatly affect a property’s value. Due to its proximity to London, Guildford has a moderate risk of subsidence.
Large cities such as London are typically most at risk of subsidence as the increased weight and pressure can severely affect the overall ground stability. With increased numbers of buildings being built in condensed areas, the water within the soil can quickly dry up causing the ground to compact. As Guildford is approximately 27-miles from London, there are a number of subsidence hotspots to be aware of.
If there are signs of subsidence in the property, such as large cracks around the windows and doors, then it’s vital you hire a reliable property surveyor. This will assess the property’s structure and foundations, highlighting any permanent or potential damage.
Guildford is also labelled as a Hazard Level D on the UK Clay Hazards Map, meaning there are some properties that may be prone to subsidence due to the clay soil beneath the structure. Clay soil is more likely to shrink or expand under temperature change or added pressure resulting in an increased risk of subsidence.
A property survey can highlight any potential risks or signs of subsidence and can indicate if there are issues that may affect the building’s value. If the property you’re interested in is older than 80 years, it would be wise to have a building survey conducted. For more modern homes, a homebuyers survey should suffice.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Guildford?
Japanese Knotweed is one of the most dangerous plants to grow around properties as it can easily force its way through concrete, drains and walls. It is also known as ‘Fallopia Japonica’ and is capable of growing as quickly as 10-20cm a day.
The Japanese Knotweed Heatmap created by Environet shows that the centre of Guildford is a minor hotspot for this dangerous plant. There are over 37 occurrences approximately 4km within the town centre and even more within the surrounding areas. Overall, Japanese Knotweed isn’t a particularly major problem in Guildford, but it’s still important you inspect the properties you’re interested in to be sure.
If you think the property you’re viewing has evidence of Japanese Knotweed, it’s highly recommended that you hire a verified property surveyor to investigate the home and confirm whether there’s any current or possible danger. If evidence of the plant is indeed found, your surveyor can advise you on the appropriate next steps.
Do not try removing Japanese Knotweed yourself as it will only add further damage to the property and its foundations. If there is an infestation, you will need to contact an expert Japanese Knotweed remover and come to an agreement on when the removal can begin.
