FAQs About Surveying in Leeds
To help you with your surveying research, the Compare My Move team have explored the architecture, risk of subsidence and risk of Japanese Knotweed in the city of Leeds. We’ve also discovered the most popular property survey type for movers in the area to help you make a more informed decision. The most demanded survey type in Leeds is the Homebuyers Survey.
Whilst Japanese Knotweed isn’t a significant concern for this city, there is a moderate risk of subsidence, proving the importance of having a property survey. The Homebuyer Survey may be the most popular, but if the home your viewing is older or unusually constructed, then a Building Survey will be most beneficial.
What Are the Most Popular Surveys in Leeds?
Compare My Move’s data discovered that homebuyers in Leeds were more likely to require a homebuyers survey compared to the more detailed building survey.
Over 76% of our users opted for the homebuyers survey whilst the remaining percentage chose the building survey. Of those who requested the homebuyers survey, 31.86% were moving into semi-detached properties whilst 23.01% were moving to terraced homes. Buyers of semi-detached homes were also the ones most likely to request a building survey, with detached and terraced home buyers coming in joint second.
It’s unsurprising to see that those purchasing flats were the least likely to organise a property survey. Only 0.88% of users organised a building survey for their flats whilst 8.85% requested a homebuyers survey. Building surveys are not typically required for flats, especially more modern complexes, and so it’s no surprise it’s the least popular survey for this property type.
If you’re looking to purchase a property younger than 80 years of age, a homebuyers survey would be best suited or a snagging list if it is a new-build. Building surveys are typically designed for older, unusually constructed or highly renovated properties.
What Types of Historical Architecture Does Leeds Have?
Leeds is a popular city in Northern England whose history dates back as far as the 5th century AD. It experienced rapid growth throughout the Industrial Revolution, ensuring it became a major mill town for the UK. There are many properties to explore from various eras, including Georgian and Victorian, with over 18,000 homes built in the interwar period. The more recent developments contain luxurious apartments and many opportunities for shared ownership.
There are over 3,300 listed buildings in Leeds, all of which are identified on the National Heritage List for England. The district also contains 79 conservation areas which can be found on the Leeds City Council website. If you’re looking to purchase a listed building or property within a conservation area, you will require permission to carry out certain work.
Data from the Land Registry have shown that sales for ‘existing properties’ were incredibly higher than those of ‘new-build homes’. In January 2020, 852 existing properties were sold in Leeds, whilst only 65 new-builds were sold. If you’re interested in purchasing a new-build property, you will require a snagging list rather than a property survey.
If existing properties interest you more, it would be beneficial to hire a reliable surveyor to inspect the building before committing to the purchase. Results from the report can often help when negotiating the asking price, saving you money further down the line.
| Listed Buildings | 3,300 |
| Conservation Areas | 79 |
| New Build Sales* | 65 |
| Existing Property Sales* | 852 |
*Based on data for January 2020
Is Subsidence an Issue in Leeds?
Subsidence can be a major issue for homebuyers as it causes the foundations of the land beneath a property to become unstable. This then results in the building sinking, causing major cracks around the windows and door frames. As Leeds has a major industrial history, there will be areas of the city that are more prone to subsidence than others.
Geobear’s UK Map of Subsidence revealed pockets of subsidence hotspots in and around Leeds. Despite the city centre having the most concerning risk, the majority of areas will only be mildly affected. Most cities have the biggest risk due to a large number of properties in small, condensed areas - the more pressure that is put on the ground, the more it will begin to move and sink.
Arranging a property survey can greatly alleviate any fears or concerns you may have regarding subsidence. The surveyor will assess the building and highlight any signs of damage caused by the foundations sinking. This information can then help with negotiations or even convince you not to invest in the property at all, saving you hundreds, if not thousands of pounds in the future.
Don’t forget to compare surveying quotes with Compare My Move to get matched with the best in the business. We constantly monitor all our partners’ progress, ensuring they deliver high-quality services throughout their time within our network.
Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Leeds?
There does not seem to be a major infestation of Japanese Knotweed in Leeds. According to the UK Heatmap of Japanese Knotweed, the majority of occurrences are closer to Bramley, but even these are minor/moderate issues. There are over 46 occurrences surrounding the centre of the city.
Japanese Knotweed was introduced to the UK in the 1800s. It is a highly destructive and invasive plant that can force its way through drains, walls and concrete, severely damaging the property. It can spread incredibly quickly and is especially active during the summer months. If you find Japanese Knotweed near your property, do not attempt to remove it yourself - instead hire a specialist.
This formidable plant has become such an issue in the UK, that some lenders will refuse a mortgage if it is found on the premises. If not removed and allowed to grow, Japanese Knotweed can cause a considerable amount of damage to a building’s infrastructure. This is why it’s so important to hire a property surveyor should you suspect the plant is somewhere on the property.
Leeds may not have a high number of occurrences, but Japanese Knotweed is still present within the city. Don’t forget to compare surveying quotes with Compare My Move to ensure you’re connected with the best in the business. If signs of the plant are detected, your surveyor can then advise you on the correct steps to remove it.
