Compare Homebuyer Surveys in Barnet

Save up to 70% off your surveying costs
Regulated Property Surveyors
Used by over 1 million movers in the UK
Used by over 1 million movers in the UK
Save up to 70% on the cost of moving

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

Looking to arrange a property survey in Barnet? We’ve helped over 400 homebuyers find a residential surveyor in this part of Greater London over the last year.

As part of North London, the average property price in Barnet is unsurprisingly higher than in many parts of the country, currently at £737,945.

Barnet has a variety of property types to view, especially homes from the 1920s and 30s. When purchasing a new house, it’s important to arrange a survey to assess the building and its overall condition. The report will highlight any issues or defects and advise you on the next steps to take when repairing the building.

We can match you with up to 6 of our RICS registered surveying partners, all of which have been verified by our dedicated business team and continuously monitored to ensure you receive the highest quality services.

Our Barnet Chartered Surveyors

    As seen in: BT

    FAQs About Surveying in Barnet

    Compare My Move have done the research to answer any questions you may have about the surveying process in Barnet. Our data revealed the most popular survey type in Barnet is a RICS Level 2 Survey, especially for flats. However, RICS Level 3 Survey proved to be more popular with those buying semi-detached homes.

    We found that there were subsidence concerns in the area and Japanese Knotweed could also pose a risk. A surveyor can inform you if the property you are looking to buy is not at risk from issues such as Japanese Knotweed and subsidence. 

    Our research revealed the most popular survey type in Barnet is a RICS Level 2 Survey, with 27.41% of our users opting for this survey for a flat. By comparison, just 11.11% arranged a RICS Level 3 Survey, also known as a building survey.

    However, RICS Level 3 Survey did prove to be more popular among our users who purchased semi-detached homes, with 18.52% arranging this type of survey compared with 14.81% who opted for a RICS Level 2 Survey.

    For those buying detached homes, the number of RICS Level 2 and 3 Surveys were very similar, with 4.63% arranging a RICS Level 2 Survey and 4.07% choosing a RICS Level 3 Survey. For terraced homes, 11.67% opted for a RICS Level 2 Survey, while 9.07% organised a RICS Level 3 Survey for the property.

    The type of survey best for the property you are looking to buy will depend on its age, overall condition and whether work has been carried out on the home. For older properties, those in poor condition or have had work completed on them, a RICS Level 3 Survey is recommended. For newer homes and those in good condition, a RICS Level 2 Survey will be suitable.

    Popular Survey Types in Barnet
    Popular Survey Types in Barnet

    What Types of Historical Architecture Does Barnet Have?

    With a mix of Victorian, Edwardian and post-war homes, there’s plenty to choose from in Barnet. You can find a variety of property types including cottages, terrace houses, semi-detached homes and bungalows. Beautiful Edwardian family houses can be found around St John the Baptist Church, whilst Edwardian and later period buildings are scattered across the Hadley Wood area.

    If you prefer something more modern, there are also a number of new developments and shared ownership properties to view. For first-time buyers looking to use the Help to Buy scheme to get onto the property ladder, you can use the scheme to buy homes in the Brook Valley Gardens development.

    Existing properties are very popular amongst Barnet movers. During that same month, only 2 new-build homes were sold. If you prefer the older homes on offer in the Borough of Barnet, then it’s recommended you organise a RICS Level 3 Survey to thoroughly assess the building and its structure. If you’d prefer to purchase a new build, then instead, you will require a snagging list to uncover any obvious issues.

    There are around 659 listed buildings in the borough, all of which will require a special listed buildings survey before purchasing. If you decide to purchase a listed building then it’s important to note that you will likely be restricted on what work you can do to the property. This is also true for every home located in conservation areas, of which there are 17 currently listed on the local council website.

    Architecture Overview From Listed Buildings to Sales of New Buildings
    Listed Buildings659
    Conservation Areas17
    New Build Sales*2
    Existing Property Sales*292

    *Based on data for 2023

    Is Subsidence an Issue in Barnet?

    Subsidence is what happens when the ground beneath a property “sinks”, causing cracks, stability concerns and in severe cases, resulting in the home being deemed unsafe to live in. Subsidence can be caused by a number of factors, including the geology of the land or by the weather. It can also be caused, however, by man-made issues, as a result of past land use and industry.

    Bigger cities are more likely to suffer from subsidence due to a large number of high-rise buildings in a small area, adding increasing pressure on the ground. London is further at risk as much of the city is built on “London clay”, which is susceptible to changes. A report from Barnet Council stated that the underlying geology of Barnet consists of London clay.

    Supporting this, a map of the UK subsidence “hotspots” has revealed that London has particularly high amounts of subsidence. That said, the amount of subsidence found in Barnet was lower than in areas of central and south London.

    Nevertheless, knowing the underlying theology of the borough and the evidence from the subsidence map, it is highly recommended that you enlist the services of a surveyor when purchasing a property in the area.

    Subsidence can not only decrease the value of a home, but it can also make the property dangerous. At Compare My Move, we can help you find an experienced building surveyor who can conduct a survey on the home and determine if subsidence is a concern.

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

    Is Japanese Knotweed a Concern in Barnet?

    Japanese Knotweed is a destructive plant that can cause a host of problems for homeowners in the UK. The plant was initially introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant but it has since become an issue for properties and structures across the country.

    Growing up to 10cm per day, Japanese Knotweed can force its way through concrete, drains and property foundations, potentially causing major damage and decreasing the value of a home. In some instances, lenders have been known not to approve a mortgage for properties with a severe infestation.

    The UK Japanese Knotweed Heatmap revealed that there were 86 reported occurrences of Japanese Knotweed within 4km in High Barnet. Although this is lower than areas of central London, it is still a significant amount to be found in a small area. It is therefore recommended that you have a survey undertaken on the property you are looking to buy in Barnet to ensure it is not an issue for your new home.

    Be aware that if Japanese Knotweed is found on the premises and you continue with the purchase, you must not attempt to remove it on your own. Your surveyor will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

    Barnet Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website
    Barnet Japanese Knotweed heatmap taken from Environet website